Home-Based interior designer

Homeowners doing up a room or whole house, new-build buyers, landlords and people preparing a home for sale.

Design fees, either a fixed price per room or project, or an hourly rate. Some designers add a project management fee or earn trade discounts on items they source.

• Eye for layout, colour and materials
• Using design or drawing software
• Clear communication and listening to clients
• Managing budgets and suppliers

• Professional indemnity and public liability insurance, check what cover suits your work
• Check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or council needs to agree to you working from home
• Interior design is not a protected title in the UK, but be clear about what you can and cannot do, and use qualified professionals for structural, electrical and gas work
• Keep a clear written scope and budget to avoid disputes over changes and costs
• Registering as a sole trader with HMRC, and keeping records of income and expenses

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £500 to £4,000, depending on the design software, equipment and marketing you choose. Working from a spare room keeps premises costs out of the picture.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £500 to £4,000, depending on how many clients you take on, the size of their projects and the fees you charge. Hours worked also make a difference.

Check these points: interior design is not a protected title in the UK, but be clear about what you can and cannot do, and use qualified professionals for structural, electrical and gas work. Also check insurance, landlord or lender consent, and HMRC sole trader registration.