10+ Best & Profitable Interior Design Business Ideas [2023]

Looking for creative and inspiring interior design business ideas? Look no further! Our comprehensive list of 10+ interior design business ideas will wake up your imagination and help you build a successful business. Find out more now!
Newfoundr

By Nick Cotter
Updated Feb 07, 2024

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Hey there, future interior design mogul! Welcome to 2023, a year brimming with potential, fresh ideas, and endless opportunities for you to make your mark in the world of interior design. If you're reading this, it's safe to say you're not just passionate about creating beautiful spaces, but you're also looking to turn this passion into a profitable business. And guess what? You're in the right place at the right time!

With the world constantly evolving, interior design has become more than just about aesthetics. It's about creating functional, comfortable, and inspiring spaces that enhance people's lives. And with more and more people realizing the importance of well-designed spaces, the demand for innovative interior design services is skyrocketing. So, whether you're a seasoned designer looking to diversify your business or a newbie ready to take the plunge, there's never been a better time to step into the interior design industry.

But where do you start, you ask? Well, that's exactly what we're here for. We've curated a list of 10+ best and most profitable interior design business ideas for 2023 that are not only trending but also have the potential to bring you great returns. So, get ready to be inspired, motivated, and educated, because your journey to interior design business success starts right here, right now!

Residential Interior Design

Residential interior design is the art of enhancing the interior of a home with the objective of creating a aesthetically pleasing, functional and comfortable environment. A residential interior designer will have technical knowledge of design principles, color theory, materials, furniture styles and architectural history, and will also be skilled in working with clients, listening to their needs and creating designs that are tailored to their preferences.

  • There are many reasons why residential interior design would make a good business idea:
  • High demand: with the increasing interest in home decoration, more and more people are looking for professional help to create a personalized and functional environment.
  • Good income potential: an experienced designer can charge high fees for their services, especially if they have a reputation for delivering high-quality work and personalized attention to clients.
  • Flexible schedule: while there will be some deadlines and client meetings to attend, most of the work can be done from a home office, allowing for a flexible schedule that can be adapted to personal needs or priorities.
  • Creative satisfaction: designing a beautiful and functional space is a creative process that can be immensely satisfying for those with a passion for interior design and a desire to help others create their dream home.
  • Opportunities for growth: once a successful business has been established, there are more opportunities to expand the services offered, such as staging services, home renovation or consulting services.

In conclusion, if you have a passion for interior design, a keen eye for aesthetics, a love for working with people, and an entrepreneurial spirit, starting a residential interior design business could be a fulfilling and financially rewarding venture.

image of a Residential Interior Design

Commercial Interior Design

Commercial interior design is a type of designing that focuses on the interior spaces of commercial buildings such as offices, retail stores, hotels, banks, hospitals, and restaurants. The main goal of commercial interior design is to create a functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing environment that improves productivity, attracts customers, and enhances the overall brand image of a business.

  • Why would commercial interior design make a good business idea?
  • The demand for commercial interior design services is high as businesses want to create a unique and memorable experience for their customers and employees.
  • Commercial interior design is not a one-time service, businesses often require updates and changes to their interior design as their business evolves.
  • There is a high-profit margin for commercial interior design services as clients are willing to pay a premium for well-designed and functional spaces.
  • The market is relatively untapped and dominated by large companies, there is a significant opportunity for small businesses to establish themselves in this industry and provide personalized and tailored services.

If you are passionate about design and have a strong sense of creativity, starting a commercial interior design business can be a lucrative and rewarding venture.

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Examples of successful businesses:

The interior design business industry is a profitable sector comprised of many successful companies. Some examples of successful companies in the interior design business industry are:

  • Ikea
  • Pottery Barn
  • West Elm
  • Herman Miller
  • Crate and Barrel
  • Design Within Reach
  • Furniture Brands International
  • Williams-Sonoma, Inc.
  • La-Z-Boy Incorporated
  • Ethan Allen Interiors Inc.

Eco-friendly Interior Design

Do you want to start your own business but also care about the environment? Have you considered eco-friendly interior design? Not only is this an emerging trend in the design world, but it also has numerous benefits for both the planet and your potential clients.

  • Eco-friendly interior design is all about using sustainable and non-toxic materials in the space.
  • This means selecting materials that are ethically sourced, recyclable or biodegradable, and have a low carbon footprint.
  • By using eco-friendly materials, the design can significantly reduce the impact on the environment and minimize waste.
  • Additionally, eco-friendly design can improve indoor air quality and reduce exposure to harmful chemicals found in traditional materials.

But why is eco-friendly interior design a solid business idea? Here are a few reasons:

  • The demand for eco-friendly interior design is on the rise as consumers become more environmentally conscious and aware of the impact of their choices.
  • Businesses and individuals are willing to invest more in sustainable design, knowing that it is better for the planet and their health.
  • The market is relatively untapped, so there is plenty of room for growth and innovation.
  • Eco-friendly interior design can set your business apart from the competition, helping you stand out in a crowded market.

If you're passionate about design and have a desire to make a positive impact on the environment, starting an eco-friendly interior design business could be a great way to combine your interests and skills. So why not give it a try?

Minimalist Interior Design

Minimalist Interior Design is a style that focuses on simplicity, elegance, and functionality. It's a design style that prioritizes only the essentials, eliminating any unnecessary clutter or adornment. It's a design style that's become increasingly popular in recent years, not just because of the aesthetic appeal but also because of the comfort and convenience it offers.

  • Minimalist Interior Design is affordable, sustainable and eco-friendly. With its focus on simplicity and functionality, a minimalist design tends to result in a cleaner and more organized space that needs less maintenance and fewer resources to maintain over time.
  • Minimalist Interior Design creates a sense of calm and relaxation. The understated decor and color palettes of minimalist spaces can help reduce stress levels and create a more calming environment free of distractions.
  • Minimalist Interior Design is versatile and flexible. The simplicity of the design style makes it easier to merge with other design styles, allowing you to create your personalized unique space without restrictions.
  • Minimalist Interior Design appeals to a wide range of customers. Due to its timeless and simple aesthetic, it appeals to a broad audience of potential clients, making it a great business idea for entrepreneurs who want to target a diverse audience.
  • Minimalist Interior Design is easy to scale. With a minimalist design, you can easily incorporate or remove items as required without disturbing the overall ambiance. This flexibility makes it an ideal option when working with a tight budget or limited space.

In conclusion, Minimalist Interior Design has several benefits and can be a profitable business idea. Understanding the needs of customers and providing excellent service will enable you to stand out from the competition.

Luxury Interior Design

If you're looking to start a business in the interior design industry, it's important to note that there are many different niches to focus on. One of the most lucrative, yet challenging areas is luxury interior design. So, what is luxury interior design, and why would it make a good business idea? Let's explore.

  • Luxury interior design is all about creating high-end, stunning spaces that are tailored to the needs and preferences of the client.
  • It involves using the best quality materials, finishes, and furniture, as well as paying close attention to every detail to ensure a flawless finish.
  • A luxury interior designer's goal is to create a space that is not only functional and comfortable but also aesthetically pleasing and impressive.
  • The client base for luxury interior design is typically high net-worth individuals, celebrities, and business leaders who have significant budgets and expect nothing but the best.
  • With a good business strategy and marketing plan, starting a luxury interior design business can be highly profitable.
  • Running a successful luxury interior design business requires a lot of hard work, attention to detail, and creativity. However, for those who are passionate about design and willing to put in the effort, the rewards can be substantial.

Home Staging

Home staging, also known as real estate staging or property styling, is the art of decorating a home in a way that is appealing to potential buyers. The goal is to make the home look its best and create a welcoming environment that buyers can imagine themselves living in.

So why is home staging such a good business idea? Here are a few key reasons:

  • Increase the home's value: Home staging has been shown to increase the sale price of a home by up to 10%. This means that homeowners can get a higher return on their investment when they put their house on the market.
  • Help sell homes faster: Staged homes typically sell faster than unstaged homes. This is because buyers are more likely to make an emotional connection with a home that is decorated and staged to their tastes.
  • Make a positive first impression: Home staging can help make a great first impression when buyers walk through the door. This is because a well-staged home is more inviting and appears move-in ready, which can help buyers picture themselves living there.
  • Stand out in a competitive market: In a competitive real estate market, home staging can help a property stand out from the crowd. This can be especially helpful if there are many other homes for sale in the same area.

If you have an eye for design and enjoy transforming spaces, home staging could be a lucrative business idea for you. With the real estate market constantly fluctuating and homes constantly being listed for sale, there is always a demand for quality staging services.

Kitchen And Bath Design

In today's world, the kitchen and bath are more than just functional spaces in our homes. They have become a focal point of our daily lives, a place where we can express our individuality and creativity. Kitchen and bath design is a critical component of any home renovation or construction project, and it can be a lucrative business idea for entrepreneurs with an eye for design and detail.

If you are considering starting a kitchen and bath design business, here are some reasons why it might be a good idea:

  • High demand: Kitchen and bath design is always in demand as people invest in their homes and seek to create spaces that are both beautiful and functional.
  • Diverse client base: Everyone needs a kitchen and bathroom, so you are not limited to a specific demographic or market segment. Your clients could be homeowners, landlords, property developers, or commercial businesses.
  • Opportunity for creativity: Kitchen and bath design is an art as well as a science, so you will have the opportunity to express your creativity and make a real impact on people's daily lives.
  • Good ROI: A well-designed kitchen or bathroom can add significant value to a home or commercial property, which means your services could have a high return on investment for your clients.
  • Steady income: As long as people continue to invest in their properties, there will always be a demand for kitchen and bath design services. This means that you can build a steady income stream through repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals.

Overall, starting a kitchen and bath design business could be a great way to turn your passion for design into a successful and fulfilling career. With a diverse client base, opportunities for creativity, and a high demand for your services, it's definitely worth considering if you're looking for a new business idea.

Color Consultation

Are you looking to add a new service to your business or considering starting a new venture altogether? A color consultation may be the perfect addition to your repertoire. A color consultation is a service provided to help clients determine the best color schemes for their home, office, or even personal style. By understanding color psychology, the impact of lighting, and current trends, a color consultant can guide clients towards making the best choices for their space.

Still not convinced? Here are some reasons why a color consultation could make a great business idea:

  • High Demand: As people are spending more time in their homes and looking to refresh their spaces, there is a growing demand for color consultations. Homeowners, business owners, and even event planners can all benefit from this service.
  • Low Overhead Costs: Compared to other businesses, a color consultation business has low overhead costs. All you need is a website, marketing materials, and your expertise to get started.
  • Flexible Schedule: With a color consultation business, you can schedule appointments around your other commitments. This makes it a perfect side hustle or a way to work from home while juggling other responsibilities.
  • Opportunity for Creativity: Being a color consultant means having the opportunity to be creative and work with clients to bring their vision to life. No two projects are the same, so there's always room to flex your creative muscles.
  • Collaboration Opportunities: As a color consultant, you can form partnerships with interior designers, home stagers, and even paint stores. This opens up opportunities for cross-promotion and referrals.

In conclusion, a color consultation business can be a fulfilling and profitable venture for anyone with a passion for design and a good eye for color. By understanding the benefits of this service, you can feel confident in adding it to your existing business or pursuing it as a new endeavor.

Home Organization

Home organization is the process of decluttering and arranging household items in an efficient and functional manner. As we go through our daily lives, things tend to pile up, causing unnecessary stress and disorder in our homes. This is where home organization businesses can step in to help clients achieve a more organized and stress-free living space.

  • With a booming real estate market, more people are purchasing homes and looking for ways to optimize their living space.
  • People are finding that a clutter-free home can lead to increased productivity and reduced stress levels.
  • The rise of Marie Kondo and the minimalism movement has brought attention to the importance of organization and decluttering.
  • The aging baby boomer population is looking for ways to downsize and simplify their living space.
  • With busy work schedules, many people do not have the time or energy to declutter and organize their homes on their own, creating a demand for professional services.

Starting a home organization business can be a lucrative and rewarding venture for entrepreneurs with a passion for organization and design. With a growing demand for professional organization services, there is no better time to get started.

Furniture Refurbishing

Furniture refurbishing is the process of revamping old or worn out furniture into something new and fresh. This entails using various techniques and tools to restore the beauty and functionality of a piece of furniture. There are several reasons why furniture refurbishing is becoming an increasingly popular business idea.

  • People are becoming more environmentally conscious and are looking for ways to reduce waste. Refurbishing old furniture is a sustainable solution to throwing away old pieces.
  • Furniture refurbishing is a cost-effective solution for those wanting new furniture on a budget. Refurbishing can be significantly cheaper than buying new pieces.
  • There is a demand for unique and one-of-a-kind furniture pieces. With furniture refurbishing, each piece is unique as it goes through different processes and techniques.
  • Refurbishing furniture can be a creative outlet for those passionate about DIY projects and home decor. It allows for artistic expression and experimentation with different styles and techniques.
  • The market for furniture refurbishing is vast and diverse. Refurbished furniture can appeal to those decorating their homes, businesses, and even event planners looking for unique pieces for weddings and events.

In conclusion, furniture refurbishing can be a profitable business idea, especially given the current trend towards sustainable living and unique interior decor. With a bit of creativity and know-how, entrepreneurs can create unique and beautiful pieces that appeal to a wide variety of customers.

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