Breaking into freelance work can feel overwhelming—but for interior designers ready to step out independently, fractional roles offer freedom, flexibility, and real income potential. Whether leaving a firm or building your side hustle into something bigger, the right tools and connections make all the difference.
There are more opportunities than ever to build a business that reflects your creativity and ambition, with options for fractional interior design work available through curated job platforms, strategic networking, and more. And with Besolo on your side, you can focus on landing your next freelance interior design gig and let us set up the best solo business structure and confidently manage the admin side of your solo interior design business.
How to get your first fractional clients as an interior designer
Securing your first few clients as a freelance interior designer isn’t about blasting your services to everyone. It’s about targeted visibility—putting yourself in front of the right people in the right way. These strategies help you attract quality projects and set the foundation for long-term, referral-based growth.
Engage your network (privately)
When transitioning to freelance interior design work, a great first step is reconnecting with people already familiar with your work:
- Reach out to former colleagues, past clients, vendors, or friends in adjacent industries (such as real estate or architecture). These contacts can be excellent sources of referrals.
- Send a short, personalized message that includes:
- A brief note about your transition to freelance work
- The types of projects you’re looking for
- A clear explanation of how they can refer you if an opportunity arises
Engage your network (publicly)
Publicly announcing your freelance interior deisgn journey can open doors to new opportunities and support:
- After having private conversations with key contacts, make a public announcement.
- Use platforms like LinkedIn or Instagram to share your news—posts or stories work well.
- Highlight that you’re going freelance and are open to projects or collaborations.
- Include a few samples of your recent interior design work to showcase your skills.
- Make it easy for people to support you by clearly stating your availability and contact info.
Remember, people want to cheer you on—so give them a reason to reach out or refer you!
Continue to post regularly
To stay top-of-mind with your audience, consistently share engaging and relevant content that highlights your work and expertise:
- Post project updates to showcase your latest work and demonstrate progress.
- Share design inspiration to highlight your aesthetic and creativity.
- Give a glimpse of your behind-the-scenes process to create transparency and connection.
- Feature client testimonials to build credibility and trust with potential clients.
- Use hashtags relevant to your services and location to increase visibility and attract the right audience.
The goal is to build trust and keep your work top-of-mind so that when an opportunity arises, people think of you first.
Join online communities
If you’re looking to grow your presence and reputation in the interior design world, online communities can be powerful platforms to connect and showcase your expertise:
- Join interior design Facebook groups, Slack communities, and subreddits
- Participate actively by:
- Sharing your knowledge
- Answering questions
- Offering advice to others
- Occasionally post about your availability for projects
- Focus on being helpful—this builds credibility and trust within the community
Set up referrals
Be proud of your fractional interior design portfolio and encourage client referrals clearly and effectively:
- Don’t be shy about asking happy clients to refer you
- Make it easy for them by providing a quick summary of the types of projects you’re best suited for.
- Consider creating a simple referral program:
- Offer a small thank-you gift
- Or give a discount on future services
Talent marketplaces
Sometimes, the fastest way to get work is to go where the clients already are. The best fractional and freelance talent platforms match you with people who need your fractional skills. If you’re wondering where to start, we’ve rounded up some of the best platforms where interior designers land freelance and fractional gigs successfully.
7 best talent marketplaces to find freelance interior design jobs
If you’re just starting or looking to expand your reach, talent marketplaces can be a goldmine for freelance interior design jobs. These platforms connect self-employed professionals with clients actively seeking flexible, project-based support. Whether you’re designing residential spaces, commercial interiors, or digital mockups, these marketplaces help you get discovered by the right people—and often by those already ready to hire.
1. Bark
Bark connects local service providers with people looking for help—including interior design. Clients submit requests, and freelancers can respond to leads in their geographic area. While you may need to pay to unlock contact details, the leads tend to be warm, and you can filter by project type, location, and budget range.
2. Interior Talent
Interior Talent is one of the only staffing firms focused entirely on the interior design industry. Their jobs board includes freelance, contract, and full-time opportunities, giving you a clear path to grow your client base while staying within your niche. If you want to align with architecture firms, hospitality groups, or developers, this is one to bookmark.
3. Contra
Contra is one of the newer kids on the block for freelancer marketplaces, but it’s a great new take with zero commissions for the freelancers (finally!!). So you can search for clients there and not worry about how much the platform is going to take from you.
Each platform offers a unique way to connect with clients and land freelance design projects. Explore a few that align with your goals, set up a standout profile, and start bidding on jobs that excite you.
Build your freelance interior design business with structure and support
Fractional work allows interior designers to choose projects that align with their style, values, and goals. Whether you’re starting or reimagining your career, platforms like Fractional Jobs and Go Fractional make it easier than ever to find high-quality freelance opportunities.
As your project pipeline grows, it’s time to treat your freelance work like a business. Besolo helps you easily form a Solo LLC or elect S corp status—so you’re ready for growth, tax savings, and professional credibility.
From compliance to benefits, Besolo’s self-employment OS gives you the tools to scale confidently as a business-of-one. You’re not just landing jobs—you’re building a career with freedom and intention.
