Interior Designers provide design services to both homeowners and commercial clients, combining creative skills with an understanding of architecture and current interior trends.

Some interior designers specialise in creating designs for listed and period properties, while, in addition to design services, others provide home staging and decluttering advice for homeowners who intend to sell their properties.

Key commercial sectors for interior designers include the property, construction, hospitality and leisure sectors, as well as public sector organisations such as local authorities and hospitals.

This profile provides information about starting up and running an interior design service. It describes the skills required, the training available, the current market trends and the key trading issues. It also explains the legislation that must be complied with and provides sources of further information and support.