Decorator

Your Fit

Income

$54K

Preparation

Minimal

Growth

0.1%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Decorator?

A Decorator is a professional skilled in enhancing the aesthetic appeal and functionality of interior spaces through design elements such as color, fabric, and layout. They focus on creating visually appealing and cohesive environments in residential, commercial, or event settings.

Sample job titles:

Decorator, Glazer, Painter, Pottery Decorator

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Decorator.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Decorator earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Decorator.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$41K per year	$46K per year	$54K per year	$70K per year	$83K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $11K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Decorator do?

Work environment

Decorators typically work in a variety of settings, including design studios, clients' homes or businesses, and event venues. The job often involves site visits, client consultations, and hands-on decorating work. Creativity and adaptability are essential, as environments and requirements vary significantly.

Quick task list

Consults with clients to understand their style preferences and functional needs.
Develops design concepts and presents ideas to clients.
Selects and sources furniture, fabrics, accessories, and color palettes.
Coordinates with suppliers, contractors, and other professionals.
Oversees the implementation of design plans and ensures client satisfaction.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Residential Decorating: Specializing in private homes, focusing on personal and functional spaces.
Commercial Decorating: Working in business environments, such as offices, hotels, or restaurants.
Event Decorating: Creating thematic and temporary designs for events like weddings or corporate functions.
Home Staging: Preparing homes for sale by enhancing visual appeal to attract potential buyers.
Sustainable Decorating: Focusing on eco-friendly and sustainable design practices.

Description

Decorators play a crucial role in transforming spaces into aesthetically pleasing and functional environments. They must have a keen eye for design, color, and detail, along with an understanding of spatial dynamics. The role involves not only selecting decor items but also understanding how different elements come together to create a cohesive look. This requires staying updated with current trends, materials, and design techniques.

Client interaction is a significant aspect of a decorator's job. They must be able to translate clients' ideas and preferences into practical design solutions. This involves effective communication, understanding client needs, and sometimes educating them about design principles. Project management skills are important as decorators often coordinate with vendors, manage budgets, and adhere to timelines.

Creativity and problem-solving are at the core of a decorator's work. Each project presents its unique challenges, whether it's working within budget constraints, dealing with space limitations, or achieving a specific style. Decorators must be resourceful, flexible, and able to work under pressure to meet clients' expectations.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The creative process of designing and transforming spaces.
Seeing the tangible results of your work and client satisfaction.
The variety and dynamism of working on different projects and styles.

You might make a good Decorator if you are...

Creative with a strong sense of aesthetics and an eye for design.
Skilled in visualizing concepts and spatial arrangements.
Good at communicating and understanding clients' needs.
Organized, with an aptitude for project management.
Interested in interior design trends and styles.

Pros:

Creative and fulfilling work with tangible results.
Diverse projects, preventing monotonous routines.
Opportunities to work independently or own a business.

Cons:

May involve irregular hours, including weekends or evenings.
The challenge of meeting clients' expectations within budget and time constraints.
Constant need to stay updated with design trends and materials.

How to become a Decorator

Typical education

Formal education requirements can vary, but many decorators have an associate's or bachelor's degree in interior design or a related field. Some decorators may start with a high school diploma and gain experience through apprenticeships or on-the-job training.

High school preparation

Courses:

Art and design classes to develop a foundational understanding of color and composition.
Business studies for skills in entrepreneurship and project management.
Home economics or similar courses for practical design and decor skills.
Computer courses, especially in design software.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participation in art clubs or design competitions.
Volunteering for community projects that involve decorating or design.
Internships or part-time work with design studios or related businesses.

Preparation after high school

Degree or certificate programs in interior design, decoration, or related fields.
Workshops or courses in specific design software or tools.
Apprenticeships or entry-level positions in design firms or related industries.

More resources

American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) - Offers resources for design professionals and students.
International Interior Design Association (IIDA) - Provides industry news, education, and networking opportunities.
The Decorators & Designers Association of Canada (DDA) - Offers resources and certification for Canadian decorators and designers.
Decorating Den Interiors Blog - Features insights and trends in the world of decorating.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.