What Interior Design Business Equipment Should I Buy First?
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- Sep 4
- 3 min read
Starting an interior design business is an exciting step—but knowing what tools and equipment to invest in first can make or break your early success. Whether you're launching a residential design studio, staging homes, or offering design-build services, having the right gear helps you work efficiently, impress clients, and stay competitive.
At Wexford Insurance, we specialize in helping interior designers protect their businesses with tailored insurance solutions. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential interior design equipment, software, and tools you need to get started—plus how to protect your investment with the right insurance coverage.
1. Laptop or Desktop Computer
Your computer is your command center. Choose a high-performance laptop or desktop with:
Fast processor (Intel i7 or Apple M-series)
Ample RAM (16GB+)
Dedicated graphics card (for rendering)
Large screen or dual monitors for multitasking
2. Interior Design Software
Professional software is essential for creating floor plans, 3D renderings, and mood boards. Start with:
AutoCAD – For technical drawings
SketchUp – For 3D modeling
Foyr Neo – For fast, photorealistic renderings
Adobe Photoshop – For presentations and mood boards
Floorplanner – Easy-to-use browser-based tool for beginners
3. Measuring Tools
Accurate measurements are the foundation of great design. Invest in:
Laser measuring tool (e.g., Bosch or Leica)
Standard tape measure
Soft measuring tape for curved surfaces
4. Smartphone or Digital Camera
You’ll need high-quality photos for:
Before-and-after shots
Portfolio building
Social media marketing
Look for a phone or camera with excellent resolution and low-light performance.
5. Printer and Scanner
A reliable printer/scanner combo helps you:
Print floor plans and contracts
Scan sketches and signed documents
Create physical mood boards
6. Sample Kits and Swatches
Keep a collection of:
Paint chips (Pantone or Sherwin-Williams)
Fabric swatches
Flooring samples
Countertop and tile samples
These help clients visualize materials and make confident decisions.
7. Sketchbook and Drawing Tools
Even in a digital world, hand sketches are powerful. Keep:
A professional sketchbook
Fine liners, markers, and colored pencils
A portable clipboard or drawing board
8. Project Management Software
Stay organized with tools like:
Asana, Trello, or Monday.com – for task tracking
QuickBooks or FreshBooks – for invoicing and budgeting
Dubsado or HoneyBook – for client onboarding and contracts
💡Read more: Best project management tools for designers
9. CRM (Client Relationship Management) Software
Track leads, follow-ups, and client preferences with tools like:
10. Insurance to Protect Your Equipment and Business
Once you’ve invested in your tools, it’s time to protect them. At Wexford Insurance, we offer specialized coverage for interior designers, including:
Interior Design Business Insurance Options
General Liability Insurance – Covers third-party injuries and property damage
Commercial Auto Insurance – Protects vehicles used for business
Commercial Property Insurance – Covers your office, studio, or showroom
Workers Compensation Insurance – Required if you have employees
Tools and Equipment Insurance – Covers laptops, cameras, software, and samples
Final Thoughts
Starting your interior design business with the right equipment sets the tone for professionalism, efficiency, and client satisfaction. From software and sketchbooks to measuring tools and CRM systems, these essentials will help you launch with confidence.
And don’t forget—protecting your investment with insurance is just as important as buying the tools themselves.
👉 Contact Wexford Insurance today to protect your creative business.
