25 Interior Design Fun Facts and Statistics in the US and World

We all pretend to be “Interior Designers” from time to time in our own home, but Interior Design is a huge field on its own. 

In this article we have curated some interesting, end even fun, statistics and facts about the Interior Design industry and about the people working in this field.

Let’s see them below:

1) How many interior designers are there in the US?

The interior design industry is a vast and competitive one, playing a significant role in sustaining economies and providing employment.

In 2020 the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics conducted an analysis on employment related statistics of the industry in America.

The bureau’s data showed there were 59,170 people employed in the interior design industry with a mean annual wage of $61,400.

The 2020 data found that the state with the highest number of people employed as interior designers was California, with the number being 9,480.

The state with the highest hourly mean wages for designers was New York with the hourly mean wage being $34.25.

New York also had the highest annual mean wage for interior designers, which was $71,240 followed by California with annual mean wage of $70,310, 

2) Interior design employment rate and job outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics claimed that jobs in the industry are expected to decline by 5% between 2019 and 2029.

Although new construction might create demand for the industry, as far as existing infrastructure is concerned, self-employment opportunities are likely to be limited.

There is a relatively few amount of designers employed directly in the construction industry, but this industry is largely relied on for the creation of work for interior designers.

Work opportunities for designers is expected to be higher in high income areas, because that is where clients able to afford remodeling and renovation of their spaces, are likely to be found.

3) Interior design income/salary

With regards to median pay, the annual rate for 2020 was $61,400. The mean hourly rate was $29.52.

The designers in the lowest 10% bracket regarding annual earnings, earned around $33,020. Those in the highest 10% bracket earned more than $97,920.

4) Average pay for interior designers

This bureau also came up with data that determined the average pay for interior designers, in industries where services of interior designers are prominent.

Their 2020 data showed that the average annual payment of interior designers in architectural, engineering and related services was $68,000 and this was the highest payment level in the industry.

In specialized design services the mean annual wage was $59,840, in the wholesale trade it was $61,170, and for designers in furniture stores it was $52,820.

5) Fun facts about interior design

It is interesting to consider, that interior design is much older than many people realize. It is quite possible actually, that it even existed significantly in prehistoric times.

It is fair to say that art on the walls of caves which were ancient dwelling places, was not only about expression, but also about decoration.

That is indeed interior design! Ancient civilizations decorated the mud huts in which they lived, with tree branches and animal skins.

The ancient Egyptians used painted vases, sculptures and animal skin to decorate their homes.

Although societies are largely globalized, interior design tastes  differ vastly from country to country.

This is understandable as interior design differences are influenced by cultural preferences and resource availability.

It’s also interesting to note, how interior design influences people’s psychological state of being. Lighting and color choices are directly associated with this.

The reason why this is so fascinating, is the way it shows how people seek happier frames of minds in ways that do not directly meet the eye.

It is quite understandable, especially in turbulent times of great distress and uncertainty. The manifestation of people’s need to feel peaceful and happy, starts in their immediate surroundings and environment.

It starts in people’s homes and work places. It begins there for the sake of it being extended to all other facets of life.

6) Top cities for interior design

Interesting data from a research organization called EMSI and labor market data, indicates the cities in which the interior design is more vast than other cities.

Appearing in their ranking order, the top 5 cities are as follows:

• Washington DC,
• Jacksonville FL,
• Miami FL,
• Seattle WA,
• St. Louis, MO

7) Is interior design in high demand?

Fluctuations in the economy such as changing levels of consumer spending, tend to influence the level of demand for interior designers.

However the demand from hospitals, restaurants and offices, for industrial interior designers is notably high.

While the demand for these three categories of infrastructure is high, it’s interesting to consider the turn these demands will take, and how some aspects of these demands may increase and others decrease.

Take hospitals for example, medical science suspects that we are in the age of pandemics and COVID-19 has given reason for that suspicion.

Resurgences of pandemic viruses like the corona one, causes health care facilities to become strained, burdened and crowded.

It is reasonable to assume that in the face of problematic pandemics, health care facilities including hospitals will increase in number.

Obviously an increased market for hospital design and construction, would mean an increased market for hospital interior design.

An increase in the construction of hospitals, would mean an increase in various forms of large scale architectural designs for the sake of the construction.

Interior design is a by-product of architecture and the various shapes and forms of architecture, would cause various forms of interior design to simultaneously follow.

To give some examples of the various forms of designs for hospitals that would seem likely to be implemented, one must consider that the need for social distancing in hospitals has increased.

Designers are likely to conscientiously design buildings that are social distancing friendly. This would influence the designs of hospital entrances and exits, the designs of hospital corridors and the designs and sizes of hospital wards.

What is also likely, is the provision for such hospitals of built in mechanisms and facilities for sanitization on the scales necessary for staff, visitors and patients.

All these various design and construction possibilities, make for a wide range of the kinds of potential interior design resultantly has to flourish.

Restaurants also offer a multitude of possibilities, regarding how the future of interior design will play out.

Again we see how pandemics could influence the architecture for future restaurants, which would influence their future interior designs which would go with the architecture concerned.

Restaurants are also likely to become social distancing friendly, meaning the creation of more spacious buildings.

Needless to say more space means more potential interior design possibilities of many kinds. COVID-19 has caused many people who initially liked to eat in restaurants, to opt for restaurant delivery and take away services.

This could give rise to the boom of a market of architectural designs for restaurants, with minimum facilities and space for eating in, with more emphasis on provisions for infrastructure/facilities for people to be able to queue at counters.

This would give rise to large potential for the kind of interior designing that would be suitable for this architecture. 

Just as we see floor markings in public places to indicate the need for social distancing and to mark where people must stand accordingly, it may become a specific trend for such markings to be applied largely to restaurants, and that in itself is a form of interior design.

This trend could make for numerous possibilities in a quest to be creative and artistic, in the implementation of such markings.

Offices are also not short of their share of potential for the interior design industry. They warrant a demand for the industry now, but will their level of demand decease?

The pandemic caused people to work from home, many organizations and individuals, discovered that that is more suitable than working at office premises.

People realized they would have been better off doing so before the pandemic, and a remaining trend of people working from home is inevitable.

Could this mean a future of significantly less need for office space, resulting in a significantly less need for interior designing.

Just like restaurants and hospitals, interior designing may well take a turn for offices if they become conscientiously social distance friendly.

If workforces will be working from home, workplace premises may become large board rooms instead of smaller work spaces, if people are essentially only required to go to work premises for board meetings.

Again, the relevant architecture concerned, would influence the relevant interior designing concerned.

8) What degree do you need to be an interior designer?

For most interior design firms, the necessary qualification to gain employment as an interior designer, is at least a 2 year undergraduate degree in the field.

The first year of this necessary degree for the field, involves design fundamentals and basic hand and digital drawing skills. The second year involves specialized spheres such as color and lighting.

9) What do interior designers do?

Interior designers work with their clients to create aesthetic rooms and spaces. They may work at private residences or at large organizations.

The environments they seek to benefit with their skills may be simple indoor or outdoor ones, or those of upmarket mansions and hotels.

They seek to apply a decorative touch to infrastructure, making it appealing to the eye. They are concerned with light, color and styles etc.

10) Interior design market size

There is no doubt of how significant the role of interior design in the global economy is. An organization that provides statistical data called statista, claimed that the global interior design market, was worth approximately 121.1 billion US dollars.

A publication called Technavio, produced a report that analyzed the interior design markets of South America, Apac, North America, EMEA, and Europe.

According to the report, the growth between 2019 and 2023 for these markets is expected to be 23.15 billion US dollars.

11) Top interior design firms in the world

An organization called Archute which deals with architecture and interior design, highlighted the world’s top interior design companies:

Bates Masi + Architects is a very prestigious interior design company, based in East Hampton, New York. It received more than 86 awards from various spheres of the design world.

Brad Ford ID is also a New York company, focusing on a balance of space, light and color for all their design work. 

1508 London is a firm which specializes in Multi Unit Development, hospitality and private residences. This London based organization, earned a reputation for design method for high quality project completion.

12) Industrial design versus interior design

Industrial designers are the designers who have earned more respect than other designers have, because of the scarcity of their skills. After all, it only takes an average person to be able to be creative enough to decorate spaces and apply a nice ambience.

13) Who was the first interior designer?

The first interior designer was a remarkably inspiring woman who paved the way for the industry as it is currently known – her name was Elsie de Wolfe.

She was born in New York, and educated in New York and Scotland. Initially she was an actor, so she started off with designs for the theater which boosted her reputation for talent.

This led to her creating designs for private homes and clubs, and by 1913 she had her own company. Her success led to her publishing a book called The house in good taste.

14) Famous female interior designers

Female interior designers of modern society also have highly inspirational reputations. Examples are Kelly Wearsteer, Sussann Khan, Patricia Urquiola and Jennifer Post.

15) Most famous interior designers

Other interior designers have also taken the industry by storm, 3 of the most famous are, Joanne Gaines, Nate Berkus and Peter Marino.

In only 6 years Joanne Gaines had a flourishing empire in the industry. Her clients have been the likes of brand giants like Target and Anthropologie.

Nate Berkus earned coverage for himself on the Oprah Winfrey show. He started his company in 1995 at age 24, and has been the subject of considerable media exposure.

A publication called ADPRO, declared Peter Marino fashions’ favorite ‘architect’. Having started his company in 1978, he earned his fame in jewelry, fashion and luxury brands.

16) Most popular color for interior paint

The most popular color for paint in the interior design industry, has evidently shown itself to be white in various tones.

This is because of its dominance in the best seller paint market. As white is associated with tranquility, this is clear evidence of the psychological aspect of interior design coming to the fore.

17) Most popular interior design styles

Publication called Adorable Home indicated the most popular styles for interior design. Some of these are the Modern architecture and design style, Mid-Century modern style, Minimalist style and Scandinavian style (and many more).

The modern architecture and design, which is inclusive of interior design, concerns styles united in a common approach. It can be referred to as a celebration of material, technology and composition.

This is strategically done through authenticity, transparency and efficiency.

Mid-Century modern is a style that became prominent soon after the second world war. The prominence of interaction with nature and the outdoors and color is the makeup of its character.

The minimalist arts movement of the 1960’s and 70’s, gave rise to the minimalist style of interior design. With its focus being the bare basics, it provides an aesthetic that relies on design efficiency. Urban style is reflective of urbanization, prioritizing on bringing it indoors.

The Scandinavian style is one of considerable popularity. It involves efficiency, functionality and simplicity.

18) Interior design specialties

A specialty of interior design is lighting design. This concerns lighting installations for an effective decorative and eye caching touch. Art galleries and museums tend to make use of this.

Another specialty is universal design which involves accommodating people’s broad needs across the market spectrum. Catering for the physically disabled is an example, for instance lever mechanisms would be installed rather than doorknobs.

Another specialty, sustainable design involves designs of environmental friendliness for environmental stability. An example would be using non-toxic materials. This is particularly fitting in societies’ ever-increasing attempts to go green.

19) Most popular interior design concept

A particularly popular concept of interior design, which is the most famous one of the 21st century, is minimalism.

It is noted for the tremendous impact it has had on the market, which explains the popularity of the minimalist interior design style.

In this way interior design shows us something interesting about society, and that is ever evolving technology and development, and increased innovation in its broadness, people also very much like to keep things simple.

20) First interior design woman

The significance of Elsie de Wolfe cannot be emphasized enough, and there are numerous reasons for marveling of this remarkable icon.

No doubt her fame and prestige as an actress, and as being married, to English diplomat Sir Charles Mendl, ideally boosted her designing career. The way she replaced prominent Victorian styles with ones of her own taste is very intriguing.

However, the significant thing about this icon of this intriguing industry that has evolved so much since she started it, is the way her prestige that comes with starting it is so very fitting for trends of women’s liberation from the bondage, of the remanence of a highly oppressive era.

Indeed, the foul stigma of women being considered second best lingers in all corners of society. Efforts to quell this stigma cannot afford to be relaxed, and we need to see a drive to promote women in the broadness of the interior design industry, not to mention other industries.

A great strategic means of promoting women interior designers, is to go back to the roots of the industry, and become deeply rooted in the approach of just as it began with an inspiring woman, the future of the industry will bustle with our great interior design women of tomorrow. 

21) Here are some of the most popular interior design colors

Sherwin Williams’ Silver Grey / Natural Beige

For those who love the feel of hygiene but are tired of the white walls of minimalism, the lovely pairing of silver grey and pale beige, particularly wood tones, offers a wonderful balance. Imagine walking along a beach as the sun burns off the morning fog. You can almost hear the waves.

Hunter Green / Rich Red

The return of deep hunter green is a bonus for anyone who loves the look of against rich foliage. Unlike the brighter green of a Christmas Elf costume, hunter green is a plush velvet against which other colors can glow. Tones from cherry red to warm brick will look terrific paired together.

Cadet Blue / Neons of Pink and Orange

Just as all flowers look great against a dark green backdrop, the clear tone of cadet blue, darker than sky but paler than navy, can be an excellent backdrop to many different tones. Consider blue shelving or drawer towers in a child’s room to help toys of every tone stand out.

Forest Green / Light Gray

Forest green has an endless warmth. From throws to rugs to furniture, this color invites you sit down, stretch out, kick off your shoes and snuggle in. Light gray gives the eye a break without bringing a harsh edge to a room. While they are a contrast, they work, as do velvet and silk.

Newburyport Blue and White

Like clouds against an ocean horizon, blue and white always bring a sense of freshness to a space. Both work well with wood tones from light maple to warm oak to lush cherry. From your carpeted bedroom to your laminate kitchen, you can enjoy the clean lines of blue and white.

22) This is the most popular carpet style in interior design

If you grew up in the 70s, you may remember shag carpet. While new shag could be quite comfortable, it was challenging to clean and grew rather dated. Luckily, the style that once defined an era is new and improved for today’s homeowner.

Nowadays, the most popular carpet style is Twisted pile carpet.

We have all been spending a lot of time in our homes. The plush comfort of twisted pile carpet comes from collecting small, tightly twisted fibers that create a plush field for bare feet.

This construction of carpet is quite easy to clean because the fibers are inherently stain resistant.

Even better, the texture offers a great deal of visual variety. On a solid carpet, each piece of lint can make the floor look dirty. Twisted pile carpet is variegated to the eye.

23) Average cost to hire an interior decorator/designer

For a basic design, you can expect to spend about $100 per hour for the services of an interior designer. However, this may not be the best use of your money or their input.

Your ultimate goal needs to be considered before you call a designer. Do you need new furniture? You can expect to pay a flat rate for the project or the room. For example, the average cost of a redesign of a home can be expected to run about $5,000.

Going into it, make sure you have a good grasp on what items you want to keep. If you have a heirloom piece that is important to you, let the designer know.

They may be able to help you find new pieces to match or highlight your heirloom piece that would never have been able to find on your own.

If you simply want a rendering and color choices, pay the lower amount. However, if you are looking to completely re-do your home, use your designer’s skills and connections to the utmost by paying the whole house cost.

Of course, the furniture and accessories will be added to the bill, but your delight in owning furniture that can’t be found in a local store will be completely worth it!

24) Interesting facts in interior design psychology

Color can have a huge impact on our energy, our ability to focus and even our physical comfort.

Yellow can be cheerful, but it can be tiring to the eyes. Blue can be soothing, but may make you feel chilly. Red can be energizing, but it can also make you argumentative.

Additionally, the light of a space can have a big impact on your pleasure in being there. Natural light is nearly always soothing.

If your living space has dark corners, consider adding mirrors at the end of hallways so light can be spread sustainably.

Finally, talk to your designer about gathering the essentials and nothing more. Clutter is what you define as too much. Give each piece some breathing space to create a sense of freedom and movement.

25) Here are some of the best Interior design Schools/Universities in USA

Savannah College of Art and Design:

Students at this college will learn how to put together a portfolio, to present well and to collaborate. they can also study at one of the satellite schools in nearby Atlanta or in Lacoste, France.

Parsons School of Design New School:

This school allows students with some schooling under their belts to get a two year associates degree. They also offer a BFA in interior design. This school, situated in New York City, offers students a wide variety of access to other firms, galleries, and auction houses.

Cornell University:

The Cornell program is part of the College of Human Ecology’s Human Centered Design Department. This design program comes at interior design from the world of the sciences; physics and psychology are paired in unique and creative ways.

New York School of Interior Design:

Students can get a one year certificate, a two year associates or a four year Bachelor’s of Fine Arts from NYSID. The training available from this school can also contribute to an MFA. Technical skills and quality communication are integral to the program.

Syracuse University:

Students at Syracuse will challenge the status quo of design and work on new housing concepts. In their junior year, they will be allowed to study overseas in London or Florence, learning more about this very human field of study.

Sources

1) BLS Gov 2) BLS Gov 3) BLS Gov 4) BLS Gov 5) cocoweb 6) apartmenttherapy 7) careerexplorer 10) statista , technavio 11) archute 13) stylist UK 14) essentialhome 15) architecturaldigest 16) Benjamin Moore 17) adorable home 18) hunker 19) kraum 20) Wikipedia 21) Mydomaine 22) Healthyhomeflooring 23) Forbes 24) Alexanderpollock 25) Architecturaldigest