Interior Decorator vs. Interior Designer: Discover the Difference
Assemble your dream team.
During a home makeover, the terms “interior decorator” and “interior designer” are often used interchangeably, but they are entirely different roles in the world of design. Understanding the difference between an interior decorator vs. designer is essential for anyone looking to revamp their home or construct something new. Continue reading to learn more about the distinctions between decorators and designers so you can find the right professional for your project.
What Do Interior Designers Do?
In the comparison between interior decorators vs. designers, it’s important to note that interior designers will oversee building projects from initial conception to completion – often working closely with architects, civil engineers, and contractors to ensure that the design aspects align with structural considerations like safety and building codes. Their work includes drawing blueprints and floor plans, deciding on materials and furniture, and managing the timeline of their projects based on the goals and budget of their client.
Interior designers focus on creating functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces based on the needs of their clients. They require specific degrees and certifications to practice as professionals – learning about architecture, spatial planning, accessibility standards, design, and more to become certified. Due to their higher qualifications, interior designers tend to be more expensive to hire for your home project.
If you’re renovating your home and want to hire an interior designer, the best time to do so is in the beginning stages of your project once you’ve identified the space you want to remodel. Oftentimes, interior designers have a specialty – residential, commercial, or hospitality – so be sure to choose one with experience on your type of project. Ultimately, an interior designer will help you enhance the functionality and appearance of any space in your home, and are the best professionals to consult if your project requires structural changes and spatial planning.
While designers oversee a project from start to finish, interior decorators are often consulted in the final stages. Decorators put the finishing touches on a space to bring the client’s aesthetic vision to life. They decide on details like fabric types, color palette, and decor placement after all of the structural renovation has been completed. Interior decorators stay up to date on the latest trends in home design that will make your space feel welcoming and curated.
Interior decorating doesn’t require special training or education, though some professionals may seek out certificates to validate their businesses. You may consider hiring an interior decorator if you’re looking to freshen up your home without changing the existing structure, as they are often less expensive to hire than designers.
When it comes to comparing interior design vs. interior decorating, the main distinction is that designers can also take part in the decorating process, but decorators aren’t qualified to do all the work of a designer. While designers can plan structural changes and architectural features (like removing walls, adding windows, or relocating plumbed fixtures), decorators handle the final aesthetic decisions. Both play important roles in home design, but finding the right professional based on the scope of your project is the best choice.
Should you choose to hire either a decorator or designer, consider asking them for a portfolio of their work samples and references from previous clients to help you feel confident in your decision. It’s also important to establish a budget for your home project – keeping in mind that hiring a professional designer will likely be more expensive than a decorator. Whatever your decision, the goal of both these professions is to help you transform your house into a home.
