The Rocks, New South Wales50 interior designers near you

The field of interior design is accessible without a diploma. However, the vast majority of professionals in the sector have at least a technical diploma in building at baccalaureate level. Otherwise, training in applied arts and fine arts are the most popular courses and there are many courses recognised by the CFAI (French Council of Interior Architects), from BAC+2 to BAC+5, including the following

• BAC+2 level: BTS ERA (design and production of fittings);
• Level BAC+3: DNA (National diploma of arts option design), DN MADE (National diploma of art trades and design mention space), Decorator-interior consultant (ESAIL) and professional license in layout;
• BAC+5 level: DSAA (Higher diploma in applied arts with space option), DNSEP (Higher national diploma in plastic expression with design option), diploma from Ensad-Arts Déco specialising in interior architecture and diplomas from specialised schools (Académie Charpentier, École Camondo, La Martinière, Boulle, Olivier de Serres-Ensaama, etc.).

The interior decorator is only interested in the aesthetic aspect of the spaces he or she designs and personalizes. Therefore, he does not touch the structure of the buildings: facade, load-bearing walls, partitions, etc. His missions consist of advising his clients while taking into account their tastes and needs - what they are really looking for. He takes stock of the spaces to be fitted out as well as their budget. On the basis of this information, he will be able to propose an estimate. The interior design specialist produces a preliminary project which he submits to his clients for approval. He is used to juggling technical constraints, his clients' ideas and budget limits. He chooses the materials and colours, works on the lighting, selects the furniture and accessories, and may recover old furniture. He may also work with other trades: plumbers, electricians, carpenters, etc. On certain projects, he may have to work with an interior architect who is able to modify the structures and shapes of the rooms.

After several years, we are no longer in tune with the decoration of our home and want to change it. But unfortunately, not all of us are handy and don't know how to put our plans into practice. The ideas are there, but putting them into practice is another matter. This is where the interior designer comes in. He is the one who will translate our ideas into reality and advise us on what might or might not stand out.

Going through a directory like StarOfService allows you to come face to face, virtually speaking, with many interior designers in your region or city. All you have to do is follow the instructions on the screen to get in touch with them and then choose the one with whom you have the most feeling and who will be able to meet your expectations.

The cost of an interior decorator will depend on the project: advice, full follow-up with purchase of the new decoration, etc. Generally, the fee is fixed by the total amount of the work, i.e. a percentage of it. The specialist's fees represent an average of 10 to 15% of the amount of the work, excluding VAT, for a complete service until the work is completed. The hourly rate can vary from €6 to €90 depending on the decorator hired and the service to be provided. This difference can be explained by the fact that some services can be very specific. Here is the average rate for the main services:

• 150 €/hour for a one hour or one and a half hour consultation;
• Between 200 € and 250 € for the decoration of a room excluding materials and supplies;
• Between €500 and €1,000 for a complete service for a house, depending on its size.

There are as many things you might want to do in your home to improve the design, refresh the decor, etc. It is easier to choose when you know what you want to do. It is easier to choose when you know what you want to do. Do we just need a consultant to advise us on the possibilities of making our home more pleasant or do we need a complete service. As long as the project does not require planning permission, the interior decorator is the right person to turn to.

• How many years of experience do you have as an interior designer?
• What advice can you give me to make my project a reality?
• Can you show me the latest work you have done?