In an ideal world, an interior designer's diary would be booked year-round with exciting full-scale design projects, satisfying both their creative endeavours and their cash flow!

However, the interior design industry can be unpredictable. It's not unusual to experience long stretches of time between projects, and while new projects will undoubtedly come along, the periods in between can lead to financial stress.

Thankfully, there are other simple, even passive, ways for interior designers to make money. Interior designers can monetise their expertise in new and creative ways to ensure they keep a healthy revenue for their interior design firm year-round. These revenue strategies can help you boost your earnings through your interior design business and even reach a wider audience in the process!

Five alternative income streams for interior designers

Use affiliate links

Affiliate marketing is a low-risk, high-rewards revenue stream, primarily relying on the content you already produce.

To get started, you can search for affiliate programs that align with your brand and values. You can then incorporate affiliate links into your website, blog, or social media content, highlighting products that you use and recommend to your audience.

Some brands also accept ambassadors. You might want to keep an eye on their openings!

Write and publish an E-book

E-books allow interior designers to share their expertise, knowledge, and insights with a broader audience while earning income through sales.

You can sell it on your website or platforms like Amazon and promote it through social media, email marketing, and other channels. You can also book a gig as a writer for other interior designers.

While writing an e-book does require an initial investment of time and effort, it can generate passive income for years to come.

Coach fellow interior designers

If you are an established designer, you have valuable knowledge and expertise that can help aspiring designers navigate the complex world of interior design.

You can help them avoid common pitfalls, develop their skills, and build a successful business. You can also offer one-on-one coaching sessions, group coaching programs, or online courses to share your knowledge and experience.

Start a YouTube channel

Interacting with suppliers and clients is essential for your interior design business, so facing a camera and engaging with strangers may be something you are comfortable with.

Becoming a YouTube blogger offers you an opportunity to enhance your brand and image as an interior designer. Once you establish trust with your audience, you may become eligible for monetisation or receive brand collaboration deals.

If you're unsure about the type of content to create, consider focusing on interior design tips and hacks that you are familiar with, and then build from there.

Set up a virtual store

Working with a variety of projects helps you develop your aesthetic taste, leading you to find the best suppliers of furniture and decor. You can recommend their items in your e-commerce shop.

You can also feature your very own products. It could quite possibly be a muted coloured welcome rag you have personally sewn to an acacia coffee table you sourced from Southeast Asia.

The takeaway

As an interior designer, work is not always guaranteed.  Juggling your creative passion with the demands of commercial jobs is always a common dilemma.

Although uncertainty and misfortune are part of the journey, there are ways for you to keep your interior design business' cash flow afloat even when work is slow. Whether it's establishing a presence on platforms like YouTube or exploring affiliate partnerships, there are numerous avenues to achieve financial security as an interior design business owner.