apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I've been trying to start a home decorating business for a few weeks now. My plan was to work with friends by taking a look at their room(s), talking to them about what they want to do with the space, look through catalogs, magazines, etc, draw up floorplans, and present them with a design board. The idea is that I am going through the motions that I would with a "real" client, and they get some free advice in the process. Afterward, we can execute the ideas or not.

The problem is, I haven't gotten that far. Though I have 4 solid volunteers, they are all very busy and the one consultation I've had devolved into a social event, with other friends coming over (with wine).

I'm wary of becoming annoying. I don't want to beg them for help, and though they all seem enthusiastic about the idea, it's important to me to preserve my friendships with no strings attached. Plus, I'm sitting here with no work to do.

I'm wondering whether it might be smarter to try to find clients with whom I don't have a social relationship. I really don't care about making money yet, I just want to get started and work with people, help them make their homes better, and learn to collaborate on a design. I want to have some experience and a portfolio before charging clients for my time.

Any advice on how I can get this sort of thing started?

Thanks!

jenniejen,

I would try your services in a heartbeat! Too bad I'm in NY, and you're in Chicago.....

I definitely wouldn't press friends on this. If they're not really in the market for a design overhaul before they heard your offer, then it could get awkward for them to hear your even consider your ideas. ... And even if they are in the market, it's hard to make it work with friends. I've had a friend *beg* me for design advice after she bought her first home. She kept saying she loved how I did my apartments (I've since moved), that I think of such innovative solutions, that I can make any place I live in feel beautiful, etc. Her place did have so many design challenges... but when it came right down to it, she wasn't interested in considering my ideas. She listened to an architect who had atrocious ideas, then fired him and bitterly regretted the work, and after all that, she somehow didn't want to face me even though I wasn't going to say anything about it ever again....

But I would seriously like a real design makeover for my currently makeshift-feeling apartment. I've often wondered how much it would cost me to get a pro's thoughts on decorating my place.

Definitely make a website of what you have done (your own apartment, etc.)! Then post it here. I'm buying a condo this summer and though I have some ideas of what I want to do, I know I could definitely use some (free) help, especially when it comes to painting.

Sea,

I would love to help you. I just moved here from NY 7 months ago. Basically, the decorator comes to take a look and talk about ideas and your budget for free. Then you have the option to pay them a fee for a bid, in which they present one or more design concepts, a design board of fabrics, photos, etc. and a floorplan. You've seen it on HGTV's "Designer's Challenge." I think this fee runs between $150-300. After that, you decide if you want to go ahead with their proposed ideas and prices. So, if you are curious I think you could at least meet with someone with no cost to you.

MCNicole,

This is definitely part of my plan. I picked a name, registered a domain, got temporary biz cards. I'm working on a logo right now and wanted to get that done before I spend a ton of time making my website. I recently did a lot of work to my condo so I have some pretty decent examples to do before and after. I wish they were better; they aren't totally done because I ran out of money. Argh, I'm just dying to start projects for other people.

I'm also considering home staging as a service.

Thanks for your advice!

Many thanks, jenniejen

Good luck with your business. Maybe you could advertise your (temporarily) free decorating offer? I bet you'd get lots of takers, and that might get your business rolling.

A little change of subject - I'm heading to Chicago this weekend to check out UIC. What shouldn't I miss when I'm in town? Some of my interests are: art, antiques, thrift stores, vintage, and obviously interior design. Thanks!

Hey Jen,
I was looking for this old thread and just found it, hope you get this...
Anyway, still looking to add to your portfolio? I'm coming home to Chicago next month after 9 months in Europe and can't wait to get started on my dining room! I've been at a loss for almost a year, I just can't decide what to do with it, I just know that I don't like it now. It has great original details, and huge potential, just needs to be updated. Want to help? I have *some* ideas. Let me know... thanks! -Tiff
-Maybe you've seen it featured here, I've asked for advice before!

oh my email is tiffany_sophia@yahoo.com

Thanks!