Are you an interior designer looking to add some extra income to your portfolio in 2023? Look no further! In this article, we’ve compiled a list of side hustle ideas specifically tailored for interior designers like yourself. Whether you’re a freelancer or work for a design firm, these ideas will help you tap into your creativity and make some additional money on the side. From online design consultations to designing custom furniture, there’s something for everyone in this exciting and ever-evolving field. So, grab your sketchbook and let’s explore these side hustle ideas for interior designers in 2023!
Freelance Design Services
Virtual Design Consultations
As an interior designer, offering virtual design consultations is a fantastic side hustle option in 2023. With the ever-increasing popularity of remote work and digital communication, more and more clients are seeking design expertise without having to meet in person. By offering virtual design consultations, you can provide personalized design advice, recommendations, and solutions to clients from the comfort of your own home. This allows you to work with clients from around the world, expanding your reach and building your reputation as a reliable and talented designer.
Mood Board Creation
Another side hustle idea for interior designers in 2023 is offering mood board creation services. Mood boards are a valuable tool in the design process, helping clients visualize the overall look and feel of a space. By creating customized mood boards for clients, you can showcase your design skills and provide them with a clear vision for their project. Whether it’s for a specific room makeover or an entire home renovation, clients will appreciate your expertise in curating color schemes, textures, and furniture selections that align with their style and preferences.
Furniture Layout Planning
Many people struggle with arranging furniture in their homes, and this is where your expertise as an interior designer comes in. By offering furniture layout planning services as a side hustle, you can help clients optimize their spaces for better functionality and aesthetic appeal. Whether it’s a small apartment or a large living room, you can create detailed floor plans and provide guidance on the best placement of furniture to maximize space utilization, traffic flow, and visual balance. This service is especially valuable for clients who are moving into a new space or looking to refresh their current furniture arrangement.
Custom Artwork and Decor
If you have artistic skills or access to talented artists, offering custom artwork and decor services can be a profitable side hustle in 2023. Many clients are looking for unique and personalized pieces to add character and charm to their homes. By creating or sourcing custom artwork, such as paintings, sculptures, or photography, you can provide clients with one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect their individual style and taste. Additionally, you can offer recommendations on other decorative accessories, such as vases, candles, and textiles, to complement the overall design scheme and create a cohesive look.
Room Styling and Decorative Accessory Selection
For clients who already have their furniture and basic layout in place, but need help with the finishing touches, offering room styling and decorative accessory selection services can be a great side hustle option. As an interior designer, you have an eye for detail and can curate a collection of decorative items that enhance the overall aesthetic of a space. By collaborating with clients to understand their preferences and style, you can provide recommendations on artwork, rugs, throw pillows, and other accessories that add personality and charm to their home.
E-Commerce Business
Online Furniture and Decor Store
If you have a knack for sourcing unique and stylish furniture and decor pieces, starting an online furniture and decor store can be a lucrative side hustle in 2023. With the rise of e-commerce and the growing demand for convenient online shopping experiences, opening an online store allows you to reach a wider audience and sell your curated selection of furniture and decor items. You can focus on a specific niche or cater to a broader market, depending on your expertise and target audience. Building an attractive and user-friendly website, showcasing high-quality product images, and providing detailed product descriptions will be crucial to the success of your online store.
Dropshipping Design Products
Another e-commerce side hustle idea for interior designers in 2023 is dropshipping design products. Dropshipping eliminates the need for you to hold inventory or manage the shipping process. Instead, you partner with suppliers who handle the inventory and shipping on your behalf. As an interior designer, you can curate a collection of design products, such as furniture, lighting fixtures, or decorative accessories, and showcase them on your own website or an e-commerce platform. When a customer places an order, the supplier fulfills it directly, leaving you with the profit margin. This side hustle allows you to focus on the design and marketing aspects, while the supplier takes care of the logistics.
Art Print Shop
If you have a talent for creating art or have access to talented artists, opening an art print shop can be a fulfilling and profitable side hustle. With the increasing popularity of art prints as affordable home decor options, you can curate and sell a collection of art prints that cater to various styles and preferences. Whether it’s abstract paintings, landscape photography, or minimalist illustrations, you can showcase your own artwork or collaborate with other artists to offer a diverse selection. Building an online presence through a website or utilizing e-commerce platforms will help you reach a broader audience and grow your art print business.
Customized Home Accessories
Offering customized home accessories is another side hustle idea that leverages your design skills and creativity. Many clients are looking for personalized touches to make their homes unique and reflect their individual style. By offering customized home accessories, such as monogrammed linens, personalized artwork, or hand-painted ceramics, you can provide clients with one-of-a-kind pieces that add a personal and meaningful touch to their spaces. This side hustle can be done through your own website, social media platforms, or collaborations with local artisans.
Vintage and Antique Finds
If you have a passion for scouring flea markets, thrift stores, and antique shops for hidden gems, starting a vintage and antique finds business can be an exciting side hustle. Many people appreciate the charm and character that vintage and antique pieces bring to their homes. By curating a selection of unique furniture, decor items, and accessories, you can cater to clients who are looking for one-of-a-kind pieces with a sense of history and nostalgia. Building an online presence, such as through an e-commerce store or social media platforms, allows you to showcase and sell your curated finds to a wider audience.
Home Staging Services
Real Estate Agent Collaborations
Collaborating with real estate agents to offer home staging services can be a profitable side hustle for interior designers in 2023. With the competitive real estate market, sellers are increasingly turning to staging to help their homes stand out and appeal to potential buyers. By working closely with real estate agents, you can provide valuable expertise in decluttering, depersonalizing, and enhancing the visual appeal of homes on the market. This side hustle allows you to utilize your design skills to transform empty or occupied properties into inviting and emotionally appealing spaces that facilitate a quicker and more profitable sale.
Showroom Staging
Another side hustle idea for home staging is offering showroom staging services for furniture or home decor stores. Showcasing furniture in an aesthetically pleasing and aspirational manner helps potential customers envision the pieces in their own homes. By collaborating with furniture stores or home decor boutiques, you can create visually appealing displays that highlight the features and benefits of the products. Showroom staging allows you to tap into your design expertise and create beautifully curated spaces that attract customers and increase sales for the stores.
Airbnb and Vacation Rental Staging
With the rise of short-term vacation rentals and the increasing demand for memorable and comfortable accommodations, offering Airbnb and vacation rental staging services can be a lucrative side hustle for interior designers. By staging these properties, you can help hosts create an inviting and photo-worthy environment that sets them apart from the competition. From selecting furniture and decor that suits the target audience to creating a cohesive and Instagram-worthy aesthetic, your expertise in design can help hosts attract more bookings and generate positive reviews.
Model Home Staging
Model home staging is another side hustle option that allows you to showcase your design skills and creativity. Builders and developers often hire interior designers to create model homes that showcase the potential of their properties to potential buyers. By staging model homes, you can create aspirational and visually appealing spaces that highlight the best features of the property. This side hustle requires a keen understanding of the target market and the ability to create a cohesive and attractive design that enhances the property’s selling points.
Home Photography Styling
As an interior designer, you have an eye for detail and know how to create visually appealing spaces. This skill can be valuable in the world of photography. By offering home photography styling services, you can collaborate with photographers to create beautifully staged images of homes, whether it’s for real estate listings, interior design portfolios, or editorial features. Your expertise in selecting furniture, arranging accessories, and creating balanced compositions will help photographers capture the best angles and showcase the space in its most flattering light.
Design and DIY Workshops
Interior Design Basics
If you enjoy teaching and sharing your design knowledge with others, offering interior design basics workshops can be a fulfilling side hustle in 2023. Many people have a passion for interior design but lack the knowledge and confidence to execute their ideas. By hosting workshops, you can provide participants with a foundational understanding of interior design principles, color theory, space planning, and material selection. These workshops can be conducted in person at a physical location or virtually through online platforms, allowing you to reach a wider audience and share your expertise with aspiring designers and design enthusiasts.
DIY Home Decor Projects
For those who are more hands-on and enjoy the satisfaction of creating their own home decor, offering DIY home decor workshops can be a popular side hustle. These workshops can focus on various DIY projects, such as creating wall art, repurposing furniture, or making decorative accessories. By providing step-by-step guidance, materials, and inspiration, you can empower participants to unleash their creativity and create personalized pieces for their homes. These workshops can be conducted in person or virtually, depending on your target audience and preferred method of instruction.
Furniture Upholstery and Refinishing
Furniture upholstery and refinishing workshops are a great side hustle option for interior designers who have a passion for giving new life to old furniture. Many people have inherited or acquired furniture pieces that need some TLC. By hosting workshops, you can teach participants how to reupholster chairs, refinish wooden tables, or refresh outdated pieces. This hands-on learning experience not only helps participants save money by doing the work themselves, but it also allows them to create unique and personalized pieces that reflect their style and taste.
Styling and Organization Tips
Organizing and styling a space is just as important as the design itself. Offering workshops on styling and organization tips can be a valuable side hustle for interior designers. Many people struggle with clutter, lack of storage, and inefficient use of space. By sharing your expertise and providing practical tips on decluttering, organizing, and enhancing the functionality of a space, you can empower participants to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also well-organized and efficient. These workshops can cover topics such as closet organization, kitchen storage solutions, and maximizing small spaces.
Color Psychology in Design
The use of color plays a significant role in interior design, evoking different emotions and setting the tone of a space. Hosting workshops on color psychology in design can be an engaging and educational side hustle. By exploring the impact of various colors on mood and behavior, you can guide participants in selecting the right color palettes for their homes. These workshops can cover topics such as color theory, creating harmonious color schemes, and using color to enhance specific areas of a space. Whether in-person or virtual, these workshops allow you to share your expertise and help participants understand the power of color in design.
Product Development
Designing Signature Furniture Pieces
If you have a flair for furniture design and craftsmanship, creating your own line of signature furniture pieces can be an exciting and rewarding side hustle. Building a brand around your unique designs allows you to showcase your creativity and establish yourself as a designer. The process of designing, prototyping, and manufacturing your furniture pieces can be challenging but also incredibly fulfilling. Whether you focus on a specific style or cater to a broader market, creating high-quality and unique furniture pieces will attract customers who appreciate craftsmanship and are willing to invest in statement pieces for their homes.
Creative Lighting Solutions
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood and enhancing the overall design of a space. If you have a passion for lighting design, offering creative lighting solutions can be a profitable side hustle. Whether it’s designing and manufacturing custom light fixtures, collaborating with lighting suppliers, or consulting on the best lighting options for specific spaces, your expertise in lighting design will be highly valued. You can focus on residential projects, commercial spaces, or even outdoor lighting solutions, depending on your interests and target market.
Sustainable and Eco-friendly Designs
With the growing emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly practices, offering sustainable and eco-friendly design solutions can be a rewarding and socially responsible side hustle. Many clients are looking for design options that minimize their environmental footprint without compromising on style and functionality. By incorporating sustainable materials, energy-efficient solutions, and biophilic design concepts, you can create spaces that are not only visually appealing but also environmentally conscious. This side hustle allows you to align your design skills with your values and make a positive impact on the industry.
Unique Textile Patterns
If you have a passion for textiles and have an eye for pattern and color, designing your own line of unique textile patterns can be a creative and lucrative side hustle. Whether it’s creating patterns for upholstery fabrics, wallpaper, rugs, or textiles for home accessories, your designs can add personality and style to any space. Partnering with fabric manufacturers or utilizing print-on-demand services allows you to bring your designs to life and offer them to a wider audience. From bold and vibrant patterns to subtle and minimalist designs, your creativity and unique designs will attract customers looking for distinct and eye-catching textiles.
Innovations in Home Technology
As technology continues to advance, integrating smart home technology into interior design has become increasingly popular. If you have a passion for technology and an understanding of its applications in residential spaces, offering innovations in home technology as a side hustle can be a profitable venture. Whether it’s incorporating voice-controlled lighting systems, automated window treatments, or smart thermostats, your expertise in integrating technology seamlessly into design will be highly valued. Stay updated with the latest advancements in home technology and collaborate with technology suppliers to offer customized solutions to clients who desire a truly connected and efficient home.
Design Blogging and Content Creation
Writing about Design Trends
If you have a passion for writing and a keen eye for design trends, starting a design blog can be a fulfilling side hustle. You can share your insights, analysis, and predictions on the latest design trends, materials, color palettes, and styles. Writing engaging and informative blog posts not only allows you to express your creativity but also establishes you as an authority in the design industry. You can monetize your blog through sponsored content, affiliate marketing, or by offering your own products or services. Additionally, a well-established design blog can lead to opportunities for collaborations, speaking engagements, or book publishing deals.
Room Makeover and Transformation Blogs
People love before-and-after transformations, especially when it comes to home design. If you have a knack for transforming spaces and documenting the process, starting a room makeover and transformation blog can be an exciting side hustle. You can showcase your design skills by sharing your step-by-step process, including mood boards, product selections, and the final reveal. This type of blog is not only inspiring but also educational, as you can provide tips, tricks, and DIY ideas that readers can apply to their own spaces. Collaborating with brands or offering e-design services can further monetize your blog and turn it into a profitable venture.
DIY Tutorials and Step-by-Step Guides
Many people are looking for ways to improve their homes on a budget and enjoy tackling do-it-yourself projects. By offering DIY tutorials and step-by-step guides on your blog, you can provide readers with the inspiration and knowledge they need to create their own home improvements. Whether it’s painting techniques, furniture makeovers, or simple home decor crafts, your tutorials can empower readers to unleash their creativity and personalize their spaces. In addition to the blog content, you can monetize your DIY tutorials through affiliate marketing, sponsored content, or even creating and selling DIY kits or e-books.
Design Inspiration and Mood Boards
For those seeking design inspiration and mood boards, creating a blog that focuses on curated design inspiration can be a valuable side hustle. You can curate images, share your favorite design projects, and create mood boards that showcase various styles, color schemes, and trends. By offering design inspiration and mood boards, you provide readers with the tools and ideas they need to visualize their own projects and make informed design decisions. Monetizing your blog through affiliate marketing, sponsored content, or collaborations can turn your passion for design into a profitable venture.
Podcasts and Video Content
In addition to written content, podcasting and creating video content have become increasingly popular mediums for sharing design insights and inspiration. Hosting a design-focused podcast allows you to engage with listeners and discuss various design topics, trends, and interviews with industry experts. Video content, such as YouTube videos or design tutorials, provides a visual platform to showcase your design projects, share tips, and provide educational content. These mediums allow you to reach a wider audience and can be monetized through sponsorships, product promotions, or even offering exclusive content or courses to subscribers.
Virtual Design Assistant
CAD and Drafting Services
If you have expertise in computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting, offering virtual CAD and drafting services can be a valuable side hustle for interior designers. Many clients may lack the technical skills or software knowledge to create detailed floor plans, elevations, or 3D renderings. By offering CAD and drafting services remotely, you can provide clients with accurate and professional drawings that help them visualize their design projects. Collaborating with clients through online communication platforms and file-sharing systems allows you to work efficiently and effectively, regardless of geographical location.
3D Renderings and Virtual Tours
With advancements in technology, 3D renderings and virtual tours have become invaluable tools for interior designers and clients alike. By offering virtual design assistant services that include creating 3D renderings and virtual tours, you can provide clients with a realistic and immersive visualization of their design projects. These visualizations can help clients make informed decisions, visualize spatial relationships, and understand the overall design concept. Utilizing design software and virtual reality applications, you can bring designs to life and deliver high-quality visualizations that impress clients and set you apart as a virtual design assistant.
Vendor and Product Research
Clients often rely on interior designers to provide recommendations and research on furniture, decor items, and other design products. As a virtual design assistant, offering vendor and product research services allows you to save clients time and effort in sourcing the best options for their projects. By leveraging your industry knowledge and connections, you can research and curate a selection of vendors and products that align with the client’s style, budget, and timeline. Providing clients with a detailed list of options, along with information on pricing, availability, and specifications, helps them make informed decisions and streamline the procurement process.
Project Management Support
For clients who need assistance in managing their design projects, offering project management support as a virtual design assistant can be a valuable service. Many clients may feel overwhelmed by the various aspects of a design project, such as coordinating contractors, tracking budgets, and ensuring timelines are met. By acting as a project manager, you can help clients stay organized and ensure a smooth and efficient execution of their projects. This includes creating project schedules, tracking progress, facilitating communication between stakeholders, and addressing any issues that may arise. Your expertise in project management, combined with your design knowledge, will provide clients with peace of mind and a seamless project experience.
Client Communications and Presentations
Clear and effective communication is essential in any design project. As a virtual design assistant, offering client communications and presentations services ensures that clients are kept informed and involved throughout the process. This includes regularly communicating project updates, addressing client inquiries and concerns, and presenting design concepts, mood boards, and proposals. By using online communication platforms, video conferencing, and presentation tools, you can effectively communicate with clients regardless of geographical distance. Your ability to articulate design concepts and listen to client feedback will foster a productive and collaborative relationship with clients as a virtual design assistant.
Design Influencer
Social Media Brand Collaborations
If you have a strong social media presence and a dedicated following, collaborations with brands can be a lucrative side hustle as a design influencer. By partnering with home decor brands, furniture manufacturers, or design-focused companies, you can promote their products to your audience and earn income through sponsored content, affiliate marketing, or brand ambassadorships. These collaborations can include sharing product reviews, styling tips, or hosting giveaways. As a design influencer, your authentic voice and engaging content will attract brands that align with your style and values, creating mutually beneficial partnerships.
Sponsored Content Creation
Sponsored content creation is a popular revenue stream for design influencers. Brands are increasingly interested in collaborating with influencers to promote their products or services through organic and engaging content. As a design influencer, you can create sponsored content in the form of blog posts, social media posts, YouTube videos, or podcasts. This allows you to showcase the brand’s offerings in an authentic and creative way while providing value to your audience. By partnering with relevant and reputable brands, you can monetize your influence and turn your passion for design into a profitable side hustle.
Interior Design Book Author
Writing an interior design book is an opportunity for design influencers to showcase their expertise and expand their influence beyond social media. By sharing your design insights, tips, and personal experiences in a book, you can establish yourself as an authority in the industry. Whether it’s focusing on a specific design style, offering design advice for specific spaces or sharing personal stories and design journeys, your book can resonate with readers and inspire them to create beautiful and meaningful spaces. Publishing a book allows you to diversify your income streams, enhance your credibility, and connect with a wider audience.
Hosting Design Workshops and Events
For design influencers who enjoy connecting with their audience in person, hosting design workshops and events can be a rewarding side hustle. These workshops and events can cover a range of topics, such as design trends, DIY projects, or styling tips. By sharing your expertise, providing hands-on experiences, and engaging with participants, you can create memorable and educational events that leave a lasting impact. Partnering with local businesses, design organizations, or even hosting your own events allows you to monetize your workshops and events through ticket sales, sponsorships, or collaborations with brands.
Brand Ambassadorship
As a design influencer, becoming a brand ambassador for reputable companies can be a sought-after side hustle. Brand ambassadorship involves developing a long-term, collaborative relationship with a brand, promoting their products or services through various marketing channels. As a brand ambassador, you become the face and voice of the brand, sharing your personal experiences, showcasing their products, and creating content that resonates with your audience. This side hustle provides an opportunity for ongoing collaboration, consistent income, and the chance to work closely with a brand that aligns with your values and design style.
Furniture Upcycling and Repurposing
Vintage Furniture Restoration
Upcycling and restoring vintage furniture has grown in popularity as people embrace sustainability and the charm of reclaimed pieces. If you have a passion for furniture restoration and craftsmanship, offering vintage furniture restoration services can be a rewarding side hustle. By refurbishing and giving new life to old and worn-out furniture, you can create unique pieces that appeal to clients who appreciate the character and durability of vintage furniture. Whether it’s refinishing wood, reupholstering chairs, or repairing damaged pieces, your skills in furniture restoration will allow you to transform forgotten treasures into valuable and desirable items.
Custom Furniture Painting
Custom furniture painting services are in high demand as people seek to personalize and update their furniture pieces. If you have artistic skills and enjoy working with paint, offering custom furniture painting can be a creative and profitable side hustle. This service involves applying paint techniques, such as distressing, color blocking, or stenciling, to transform ordinary furniture into statement pieces. By collaborating with clients to understand their design vision and color preferences, you can create customized furniture that reflects their style and adds a unique touch to their homes.
Salvaged Material Creations
Salvaged materials, such as reclaimed wood or metal, have gained popularity in interior design due to their sustainability and unique aesthetic. If you have a knack for repurposing salvaged materials, offering creations made from salvaged materials can be a rewarding side hustle. From creating unique tables, shelves, or wall art to incorporating salvaged materials into larger design projects, your creativity and craftsmanship will bring new life to discarded materials. This side hustle allows you to showcase your commitment to sustainability and provide clients with one-of-a-kind pieces that are not only environmentally friendly but also visually striking.
Transforming Antique Finds
Antique finds often have beautiful craftsmanship and intricate details that are highly sought after by collectors and design enthusiasts. If you enjoy working with antiques and restoring their original beauty, offering transformation services for antique finds can be a niche side hustle. Whether it’s refinishing hardwood surfaces, restoring delicate upholstery, or repairing intricate details, your expertise in restoring antique pieces will help preserve their historical value and aesthetic appeal. By collaborating with antique collectors, dealers, or individual clients, you can provide restoration services that breathe new life into treasured heirlooms and valuable antique finds.
Outdoor Furniture Refresh
Outdoor spaces are an extension of the home, and many people strive to create comfortable and inviting outdoor living areas. If you have a passion for outdoor design, offering outdoor furniture refresh services can be a popular side hustle. This service involves reviving and updating outdoor furniture pieces to withstand the elements and create a stylish outdoor oasis. Whether it’s refinishing wooden furniture, repainting metal frames, or reupholstering cushions, your expertise in outdoor materials and design will help clients transform their outdoor spaces into functional and visually appealing areas for relaxation and entertainment.
Green Interior Design
Sustainable Material Sourcing
Sustainability is a growing concern in interior design, and clients are increasingly looking for eco-friendly and responsibly sourced materials for their projects. If you have a passion for sustainability and a commitment to ethical practices, offering sustainable material sourcing services as a side hustle can be a rewarding venture. This service involves researching and curating a selection of environmentally friendly materials, such as reclaimed wood, recycled glass, or low VOC paints. By partnering with green suppliers, you can provide clients with sustainable options that align with their values and promote a healthier and greener living environment.
Energy-Efficient Design Solutions
Offering energy-efficient design solutions is a valuable side hustle that allows you to help clients create environmentally conscious and energy-saving spaces. By incorporating energy-efficient lighting, appliances, insulation, and HVAC systems into your design projects, you can help clients reduce their energy consumption and utility bills. Additionally, you can provide recommendations on smart home technology, such as programmable thermostats or energy monitoring systems, that further enhance the energy efficiency of a space. By staying up to date with the latest developments in energy-efficient design, you can position yourself as an expert in green interior design and attract clients who prioritize sustainability.
Green Building Certifications
Many clients are interested in obtaining green building certifications, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), for their residential or commercial projects. If you have knowledge and experience in green building practices and certifications, offering assistance with the certification process can be a valuable side hustle. This service involves guiding clients through the requirements, documentation, and submission processes necessary for obtaining green building certifications. By ensuring that a project meets the criteria for sustainability, energy efficiency, and environmental stewardship, you can help clients achieve their sustainability goals and differentiate their properties in the market.
Eco-friendly Home Styling
For clients who desire a truly eco-friendly and sustainable living environment, offering eco-friendly home styling services can be a rewarding side hustle. This service involves curating a collection of furniture, decor items, and accessories that are made from sustainable materials, produced using ethical practices, and have a low environmental impact. By incorporating biophilic design principles, natural materials, and sustainable textiles, you can create interiors that promote wellness, connection to nature, and a reduced carbon footprint. Your expertise in eco-friendly design will attract clients who prioritize sustainability and want to create homes that are aesthetically pleasing and environmentally conscious.
Plant Design and Biophilic Concepts
Biophilic design focuses on incorporating nature into interior spaces, promoting a connection to the natural world and fostering well-being. If you have a passion for plants and an understanding of biophilic design concepts, offering plant design and biophilic concepts services can be a fulfilling side hustle. This service involves selecting and arranging plants, designing indoor gardens, and incorporating natural elements into interior spaces to create a sense of tranquility and vitality. By promoting the benefits of biophilia and helping clients bring nature indoors, you can create spaces that improve air quality, reduce stress, and enhance the overall well-being of occupants.