Which Interior Design CategorIes Should You Specialize In?
Just like any other prominent profession, there are specializations in interior design.
Those of which could be broadly categorized under residential areas and commercial properties, along with several more concentrated areas.
Some designers prefer to narrow their specialization to particular types of homes and businesses, while others refuse to specialize at all.
Residential Interior Designer:
Are also called "Home Interior Designer" as they design various rooms inside and around peoples' homes. Designers of this type enjoy the ability to liberate their imagination as their clients grant them the freedom to do so.
There's not only flexibility in this category of designers but also less stress as the deadlines are usually more relaxed.
In any case, your pursuit of this specialization should be based on the freedom of creativity that the field grants you, rather than the need to be rich.
Commercial Interior Designers:
Are designers that specialize in commercial property and work on projects for businesses and organizations.
This is a concise but far from complete definition however, as designers of this specialization may work for banks, hotels, restaurants, law firms; you name it.
So is this type lucrative?
Indeed it can be provided you can establish a good rapport with your client. Doing a good job will lead to a steady, return client, and your ability to satisfy this client will often guarantee you more work as the client's word of mouth can lead to other businesses desiring your services.
As previously noted, residential and commercial interior designers are not the only branches of specialty.
Be aware however, that you should only specialize in a sub branch if you have exceptional strength in it.
Some common sub branches include:
Kitchen and Bath: This is a branch that you may wish to specialize in if you have great aptitude for it already. With this specialization, you certainly need to have knowledge in cabinetry and plumbing for this particular branch.
Windows and Draperies: This seems like a small area to specialize in, but the windows of a house or building play a big role in the overall structure. A fundamental source of energy efficiency in every home, they are often changed on a yearly basis.
Knowledge of basic heating and cooling, as well as dry walling, and space management should help you in this area.
Lighting: The lighting of any area is often a bit more complicated than plugging a lamp into a socket. Often, it is the addition of special lighting that can completely change a room's environment. Unfortunately, lighting is an often overlooked sub branch of Interior Design.