As an interior designer, your creativity and expertise can be leveraged in various ways to generate consistent extra income. Whether you’re looking to supplement your primary income or diversify your revenue streams, there are many opportunities in the design world that allow you to capitalize on your skills and passion. Here are 10 practical ways to make extra money as an interior designer:
1. Freelance Interior Design Consultations
Freelancing as an interior designer is a great way to make extra money. Offer design consultations for homeowners or businesses who need advice without committing to a full-service design package. You can charge by the hour or offer fixed-rate consultations for specific needs like color selection or space planning.
Tip: Use platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to advertise your services and reach a broader audience.
2. Sell Digital Design Templates
Create and sell digital design templates for mood boards, floor plans, or room layouts. Many clients and other designers are looking for easy-to-use, pre-made templates that can speed up their design process. Websites like Etsy, Creative Market, or your own website are excellent places to sell these products.
Tip: Make sure your templates are visually appealing and user-friendly for maximum sales.
3. Affiliate Marketing with Design Products
Affiliate marketing allows you to promote design-related products, such as furniture, lighting, and decor, while earning a commission on sales. Partner with popular design retailers like Wayfair, Amazon, or Anthropologie, and link to products you recommend on your blog, social media, or website.
Tip: Make product recommendations genuinely, based on your style and audience’s needs to build trust.
4. Teach Online Design Courses
With the rise of e-learning, teaching online courses has become a popular way to make extra income. Create a course on topics you’re passionate about, such as color theory, space planning, or sustainable design practices. Platforms like Teachable, Skillshare, or Udemy are perfect for hosting your courses.
Tip: Promote your courses via social media and your professional network to build a student base.
5. Offer Virtual Design Services
Virtual interior design services are more popular than ever. With video calls and design software, you can work with clients anywhere, providing mood boards, design suggestions, and furniture recommendations without stepping foot in their space. This flexibility allows you to serve clients from around the world, generating extra income on your own terms.
Tip: Invest in user-friendly design software like SketchUp or Roomstyler to make virtual projects easier.
6. Rent Out Your Design Skills for Staging Homes
Real estate staging is a high-demand service, especially in competitive housing markets. Offer your expertise to stage homes for sale or rent. You can charge a flat fee or a percentage of the property’s sale price, depending on the size and scope of the project.
Tip: Collaborate with real estate agents to build a steady stream of staging opportunities.
7. Start a Home Decor Blog or YouTube Channel
If you have a passion for writing or creating video content, starting a blog or YouTube channel can be a fun way to generate extra income. Share design tips, product recommendations, or home transformation stories while monetizing your content through ads, sponsorships, or affiliate links.
Tip: Stay consistent with content creation and optimize for SEO to grow your audience over time.
8. Create and Sell Custom Furniture or Decor
If you have woodworking, crafting, or DIY skills, consider creating and selling custom furniture or decor items. From bespoke coffee tables to unique wall art, offering one-of-a-kind pieces can attract customers looking for personalized touches for their homes.
Tip: Use platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to showcase your work and build a following.
9. Design for Events and Parties
Event and party planning often require creative design solutions. Offer your interior design expertise for events like weddings, corporate gatherings, or product launches. You can help with designing the space, arranging furniture, and selecting decor to match the theme or brand.
Tip: Network with event planners and venues to get referrals and build your portfolio.
10. Provide Design Audits and Reviews
Offer design audit services, where you assess a client’s current space and provide feedback on how to improve it. You can charge for reviewing their existing design choices, identifying problems, and providing actionable solutions. This can be a quick way to offer value without the need for large, ongoing projects.
Tip: Offer this service as a low-cost entry point for new clients who may later hire you for larger projects.
Conclusion: Turning Passion into Profit
Being an interior designer doesn’t mean you’re limited to just client-based projects. With a mix of creativity, digital platforms, and some entrepreneurial spirit, you can make consistent extra money by diversifying your income streams. Whether it’s offering consultations, creating digital products, or tapping into new markets like real estate or online education, the possibilities are endless. By exploring these options, you can turn your passion for design into a more profitable venture.
Start Small, Scale Up
Don’t feel the need to tackle everything at once. Start with one or two of these strategies, build your brand, and gradually scale up as you learn what works best for your goals and lifestyle.
