We all want our homes to look like they belong on a magazine cover, but executing that vision is harder than it looks. Interior design is more than just picking throw pillows; it is a complex industry rooted in architecture, psychology, and data.
We analyzed the latest reports to bring you the definitive guide to interior design facts, statistics, and market trends.
Key Takeaways
- Interior design has ancient roots that trace back to early cave paintings and Ancient Greece.
- The global interior design market is projected to exceed $255 billion by 2027.
- California holds the highest employment level for interior designers in the US with over 9,000 professionals.
- Most professional designers charge hourly rates between $50 and $200.
US Interior Designer Employment Numbers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports over 60,650 interior designers currently work in the United States. California boasts the highest concentration of these professionals, with 9,420 designers calling the state home. The high demand in Los Angeles likely drives this density.
Experts predict the industry will grow by 13 percent over the next decade, with specialized design services jumping by 20 percent.
Quick Interior Design Statistics
Here is a snapshot of the most impactful facts and stats:
- Interior design concepts originated with the Ancient Greeks.
- Elsie De Wolfe is widely considered the founder of the modern industry.
- The most expensive rug in history sold for over $34 million.
- Analysts expect the global market to hit $255 billion by 2027.
- The US interior design market generated $40.7 billion in 2020.
- The average age of a working interior designer is 43.
- California employs more designers than any other state.
- Washington, DC offers the highest job density for designers.
- Spanish is the most common second language in the field.
- Hourly rates for designers typically range from $50 to $200.
Fascinating History and Trivia
This industry might feel modern, but its roots stretch back thousands of years. Check out these historical facts and trivia:
1. Ancient Origins
The Ancient Greeks used design principles to decorate their homes with status symbols and intricate furnishings. However, you can trace the true origins back to the dawn of humankind.
French cave paintings from 30,000 years ago prove that early humans cared about their interiors. They used these spaces for storytelling and expression long before civilization took hold.
2. The First Designer
Elsie De Wolfe coined the term “interior design” just under a century ago. Most historians regard her as the founder of the profession. She began her career as an actress designing theater sets before transitioning to homes.
She launched her design firm in 1913 and published the influential book “The House in Good Taste.”
3. The Timelessness of White
White remains a dominant force in design because it rarely looks outdated. This minimalist approach uses muted shades of cream, off-white, and neutrals to create clean lines. Designers often pair these neutral bases with bold accent colors to create depth.
4. The Rule of Color Harmonies
Designers utilize color harmonies to build cohesive schemes for clients. These harmonies typically involve specific combinations on the color wheel. The goal is to ensure colors complement one another rather than creating visual chaos.
5. Psychology of Space
Psychology dictates color choices in professional design. Bedrooms often feature warmer deep reds or muted blues to promote sleep and relaxation.
Conversely, kitchens and living areas benefit from bright yellows or vibrant reds to stimulate energy. White works well in lounges because it allows homeowners to change the mood easily with soft furnishings.
6. Record-Breaking Rugs
A buyer purchased the world’s most expensive rug for $34 million at a Sotheby’s auction in New York City. It is unlikely anyone walked on it at that price. Experts believe the rug is of Persian/Kerman origin and previously belonged to the Clarke collection.
7. Industry Regulations
Regulations have tightened significantly over the last few decades. The Americans with Disabilities Act transformed the landscape by requiring designs to accommodate those with limited mobility.
This is less critical for private residences, but federal law mandates these accessibility standards for public and commercial buildings.
Market Growth and Industry Trends
The industry is seeing massive shifts in revenue and technology. Here is the data behind the growth.
8. Global Market Value
The global interior design market sat at $150.7 billion in 2020 and is on track to reach $255 billion by 2027. This sector still trails the massive home improvements industry, which generates over $600 billion globally.
9. US Market Share
The US market generated $40.7 billion in 2020. While impressive, this falls short of the Chinese market. Estimates suggest China’s industry will hit $57.6 billion by 2027, thanks to an 11.9 percent growth rate.
10. The Major Players
China, Japan, the US, Europe, and Canada combined for $11.3 billion of the total market in 2020.
Projections show this group growing to $17.8 billion by 2027. The rapid expansion of Chinese urban development fuels much of this surge.
11. International Expansion
The international growth rate for interior design markets will hit four percent by 2025. This equals a revenue increase of $24.1 billion.
Global Shift
The Asia/Pacific region is expected to see a massive 35 percent increase in market size during that same timeframe.
12. Canadian Market
Canada saw a two percent growth rate between 2015 and 2020. The industry there is now worth over $1 billion and supports 7,572 businesses.
13. UK Market
The UK experienced a compound growth of 11.2 percent from 2017 to 2018. Online demand and a booming housing market drove this spike. These figures have likely accelerated further following the pandemic.
Demographics and Salary Expectations
We examined the business side, but what does the average professional look like?
14. Not Just for the Young
You might picture a designer as a carefree bohemian fresh out of school, but the average age of an interior designer is 43. Women dominate the field, making up 72.7 percent of the 42,897 people employed in the industry as of 2020.
15. Diversity Struggles
Interior design remains a predominantly white profession (86 percent). Only 4.1 percent of designers are Asian, and 7.4 percent are Latino or Hispanic.
African Americans make up just 1.2 percent of the workforce. Native Americans represent the smallest group at a mere 0.1 percent.
16. The Gender Pay Gap
Men earn significantly less than women in this specific industry, which is a rare statistical anomaly. Men make up 22.4 percent of the workforce and earn an average of $49,366 annually.
The industry average sits higher at $53,000 per year. For comparison, a millennial with a college education earns roughly $36,000 on average across all fields.
17. Pricing Structures
Designers usually charge between $5 and $12 per square foot. This fee covers consultation, management, and furnishing procurement. Total project costs generally range from $1,893 to $11,180.
18. Location Density
California employs the most designers (9,420), followed by Florida (4,380) and Texas (4,160). New York employs 3,990 designers, while Illinois has 2,380. Alaska has the fewest, with only 40 registered interior designers.
19. Highest Earners
You might assume California pays the best, but Wyoming actually holds the top spot with an average salary of $65,000. Indiana sits at the lower end with an average of $37,000.
20. Education Requirements
Qualifying as an interior designer takes two to four years. An Associate Degree typically takes two years, while a Bachelor’s Degree requires four.
21. Pandemic Impacts
COVID-19 shifted the focus from pure aesthetics to ventilation and social distancing. Designers now prioritize airflow and personal space.
Commercial spaces have adapted permanently. For example, many bars now rely on table service rather than crowded bar counters to maintain distance.
Customer Demographics and Hotspots
Where should you set up shop if you want to succeed?
22. Top Cities for Work
Labor market stats highlight five top cities: Washington DC; Jacksonville, FL; Miami, FL; Seattle, WA; and St. Louis, MO. Surprisingly, no Californian cities appear in the top five despite the high number of working designers there.
San Francisco is the highest-ranking Californian city, sitting at ninth place.
23. Second Languages
Spanish is the most spoken second language among US interior designers (40.6 percent). French follows at 13.5 percent, and Italian at 7.2 percent.
The prevalence of Spanish correlates with the high number of design firms located in California and Florida.
24. Wealth Correlations
New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago boast the highest density of millionaires per capita. This wealth concentration explains why California employs the highest number of designers.
The lesson is simple: if you want a lucrative career in design, go where the money is.
25. Hourly Rates
Most designers charge between $50 and $200 per hour. This fee includes consultation, design, sourcing, and contractor management. Most homeowners spend between $5 to $12 per square foot for a complete job.
FAQs
Who Was the First Interior Designer?
Elsie De Wolfe is widely regarded as the mother of interior design. She launched her company in 1913 and authored the seminal book “The House in Good Taste.”
Who Are the Most Successful Interior Designers?
Joanna Gaines has achieved massive national brand status in under a decade. Martyn Lawrence Bullard is another heavyweight, known for designing homes for celebrities like Elton John and Kylie Jenner.
What is an Average Interior Designer Salary?
The average salary is $53,000 per year. However, entry-level roles in some states start as low as $37,000, while top-tier professionals in wealthy hubs earn significantly more.
What is the Future of Interior Design?
Future trends lean toward biophilic design, which blends warm textures with nature. Earthy tones, grays, and tans are replacing stark minimalism, and smart home integration is becoming standard.
What Is the Difference Between an Interior Designer and a Decorator?
Interior designers focus on the architecture, function, and safety of a space and often require a degree and certification. Decorators focus strictly on the aesthetics, such as furniture, color schemes, and accessories, and generally do not deal with structural planning.
Final Thoughts
Interior design is big business. It requires far more technical skill than just coordinating curtains. While we all like to think we have an eye for style, professional designers bridge the gap between structural necessity and artistic vision.
Hopefully, these interior design facts gave you a better appreciation for the science behind the style.
