by Christian Schindler, Spandex Décor & Interior Refresh Expert, DACH

For well over a decade, interior décor has grabbed attention as a lucrative opportunity for sign makers and graphics producers. However, what’s less clear for many is exactly how to make the jump and take advantage of this untapped market. This why in this article I highlight and explain how feasible the shift can be.

No barriers – existing skills, familiar materials, minimal risk

The case studies and applications that are often used to showcase the décor opportunity can be impressive but perhaps a bit intimidating if you are new in this space. The truth is that, for any sign maker used to working with self-adhesive materials, décor or interior refresh films are very similar.

There are certainly complex applications, such as full kitchen wraps, that require a good amount of experience. But there’s a large volume of potential interior refresh work that involves straightforward flat applications on walls, doors, windows, floors, counters, desks, partitions and other simple surfaces, using every installer’s core skillset. Sign makers can start there, building up a reputation and generating revenue, whilst slowly improving their skills to move into sophisticated refresh projects and three-dimensional wrapping.

Décor doesn’t require big investments in materials or equipment, as installers already have a squeegee, knife and heat gun, which is all the tools you need. They can start with a few metres of film and do small jobs, or practice wrapping flat surfaces at their premises, as they build up confidence. This makes the interior refresh market fairly low risk to enter.

Plus, interior refresh is year-round work that isn’t seasonal or weather dependent. Providing additional job security for installers.

The time is now

For most sign-makers hoping to get started in décor, the opportunity lies in starting small and local, with interior refresh projects for the businesses they already serve – from local shops, cafes and restaurants, to small hotels and leisure venues.

It’s tough for many small retail and hospitality businesses as they plough ahead with post-COVID recovery in a challenging economy. Nevertheless, to promote themselves, attract customers, stand out from competitors and create an appealing ambience, they need to maintain, upgrade and optimise the look and feel of their space.

As they look for economical and straightforward ways to create a visually appealing environment, without the cost and disruption of traditional decoration, the time is now for sign makers to be proactive. The realities of today’s small business economy present the perfect opportunity to offer interior wrapping.

Selling the advantage of decor films

Decorative films is a great solution for updating commercial spaces without having to completely strip them of fixtures and furniture, and can be extremely affordable compared with traditional materials and processes. Just think about the practicalities of installing a counter top made of real marble or premium wood compared with just wrapping the existing countertop with a refresh film that creates the same aesthetic.

Finding décor customers

For sign-makers wondering how to identify prospective customers for interior refresh, it’s sensible to think about the businesses they are already serving. They are likely to be already working with self-adhesive materials for interior and exterior signage and branding, and already giving recommendations of where to place graphics to improve functionality and look.

Simply expanding that mindset to suggest other improvements for those businesses is really all that’s needed to unlock interior refresh possibilities.

By starting with these modest suggestions, installers can develop their creativity, confidence and experience with décor films, and start to identify other opportunities that may involve more advanced installation techniques, or extend to the creation of printed or textile décor elements.

Amazing potential

The décor opportunity can seem aspirational and remote when the truth is that most sign-makers are ready to take advantage of it, using their established client base and transferrable skills.

Existing experience, combined with high-performance materials and expert applications support mean just about any sign making business can confidently diversify into interior refresh. The shift requires minimal time and financial investment, reaping limitless possibilities and fast rewards.

Author – Christian Schindler

Christian has been working with interior design solutions for over 10 years and is currently the Market Development Manager for the Spandex DACH region. As an expert in the field, he has worked on numerous projects to offer both technical knowledge and creative advice to elevate spaces. He often acts as an intermediary between installers and end users to help both sides pick solutions that not only look good, but meet the specific demands of the project. When collaborating with Spandex customers, Christian uses a modern forward-thinking approach to create bigger business opportunities for installers and end users.

 

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