Online decorating consultant

Offer room plans, mood boards and shopping lists to clients anywhere by video call and email.

Decorator holding colour swatches beside a furnished living room.
Startup cost$200 to $1.5k
Monthly revenue$400 to $3.5k
Time needed5+ h/week
First incomeWeeks
  • $200-1.5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online

Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.

Official data

16,797 US businesses with employees in this field, +2.8% in a year

NAICS 541410 “Interior design services”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.

What it is

A remote decorating service. Clients send photos and room measurements, you hold a video consultation, then deliver a design board, layout suggestions and a shopping list with links.

Your first three steps

  1. Create two or three sample room packages and price them, using a free or low-cost design tool
  2. Set up a simple website or social profile showing your packages and a sample plan
  3. Offer a few discounted launch packages to friends of friends in exchange for testimonials
Who pays

Homeowners and renters who want a plan at a lower price than in-person design, plus people furnishing a first home or rental.

How it makes money

Fixed package prices per room, such as a single room plan or a whole-home plan, with optional paid follow-up calls.

Skills that help
  • Digital design tools such as mood boards or room layouts
  • Clear writing and video call confidence
  • Knowing furniture and decor retailers
Watch out for
  • Check your state and city for any business license or registration requirements
  • Check your state's rules on the title 'interior designer' before using it in marketing
  • Clients may buy the wrong sizes from remote plans, so ask for careful measurements and photos
  • Check retailer affiliate program terms and disclose any affiliate links clearly

🔒 Full research report for US

Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.

Coming soon

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start an online decorating business?

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $200 to $1,500, depending on your design tools, website and marketing. Monthly revenue is typically around $400 to $3,500, depending on how many clients you take on and what you charge.

What rules should I check before starting an online decorating service?

Check your state and city for any business license or registration requirements. Check your state's rules on the title 'interior designer' before using it in marketing, and check retailer affiliate program terms, disclosing any affiliate links clearly.

What skills and time does an online decorating consultant need?

Helpful skills include digital design tools such as mood boards or room layouts, clear writing, video call confidence and knowing furniture and decor retailers. Estimates suggest at least around 5 hours a week, depending on your client load.

Other ways to run this business

Similar creative ideas

Photo: martynaszulist on Pixabay

More ideas →