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How to Become an Interior Decorating Consultant: Australian Careers in Interior Design

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What is a Interior Decorating Consultant?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Interior Decorating Consultant?

An Interior Decorating Consultant helps clients turn their spaces into beautiful, functional environments. They advise on colours, furnishings, and layouts for homes and commercial settings. The role blends creative flair with practical skills.

Each project starts with a client meeting. The consultant checks the space, talks through preferences and budget, then builds a design concept. This often includes mood boards, fabric samples, and layout plans. Clients can see the result before work starts.

Day-to-day tasks cover a wide range. Consultants source furniture and accessories, advise on finishes, and work with tradespeople to keep projects on track. Good project skills matter just as much as design sense.

Around 1,900 people work as interior decorators in Australia (source: Your Career, 2025). Demand is moderate. The field suits people who enjoy creative problem-solving and close client work.

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Career snapshots For Interior Decorating Consultants

Interior Decorating Consultants work across residential, commercial, and retail settings in Australia. Around 1,900 people hold this occupation nationally (source: Your Career, 2025). The workforce is 90% female with a median age of 43. Around 41% work full-time. Many work part-time or on a freelance basis.

Median weekly earnings are $1,671 for full-time decorators (source: Your Career, 2025), roughly $87,000 per year. Advertised roles on SEEK range from $65,000 to $70,000 (SEEK, June 2026). This reflects the high share of part-time and self-employed workers. Future demand is moderate (Your Career, 2025). Growth is driven by home renovation, new home builds, and commercial fit-outs.

What will I do?

An Interior Decorating Consultant handles many tasks on every project. The work spans from the first client meeting right through to final styling. It combines creative planning with hands-on coordination. Here is a typical breakdown of what the role involves.

  • Client Consultation – Meet clients to discuss their needs, style preferences, and budget.
  • Space Planning – Develop layouts that make the best use of the available space.
  • Colour Consultation – Advise on colour schemes that suit the mood and purpose of each room.
  • Material and Finish Selection – Choose wallcoverings, flooring, fabrics, and surface finishes.
  • Furniture and Accessory Sourcing – Find and recommend pieces that fit the design brief and budget.
  • Design Presentation – Prepare mood boards, samples, and concept plans for client approval.
  • Project Management – Coordinate with suppliers and tradespeople to keep projects on schedule.
  • Budget Tracking – Monitor spending and keep clients informed of costs.
  • Site Visits – Check progress on site and resolve any issues with the installation.
  • Trend Research – Stay current with design trends, new products, and industry developments.

What skills do I need?

To succeed as an Interior Decorating Consultant, you need a mix of creative and practical skills. A strong eye for colour, proportion, and style is key. You also need to turn vague client ideas into clear, workable design plans.

Technical skills matter too. Consultants read plans, understand materials and finishes, and use tools like mood boards and layout software. Good budget skills and project coordination keep work on track. Strong communication builds trust with clients and tradespeople alike.

Skills/attributes

  • Colour theory and spatial awareness
  • Creative and artistic flair
  • Client consultation and communication
  • Attention to detail
  • Budget planning and management
  • Knowledge of materials, finishes, and furnishings
  • Project coordination and time management
  • Mood board and design presentation skills
  • Ability to read and interpret floor plans
  • Problem-solving and adaptability
  • Supplier and trades coordination
  • Understanding of current design trends
  • Basic proficiency in design software (e.g. AutoCAD, SketchUp)
  • Customer service and relationship management

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.