Start a home interior decorator business

Homeowners moving house, renovating or redecorating, plus landlords and people selling a property who want it to look its best.

A fixed fee per room or project, or an hourly consultation rate. Some decorators also earn trade discounts on products they source, which should be explained openly to clients.

• Good eye for colour and layout
• Listening to what clients want
• Budgeting and sourcing products
• Clear mood boards and simple plans

• Public liability insurance, and professional indemnity insurance if you give design advice for a fee
• Use a written agreement that covers fees, changes and who pays suppliers
• Check whether your tenancy, mortgage or council allows you to run a business from home
• Any structural, electrical or gas work should be done by qualified tradespeople, not by you
• Register as a sole trader with HMRC and keep records of income and expenses

Startup costs are estimated at typically around £300 to £2,500, depending on the software, samples, equipment, insurance and marketing you choose. Your own setup and how much you already own will affect where you land in that range.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around £500 to £3,500, depending on how many projects you take on, the fees you charge and the hours you work. The idea assumes at least about 8 hours a week. Revenue is not the same as profit.

Check insurance, including public liability and professional indemnity if you charge for design advice. Use a written agreement covering fees, changes and supplier payments. Check your tenancy, mortgage or council rules for home businesses, and register as a sole trader with HMRC. Leave structural, electrical or gas work to qualified tradespeople.