Interior Designer vs. Interior Decorator: How To Understand the Difference
U nderstanding the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator is crucial when embarking on any design project. Despite common confusion, these two roles differ significantly in terms of their scope, skills, education, and qualifications.
An interior decorator focuses primarily on furnishing and decorating interiors. They are skilled in selecting color schemes, furniture, fabrics, and decor items. While they may have a good eye for aesthetics, they do not engage in more technical aspects of interior design, such as making structural alterations. Therefore, you would not hire a decorator for any large renovation projects. Decorators are also able to obtain a recognized certification from The Certified Interior Decorators International (CIDI), validating their expertise and commitment to professional standards in interior decorating.
An interior designer is highly skilled at everything an interior decorator can do plus they are also trained to create functional and aesthetically pleasing interior environments. They possess expertise in space planning, structural changes (such as removing a wall), and overall design. Interior designers typically have architectural draftsmen on their staff and provide drawings such as floor plans, furniture layouts, elevations, and 3D color perspective drawings for a client. Additionally, they undergo formal education in design school to become an interior designer. Many interior designers may also choose to pursue NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualifications) certification to become a licensed interior designer.
It is important to know the differences between the two. There is a clear difference between interior design and interior decorating. Do you need a designer or decorator? If your project involves more than just furnishing and decor (such as layout changes or construction work), you will likely need to hire a designer. They can manage the entire process, from initial planning to final execution.
What is an Interior Designer?
- Job Title: A professional interior designer is someone who specializes in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing interior environments. They combine artistic creativity with technical expertise and formal training to design spaces that optimize the use of space, enhance the quality of life, and reflect the client's personality and preferences. They analyze spatial layouts, plan furniture arrangements, select color schemes, specify materials and finishes, and design lighting solutions to create cohesive interiors.
- Focus: They work across various sectors including residential, commercial, and institutional projects, collaborating closely with clients, architects, contractors, and vendors to ensure that concepts are translated into successful, customized spaces that meet both practical and aesthetic objectives.
Skills and Expertise
- Technical Proficiency: Interior designers usually have team members that are proficient in using design software and tools such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Revit for creating floor plans, elevations, and 3D models. Many designers are members of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), which offers resources, continuing education, and professional support to enhance their skills and uphold industry standards.
- Project Management: They oversee the entire design process from concept to completion. This includes coordinating with all professionals involved in the project. They manage timelines, budgets, and resources.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Established interior designers are skilled problem solvers who can anticipate challenges and propose creative solutions to overcome them. Since designers are experienced at handling home renovations & additions, they can quickly and easily handle any issues that arise during the project.
- Custom Cabinetry & Millwork: Great design firms are also able to design and install kitchen & bathroom cabinetry, wall panelling, moldings, and unique stair railings as well as built-in units, such as bookshelves, fireplace mantels, and bars.
- Material & Finish Selection: They have knowledge of a wide range of materials, finishes, and furnishings available in the market. They also have access to the best resources, vendors, and contractors.
- Contractor Referral: Experienced designers will be able to refer you their contractors whom they have vetted thoroughly, so you can feel confident you're getting the best team for your project. They can also compare bids with other contractors that you may want to work with.
Interior Designers excel at renovating spaces like this kitchen I redesigned.
Types of Projects Handled
- Complete Home Renovations: Overseeing extensive renovations of entire homes, including layout changes, interior finishes, and integrating modern amenities.
- New Home Building Projects: Collaborating with architects and builders on spatial arrangements, layouts, materials, and finishes for new constructions.
- Commercial Offices & Hospitality: Optimizing office layouts for functionality, workflow, and productivity. Creating luxurious, welcoming environments for hotels, resorts, restaurants, and spas.
What is an Interior Decorator?
- Job Title: An interior decorator specializes in enhancing the aesthetic appeal of interior spaces through the artful selection of furnishings, color schemes, accessories, and decorative elements.
- Focus: Decorators work on the surface-level aspects of design without making structural modifications to the space. They excel in creating cohesive and stylish interiors by arranging furniture, choosing fabrics and finishes, selecting artwork, and integrating decorative accents.
Both Designers & Decorators enhance rooms with furniture & decor.
Skills and Expertise
- Color Coordination: Good decorators skillfully select paint colors, wallpapers, fabrics, and finishes that work with each other and create a cohesive color palette throughout the space.
- Furniture Selection: They excel in selecting furniture that not only fits the aesthetic style of the space but also meets functional requirements. They consider factors such as scale, proportion, and layout.
- Accessories & Decor: Decorators have a discerning eye for selecting artwork, rugs, lighting fixtures, mirrors, and other decorative elements that enhance the style and ambiance of a room.
- Styling Expertise: They curate spaces that tell a cohesive story and reflect a unified vision. They bring together different textures, patterns, and materials to create layered and visually dynamic interiors.
What's the Difference Between Interior Designers vs. Interior Decorators?
Scope of Work
Interior Designers:
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Technical Expertise: They are skilled at creating detailed floor plans and construction documents using CAD (computer-aided design), working directly with architects and builders to ensure that the design is feasible and compliant.
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Material & Finish Selection: Designers select materials, finishes, and fixtures that not only look good but also fit the functional requirements of the space. This includes choosing flooring, countertops, cabinetry, and more.
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Project Management: Design pros oversee the implementation of their designs. Designers often work closely with contractors, suppliers, and other professionals to ensure the project stays on track and within budget.
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Customization: Interior designers create customized solutions tailored to the client’s specific needs and preferences. They may create custom furniture designs, cabinetry, and other elements.
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Regulations & Safety: They need to be knowledgeable about building codes, safety regulations, and accessibility standards to ensure that their designs comply with legal requirements.
Interior Decorator
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Surface Treatment + Aesthetics: They often handle the selection and application of paints, wallpapers, and other surface treatments to enhance the appearance of a space. They work on styling and decorating a space by selecting color schemes, furniture, textiles, and accessories to create a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing look.
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Furniture and Accessories: Decorators are responsible for choosing and arranging furniture, artwork, rugs, curtains, and other decorative items. Their work is primarily concerned with the visual and stylistic aspects of a space rather than its functionality.
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Styling: Many interior decorators may offer advice on how to style a room for a specific purpose, such as staging a home for sale or creating a particular atmosphere.
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No Structural Modifications: Unlike interior designers, decorators do not typically make structural modifications to a space or deal with building codes. Their work is usually limited to the decorative aspects of the interior.
Here I redesigned the stair railings and updated the furniture & decor.
Skills and Design Services
Interior Decorator Skills:
- Aesthetic Sense: Create interiors with visually appealing arrangements.
- Color Theory: Expertise in color schemes and their effects.
- Textiles Knowledge: Understanding fabrics and materials for decoration.
- Furniture Selection: Choosing and arranging furniture for style and function.
- Accessory Coordination: Selecting and coordinating decorative accessories.
- Styling and Presentation: Designing spaces to achieve specific looks or themes.
- Trend Awareness: Keeping up with and applying current design trends.
Services:
- Interior Stylists: Enhancing spaces with furniture, accessories, and textiles.
- Color and Finish Selection: Choosing paint colors, wallpapers, and other surface treatments.
- Furniture and Accessories: Sourcing and arranging decorative items.
- Space Enhancement: Improving existing spaces without structural alterations
- Home Staging: Preparing homes for sale through styling.
Interior Designer Skills: Everything an interior decorator does PLUS...
- Space Planning: Optimizing layouts for functionality.
- Technical Drawing: Creating detailed floor plans and construction documents.
- Building Codes: Knowledge of regulations and safety standards.
- Material Selection: Choosing and specifying materials, finishes, and fixtures.
- Project Management: Overseeing design implementation and coordinating schedules and estimates with contractors.
- Custom Design: Creating bespoke solutions, including custom furniture.
Services: Everything an interior decorator does PLUS...
- Space Layout and Design: Developing functional floor plans.
- Design Documentation: Providing detailed construction drawings and specifications.
- Renovation and Remodeling: Managing renovation and remodeling projects.
- Project Coordination: Handling the execution of designs and managing professionals.
Who is Right for Me?
Assessing Your Needs
Do I need a interior designer or an interior decorator? Consider the following questions to assess your needs.
- Are Structural Alterations Needed? If your project involves modifying the layout, removing or adding walls, or making significant structural alterations, you likely need the expertise of an interior designer. Designers are trained to handle such changes.
- Is Space Planning and Functionality a Priority? If optimizing the use of space, improving traffic flow, and ensuring functionality are key priorities, an interior designer can develop detailed space plans and layouts that maximize efficiency and usability.
- Do You Need Comprehensive Project Management? If your project requires oversight from concept to completion, including coordinating with architects, contractors, and other professionals, an interior designer is equipped to manage the entire process. They handle project timelines, budgets, and ensure that all elements of the design are executed according to plan.
- Is Aesthetic Enhancement the Main Focus? If you primarily seek to enhance the visual appeal of your space through furniture selection, color schemes, and decorative accents, an interior decorator can provide expertise in creating cohesive and stylish interiors.
A powder room I designed & renovated with my amazing team!
When to Hire an Interior Designer vs Interior Decorator
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Large-Scale Renovations: When undertaking major renovations an interior designer's skills are invaluable.
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New Constructions: Here, designers collaborate closely with architects. Designers also add to the development of floor plans & also creating the most optimal furniture layouts, lighting plans, and built-in designs when needed.
When to Hire an Interior Decorator
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Updating Rooms: To refresh the look and feel of your rooms without making structural changes or major renovations, an interior decorator can provide expert guidance.
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Adding Finishing Touches: If you've recently completed a renovation or moved into a new home and need assistance with styling, accessorizing, and home decor, a decorator can help with all of your design needs, adding the finishing touches that bring your vision to life.
Let’s Talk About Your Project!
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2 Comments
I had no idea there was such a big difference between interior designers and decorators! This post was really eye-opening and will definitely help me choose the right person for my next project.
Hi Jordan, thanks for your nice comment and happy to hear our post was helpful! Give us a call for your next project so we can help you achieve all your home design dreams and goals 🙂 XO Lara