How can an interior decorator get a designer or trade discount?

You can register at big box stores ( Home Depot, Rona, Lowes etc.) as a contractor, with a business licence and business cards showing proof that you are a designer. Wallcovering, paint, furniture and flooring stores will also do the same if you are an acknowledged professional. Smaller operations will have their own system of passing on discounts, or not, to designers who frequently purchase product from them. They will then subsequent mark it up realistically to their client, as designers do have to earn a living, and the client will still probably benefit by a somewhat discounted product, better than what they would have gotten. If you are in business, I don't believe the difference between a decorator or a designer effects your discount. Keep in mind though that retailer's are wary of people posing as such to simply get a deal. Hope this helps.  more