Hey there, fellow design enthusiasts! Are you tired of feeling like a jack-of-all-trades, but a master of none? Do you find yourself daydreaming about what it would be like to specialize in a particular niche, but you’re not sure where to start? Well, fear not my friends, because we’re here to help you get the vision for your career, and we’re going to do that by exploring a bunch of avenues you might not have thought of before.
You see, the world of interior design is vast and varied, and there are plenty of niches out there that you can specialize in. Whether you’re interested in sustainability, luxury, or even real estate development, there’s a niche out there for you. And the best part? By focusing on a particular niche, you can hone your skills, build your reputation, and become the go-to designer in your area of expertise.
So, let’s get started, shall we? In this post, we’re going to explore some of the most exciting and in-demand niche areas for interior designers. From high-end residential design to sustainability, we’ve got you covered. So, buckle up, get ready to be inspired, and let’s find your niche!
Interior Design Career Niche Master List
- General Interior Design Industry Niches
- Cross-Industry Interior Design Career Niches
- Environmental Sustainability Sector Interior Design Career Niches
- Luxury Sector Interior Design Career Niches
- Interior Design Stylistic Niches
- Consultancy and Business to Business (B2B) Interior Design Niches
- Metaverse, XR and Gaming Interior Design Career Niches
General Interior Design Industry Niches
Are you an interior design enthusiast looking to carve out a niche for yourself in the industry? With so many different design styles and specializations to choose from, it can be tough to know where to start. In this first section we’ll explore the most general interior design niches that most interior design students and graduates are aware of, as they make up a good share of the industry. From residential design to set design, here’s a great first list to get you started. Following this list there are another six lists you can check out.
Here is a list of some popular niches that interior designers can specialize in:
- Residential design: This is one of the most common niches, where designers focus on creating beautiful and functional spaces for homes and apartments.
- Commercial design: Commercial designers specialize in designing spaces for businesses, such as offices, restaurants, and hotels.
- Hospitality design: This is a subset of commercial design that focuses specifically on designing spaces for the hospitality industry, such as hotels, resorts, and restaurants.
- Healthcare design: Healthcare designers specialize in designing spaces for hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities.
- Retail design: Retail designers focus on creating visually appealing and functional spaces for stores and other retail environments.
- Event design: Event designers specialize in creating unique and memorable experiences for events such as weddings, conferences, and trade shows.
- Sustainable design: Sustainable designers focus on creating environmentally friendly and energy-efficient spaces.
- Universal design: Universal designers focus on creating spaces that are accessible and usable by people of all ages and abilities.
- Restoration design: Restoration designers specialize in renovating and restoring historic buildings, often using traditional materials and techniques.
- Set design: Set designers work in the entertainment industry, creating sets for movies, television shows, and theater productions.
- Lighting design: Lighting designers focus on creating functional and aesthetic lighting solutions for various spaces.
- Kitchen and bath design: Designers in this niche specialize in creating functional and beautiful kitchens and bathrooms.
- Feng shui design: Feng shui designers use ancient Chinese principles to create harmonious and balanced spaces.
- Virtual and Remote interior design: An increase in useful software and AI services have helped virtual interior designers establish fully online practices in recent years. Many solopreneurs operate this way.
Believe it or not, these are just a few examples of the many niches that interior designers can specialize in. By focusing on a particular niche, designers can develop a deep expertise in that area and attract clients who are specifically looking for those types of services.
Cross-Industry Interior Design Career Niches
Don’t be fooled into thinking that the interior design industry is your only option! As weird as it sounds, there are a lot of specializations out there that an interior designer could choose to focus on based on the knowledge of a second, complimentary industry. A good example of this is the real estate industry, which is a good neighboring field to collaborate with. There are many other niches related to other industries that interior designers can specialize in, including:
- Real estate development: Interior designers who specialize in real estate development work with developers to create beautiful and functional spaces in new construction projects.
- Property staging: Property staging is a niche where designers stage homes or commercial properties for sale, using design to create spaces that appeal to potential buyers.
- Property management: Interior designers can specialize in property management, where they work with property owners to maintain and update rental properties, including apartments, condos, and commercial spaces.
- Workplace strategy: Workplace strategists work with companies to create functional and efficient office spaces that meet the needs of their employees and enhance productivity.
- Branding and marketing design: Interior designers who specialize in branding and marketing design create spaces that align with a company’s branding and marketing strategy, helping to reinforce their message and attract customers.
- Entertainment design: Entertainment designers work with the entertainment industry to create unique and memorable spaces for events, such as movie premieres, award shows, and music festivals.
- Exhibition design: Exhibition designers create engaging and interactive spaces for museums, art galleries, and other cultural institutions.
- Healthcare facility planning: Healthcare facility planners work with healthcare organizations to design and plan medical facilities that are functional, efficient, and comfortable for patients and healthcare providers.
- Education design: Education designers specialize in creating engaging and functional spaces for schools, universities, and other educational institutions.
As this list shows, a little knowledge of other industries can open up new niches that allow interior designers to work closely with established businesses and bring their design expertise to a variety of different projects. Be aware that some of these types of interior design require more logistic work and long contract periods, but they can be very lucrative once they get going.
Environmental Sustainability Sector Interior Design Career Niches
On some level all interior designers are sustainability officers and agents. Interior designers these days are increasingly more interested in sustainability in interior design and on bringing change to the broader industry. The good news here is that the sustainability sector is set to grow by 20% over the next six years, and be worth $51 billion by 2029. Don’t take my word for it. Check out this article if you need convincing.
Considering the importance that understanding the challenges and applications of sustainable design options have, interior designers interested in this field can focus on a wide range of areas, including:
- Energy efficiency: Designers can focus on creating spaces that are energy-efficient, by using sustainable materials, designing for natural light, and incorporating energy-efficient lighting and appliances.
- Water conservation: Designers can incorporate water-efficient fixtures and appliances, such as low-flow faucets and toilets, as well as rainwater harvesting systems and other water-saving features.
- Materials selection: Designers can focus on selecting sustainable and environmentally-friendly materials, such as recycled or reclaimed wood, bamboo, and other rapidly renewable materials.
- Indoor air quality: Designers can focus on improving indoor air quality by selecting low-VOC paints and finishes, using natural ventilation, and selecting materials that don’t emit harmful chemicals.
- Waste reduction: Designers can focus on reducing waste by incorporating recycling and composting systems, using durable and long-lasting materials, and designing spaces that can be easily adapted or repurposed.
- Green building certification: Designers can focus on obtaining green building certification, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), by incorporating sustainable design practices and materials into their projects.
- Biophilic design: Biophilic design focuses on incorporating natural elements, such as plants and natural materials, into interior spaces to improve well-being and connect people with nature.
- Upcycling and repurposing: Designers can focus on upcycling and repurposing materials and furniture, such as converting old shipping containers into homes or using reclaimed wood to create unique and sustainable furniture pieces.
These are just a few examples of the areas that interior designers interested in sustainability can focus on. By incorporating sustainable design principles into their work, designers can create beautiful and functional spaces that are also environmentally friendly and socially responsible. Finding new ways to solve problems in this area can be really rewarding as designers can emerge as experts able to teach others how to implement the best eco-friendly design solutions.
Luxury Sector Interior Design Career Niches
If living the high life is what floats your boat, here are some niche ideas for interior designers who want to focus on the luxury sector. Keep in mind that these types of positions are usually filled by people with prior experiences in this niche areas, so if you are interested any of these, you will need to really do your homework and a lot of networking:
- High-end residential design: Designers can specialize in creating luxurious and personalized spaces for high net worth individuals and families, with a focus on exclusive materials, finishes, and furnishings.
- Private yacht and aircraft design: Designers can specialize in creating luxurious and functional interiors for private yachts and aircraft, incorporating the latest technology and materials.
- Boutique hotel design: Designers can specialize in creating unique and luxurious spaces for boutique hotels, focusing on creating a personalized experience for guests.
- Luxury spa and wellness design: Designers can specialize in creating luxurious and relaxing spaces for spas and wellness centers, incorporating high-end materials and equipment.
- Luxury retail design: Designers can specialize in creating luxurious and sophisticated spaces for high-end fashion boutiques and other luxury retail spaces.
- Luxury real estate staging: Designers can specialize in staging high-end properties for sale, using luxury furnishings and finishes to create a sense of exclusivity and sophistication.
- Luxury corporate design: Designers can specialize in creating luxurious and functional spaces for high-end corporate offices and headquarters, incorporating exclusive materials and finishes.
- Luxury restaurant and bar design: Designers can specialize in creating luxurious and visually striking spaces for high-end restaurants and bars, incorporating exclusive materials and finishes to create a memorable dining experience.
As you can see here, these are just a few examples of the niche areas that interior designers can specialize in to serve the luxury sector. By focusing on the luxury market, designers can find clientele with interesting products and usually generous budgets for creating exclusive and sophisticated spaces that cater to the needs and desires of high net worth individuals and businesses.
Interior Design Stylistic Niches
Interior design “styles” are what many people think of when they think of a niche. Looking at a stylistic choice as a niche, a designer who is known for a particular style or “look” may find more clients who appreciate the aesthetic and contract the designer to do similar work for them. Here is a list of common interior design style niches:
- Traditional: This style focuses on classic, timeless design elements such as ornate furniture, warm colors, and rich textures.
- Modern: Modern design features clean lines, minimalist decor, and a focus on function over form.
- Contemporary: Contemporary design borrows elements from both traditional and modern styles to create a unique and dynamic aesthetic.
- Mid-Century Modern: This style originated in the mid-20th century and features clean lines, bold colors, and a focus on functionality.
- Bohemian: This style embraces a free-spirited and eclectic vibe, featuring bright colors, patterns, and textures.
- Rustic: Rustic design emphasizes natural elements such as wood, stone, and metal, and features warm colors and earthy tones.
- Industrial: This style draws inspiration from factories and warehouses, featuring exposed brick, metal pipes, and concrete.
- Coastal: Coastal design features bright colors, beachy decor, and natural elements such as shells and driftwood.
- Scandinavian: Scandinavian design features clean lines, neutral colors, and a focus on simplicity and functionality.
- Art Deco: This style emerged in the 1920s and features bold geometric shapes, metallic accents, and luxury materials.
So, there you are. And these are just a few examples of the interior design style niches that exist within the industry. Each style has its own unique characteristics and can appeal to different types of clients and projects. By specializing in a particular style, designers can develop their skills and even create a signature look that sets them apart from the competition.
Consultancy and Business to Business (B2B) Interior Design Niches
Consultancy might not involve the contract work of other B2B design. Sometimes consultants just advise, without any further commitment, or they might manage the entire project from start to finish. Either way, this type of work draws on the general industry and also some government-level niches. In the case of interior sustainability and environmental consultants, they might be specialized enough as to only need to consult on jobs with city planners or urban architects. Knowledge of a secondary contributing skill, such as office psychology, media presentation or data analysis skills can come in really useful here, as well. With this in mind, here is a revised list of niche areas related to interior design consultancy:
- Office design consultant: Interior designers can specialize in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing office spaces for businesses of all sizes. This can include designing open-plan workspaces, private offices, meeting rooms, and communal areas that reflect the brand and culture of the organization.
- Retail design consultant: Designers can specialize in creating inviting and attractive retail spaces for businesses, incorporating branding elements and creating a unique customer experience. This can include designing product displays, signage, lighting, and layouts that encourage customer engagement and sales.
- Hospitality design consultant: Designers can specialize in creating beautiful and functional spaces for hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality businesses, taking into account the needs of both guests and staff. This can include designing guest rooms, public spaces, kitchens, and bars that create a memorable and enjoyable experience for customers.
- Healthcare design consultant: Designers can specialize in creating comfortable and healing environments for hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities, incorporating elements such as soothing colors, natural light, and ergonomic furniture. This can include designing waiting rooms, patient rooms, and treatment areas that promote healing and wellbeing.
- Education design consultant: Designers can specialize in creating functional and inspiring spaces for schools and universities, incorporating the latest technology and creating an environment that supports learning and collaboration. This can include designing classrooms, libraries, student centers, and other educational spaces that enhance the learning experience.
- Government design consultant: Designers can specialize in creating safe and functional spaces for government buildings, taking into account security and accessibility requirements. This can include designing public spaces, offices, and meeting rooms that meet the needs of government agencies and the public they serve.
- Sustainable design consultant: Designers can specialize in creating environmentally friendly and sustainable spaces for businesses and organizations, incorporating renewable materials, energy-efficient systems, and other green design elements. This can include designing spaces that reduce energy consumption, promote healthy indoor air quality, and minimize waste.
By specializing in interior design consultancy for any of these niche areas, designers can work with businesses and organizations to create spaces that meet their unique needs and goals. This requires a deep understanding of the specific requirements and constraints of each industry, as well as a focus on creating spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Metaverse, XR and Gaming Interior Design Career Niches
We love to talk about the opportunities starting to emerge for 3D and spatial designers in the Metaverse and gaming arenas. In case you missed any of our prior articles on the general topic, check out the links at the end of this section.
Here are some exciting emerging XR, gaming, and metaverse-related niches that could offer opportunities for interior designers:
- Virtual world creation: As the metaverse continues to grow and expand, there will be a need for skilled designers to create immersive virtual environments. Interior designers can specialize in creating virtual spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, incorporating elements such as lighting, textures, and 3D models.
- Gaming environments: With the rise of esports and competitive gaming, there is a growing demand for visually stunning gaming environments. Interior designers can specialize in creating gaming spaces that are optimized for performance and designed to enhance the player experience, incorporating elements such as lighting, seating, and audio/visual equipment.
- Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) design: As AR and VR technologies become more widespread, there will be a need for designers who can create compelling and immersive experiences. Interior designers can specialize in creating AR and VR experiences that allow users to interact with virtual environments, such as home decor or furniture showrooms.
- XR event design: As more events move online, there will be a need for designers who can create immersive virtual experiences. Interior designers can specialize in creating XR event spaces that are designed to engage and captivate attendees, incorporating elements such as lighting, sound, and interactive features.
- Digital art installation design: With the rise of NFTs and digital art, there is a growing demand for designers who can create immersive installations that showcase digital art. Interior designers can specialize in creating unique and engaging installations that incorporate digital art and technology, such as projection mapping and interactive displays.
By specializing in these exciting, new and emerging niches, interior designers can stay at the forefront of the latest trends and technologies. Creating innovative and visually stunning and even fantastical experiences for clients and customers is another huge bonus to this type of work. Hello, Steampunk and old West design themes!
Why Interior Design for the Metaverse is the Next Big Thing
How to Get Started in Web 3.0 and the Metaverse for Designers, Artists and Creators
Well, there you have it – a whole bunch of interior design niches to explore and conquer! Whether you’re drawn to the bright and bold world of maximalism, the clean lines and muted colors of modern design, or the luxurious and elegant realm of high-end real estate interiors, there’s a niche out there for you, my design friends.
And if you’re looking to focus on interior design consultancy, there are plenty of industries that can benefit from your expertise – from creating functional and inspiring workspaces for businesses, to designing healing environments for healthcare facilities, to crafting unforgettable experiences for customers in the world of retail and hospitality.
So go forth, fellow design enthusiasts! Explore your passions, carve out your niche, and let your creativity and expertise shine. With so many exciting and varied paths to pursue in the world of interior design, the sky’s the limit!
Happy design niche exploring!
–Vonsassy
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