Home-based residential interior designer

Homeowners renovating or furnishing, new-build buyers and landlords refreshing rental properties.

Fixed design fees per room or project, or an hourly rate for consultations. Some designers also earn trade discounts on supplied items, which should be disclosed to clients.

• Space planning and a good eye for colour and materials
• Design software or hand drawing
• Listening to clients and managing budgets

• Check whether your council requires approval for a home-based business
• Professional indemnity and public liability insurance are worth checking
• Only use the title 'architect' if registered. Check your state's rules on what design work needs a licensed professional
• Use a written agreement that clearly sets out scope, fees and revisions
• Structural, plumbing or electrical changes need licensed tradies, so check who is responsible for the work

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your design software, equipment and how you set up your home studio. Working from a spare room helps keep costs low.

Check your state's rules on what design work needs a licensed professional, and only use the title 'architect' if registered. Structural, plumbing or electrical changes need licensed tradies. Also check council rules for home businesses and your insurance.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many clients and projects you take on and what you charge. You can start at around 10 hours a week.