IX Reading and Comprehension

Exercise 21. Read the text for 10 minutes.

A). Explain the essence of the work of an interior decorator.

B). List steps you think are the most important (useless). Suggest your steps.

C). Name potential clients of an interior decorator.

Notes:

1. to stay abreast –не відставати

2. word of mouth –словесно

3. bed and breakfasts – напівпансион

4. to ebb – погіршуватися

5. discount – знижка

Text D Ten Steps to Becoming an Interior Decorator

1. Train Your Eye

If you’re interested in becoming an interior decorator, you probably already have an idea about what good design looks like. However, you can continue to develop this by staying abreast of the trends popular in the industry and watching them change. You’ll be able to get feel for what’s out there and what’s in style. You can do this by flipping through design magazines or by attending art galleries, offices of professionals, etc.

Get an Education

Interior decorators are expected to know the specifics of the business. This includes space planning, lighting, furniture and decorating styles, use of colour, textures and applications of different types of fabrics, floorings, wall coverings, paint, use and placement of accessories. You can learn all this through books and websites, but the fastest, easiest, and most comprehensive way to ensure you learn the essentials is by taking an interior design course.

Practice at Home

It is important to have some decorating experience before experimenting with the homes of others. Most interior decorators will work with their own home in order to gain some experience

and develop their style.

Volunteer with Friends and Family

Once you’ve tried a few things out on your own, you may want to consider offering to decorate the homes or offices of your friends and family. This will be a great opportunity for you to not only practice your decorating techniques, but also to expose yourself to working for other people and with their spaces.

Prepare a Portfolio

The purpose of a portfolio is to convince a client or a firm to hire you, so, along with your

designs, you should include letters of recommendation and ‘design boards’(materials you work with) that will convince your future employer (client or firm) of your talents. On every job you should be sure to take ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos of the rooms that you design.

Get a Job

Even if your ultimate goal is to have a business of your own, starting with a job in the industry can be crucial to your success. It will teach you about the business, not to mention introduce

you to clients who, if they like your designs, may stay with you after you move on.

Start Your Own Business

If you are interested in starting your own business there are a number of things to consider. Initially you will need to decide on business matters. You may also begin your solo career by working from home.