FabJob Guide to Become an Interior Decorator

by Goulet, Catherine

• ISBN13: 9781894638487
• ISBN10: 1894638484
• Edition: CD
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-05-01
• Publisher: Fabjob.Com

Summary

This fabulous book focuses on how to get hired as an interior decorator or start an interior decorating business. It gives step-by-step instructions on how to decorate, and explains how to: find job openings with home builders and other employers, prepare a resume and portfolio, and start an interior decorating business, including how to price services, find clients, and get discounts on materials. Offers career advice from successful designers such as Debbie Travis. Includes CD-ROM.

Table of Contents

About the Authors	3	(6)
1. Introduction	9	(8)
1.1 Interior Decorating vs. Interior Design	9	(4)
1.2 Benefits of Being an Interior Decorator	13	(2)
1.3 Inside This Guide	15	(2)
2. Getting Ready	17	(33)
2.1 Are You a "Born Decorator"?	17	(2)
2.2 Developing Your Skills	19	(5)
2.2.1 Training Your Eye	19	(1)
2.2.2 Interpersonal Skills	20	(3)
2.2.3 Organizational Ability	23	(1)
2.3 Teaching Yourself Interior Decorating	24	(9)
2.3.1 Places to Go	24	(2)
2.3.2 People to Speak With	26	(3)
2.3.3 What to Read and Watch	29	(4)
2.4 Educational Programs	33	(9)
2.4.1 What to Look For	33	(2)
2.4.2 Degree and Diploma Programs	35	(1)
2.4.3 Certificate Programs	36	(1)
2.5.4 Distance Learning	37	(4)
2.4.5 Continuing Education Courses	41	(1)
2.5 How to Get Experience	42	(8)
2.5.1 Decorate for Family and Friends	42	(3)
2.5.2 Volunteer for Charity	45	(1)
2.5.3 Internships	46	(3)
2.5.4 Get a Part-Time Job	49	(1)
3. How to Decorate	50	(92)
3.1 Tools of the Trade	50	(2)
3.2 Design Elements	52	(13)
3.2.1 Space	52	(1)
3.2.2 Balance	53	(4)
3.2.3 Color	57	(4)
3.2.4 Texture	61	(1)
32.5 Pattern	62	(1)
3.2.6 Scale	63	(1)
3.2.7 Line and Form	64	(1)
3.3 Decorating Styles	65	(11)
3.3.1 Colonial	66	(1)
3.3.2 Country	67	(3)
3.3.3 Eclectic	70	(1)
3.3.4 Modern	71	(1)
3.3.5 Neo-Classical	71	(1)
3.3.6 Victorian	72	(1)
3.3.7 Other Decorating Styles	73	(3)
3.4 Room Elements	76	(26)
3.4.1 Furniture	76	(9)
3.4.2 Flooring	85	(5)
3.4.3 Lighting	90	(2)
3.4.4 Walls	92	(5)
3.4.5 Window Coverings	97	(2)
3.4.6 Accessories	99	(2)
3.4.7 Fabrics	101	(1)
3.5 Step-by-Step Decorating Instructions	102	(39)
3.5.1 Space Planning	103	(2)
3.5.2 Determine the Best Layout	105	(3)
3.5.3 Choose a Color Scheme	108	(4)
3.5.4 Determine Flooring Requirements	112	(4)
3.5.5 Select Wall Treatments	116	(1)
3.5.6 Determine Lighting Requirements	117	(5)
3.5.7 Complete any Repairs or Renovations	122	(2)
3.5.8 Select Furnishings	124	(3)
3.5.9 Choose Window Coverings	127	(4)
3.5.10 Arrange the Furniture	131	(3)
3.5.11 Accessorize	134	(4)
3.5.12 Evaluate the Decorating	138	(3)
3.6 Tips from the Experts	141	(1)
4. Getting Hired	142	(24)
4.1 Job-Hunting Materials	142	(9)
4.1.1 Your Portfolio	142	(4)
4.1.2 Your Resume and Cover Letter	146	(5)
4.2 Finding Job Openings	151	(2)
4.2.1 Advertised Positions	151	(1)
4.2.2 Unadvertised Positions	152	(1)
4.3 Who Employs Interior Decorators	153	(6)
4.3.1 Retailers	153	(3)
4.3.2 Home Builders	156	(1)
4.3.3 Interior Decorating and Design Firms	157	(1)
4.3.4 Other Employers	158	(1)
4.4 Interviews	159	(7)
4.4.1 What Employers Are Looking For	159	(2)
4.4.2 Questions to Expect	161	(2)
4.4.3 Discussing Salary	163	(3)
5. Starting Your Own Business	166	(62)
5.1 Getting Started	166	(7)
5.1.1 Where to Get Help	166	(1)
5.1.2 Creating a Business Plan	167	(1)
5.1.3 Choosing a Business Name	168	(2)
5.1.4 Legal Matters	170	(2)
5.1.5 Taxes	172	(1)
5.2 Franchises	173	(5)
5.2.1 What is Franchising?	173	(2)
5.2.2 Interior Decorating Franchises	175	(3)
5.3 Setting Up Your Business	178	(12)
5.3.1 Location	178	(2)
5.3.2 Telephones	180	(3)
5.3.3 Equipment and Supplies	183	(2)
5.3.4 Insurance	185	(1)
5.3.5 Employees	186	(1)
5.3.6 Finances	187	(3)
5.4 Getting Clients	190	(16)
5.4.1 Choose Your Target Markets	191	(2)
5.4.2 Networking	193	(7)
5.4.3 Advertising	200	(2)
5.4.4 Media Publicity	202	(2)
5.4.5 Other Ideas	204	(2)
5.5 Setting Your Fees	206	(3)
5.6 Working with Suppliers and Contractors	209	(19)
5.6.1 How to Find Suppliers and Contractors	209	(3)
5.6.2 Tips for Working with Contractors	212	(2)
5.6.3 Buying from Retailers	214	(4)
5.6.4 Buying Wholesale	218	(10)
6. Working with Clients	228	(42)
6.1 Telephone Interview	228	(2)
6.2 Initial Client Consultation	230	(10)
6.2.1 Where and When to Meet	230	(1)
6.2.2 What to Bring to the Meeting	231	(1)
6.2.3 What to Wear	232	(1)
6.2.4 Questions to Identify the Client's Wants	233	(4)
6.2.5 Selling Your Services	237	(2)
6.2.6 Next Steps	239	(1)
6.3 Second Client Consultation	240	(7)
6.3.1 Identify the Client's Specific Wants	241	(4)
6.3.2 Get Measurements	245	(1)
6.3.3 Assess the Room(s) to be Decorated	245	(2)
6.4 Preparing for your Follow-up Meeting	247	(19)
6.4.1 Prepare a Decorating Plan	247	(2)
6.4.2 How to Prepare a Design Board	249	(2)
6.4.3 Prepare a Project Budget	251	(11)
6.4.4 Prepare a Contract	262	(4)
6.5 Meeting to Present the Decorating Plan	266	(4)
7. Conclusion	270