It's natural to get confused between designers and decorators when looking for help with a home renovation. Interior design and interior decorating may appear to be interchangeable terms for the same job — and there is some overlap: both deal with the inside of a home, making it appealing, functional, and livable.
There are, however, significant differences between the two. In a nutshell, interior designers deal with structural issues, whereas decorators deal with aesthetic issues. When it comes to homes, however, the distinctions and responsibilities can be hazy. Many interior designers also provide decorating services, and many interior decorators refer to their work as "designing."
Knowing the differences between interior designers and interior decorators, as well as when to hire one over the other, can save you money, time, and heartache — and increase your chances of a successful home renovation.
What is an interior designer's job description?
A professional trained in creating harmonious, usable rooms and areas within a building — the architect of its interiors, if you will — is known as an interior designer. According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS), interior designers "determine space requirements and select essential and decorative items to make indoor spaces functional, safe, and beautiful."
Interior designers approach a space from every angle, from the structural to the aesthetic. They are trained to work with both visible and invisible elements, such as the shape, size, and layout of rooms, as well as the placement of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and other functional systems, as well as their equipment and fixtures. They have the skills to manage a small space into a beautiful house and choose the best interior designers in Chandigarh
On new construction projects, interior designers frequently collaborate with architects and general contractors. Many focus on a specific niche, such as office buildings, hospitality, green spaces, or residential properties.
To do interior design for homes in the United States, no state requires a licence or qualifications (though some mandate certifications to work on commercial projects). The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) does, however, have specific requirements for how to qualify as an interior designer and style yourself. They are as follows:
- Completing a design school or other academic institution's accredited interior design programme for 40 semester hours or 60 quarter hours.
- Passing the NCIDQ exam (National Council for Interior Design Qualifications)
- Getting at least 10 hours of additional interior design training every two years
Many interior designers earn credentials from other industry associations in addition to passing the NCIDQ and becoming a member of ASID. The American Lighting Specialist (ALA), the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), and the Interior Design Continuing Education Council are some of the more common ones (IDCEC).
What is the role of an interior designer?
Interior decorators are more akin to home stylists than interior designers. They can furnish and decorate areas and spaces, but they aren't qualified to build, design, or alter their structural integrity. That isn't to say they can't transform a space with their knowledge of:
- Selection, placement, and layout of furniture
- Paint and wallpaper selection
- Treatments for the windows
- Decorative accents purchase
- Colour usage and combinations in the space as a whole
To become an interior decorator, there is no specific certification, exam, or formal education required; it is a field associated with on-the-job learning and experience, though some decorators may have studied art, architecture, or design.
Decorators may run their own businesses or work for a furniture or appliance retailer. They frequently order or purchase items directly for you, as well as assist you in installing or arranging them in the room.
Interior designers and decorators are two distinct professions.
What are the primary distinctions between an interior designer and an interior decorator?
Interior designers usually have more formal education and academic training than decorators. Many of them have a bachelor's degree in interior design or a related field (BFA or BS). There is no such thing as an interior decorator degree, and most professionals learn their trade on the job.
After that, there's the cost of their services. Designers and decorators charge in a variety of ways, including hourly, project-based flat rates, and percentages based on the total cost of items and services purchased — or a combination of these methods (like an hourly or flat consultation fee, then a commission on purchases). Interior design fees are generally higher than interior decorating fees, simply because an interior designer must invest in a higher level of education and credentialing.
According to HomeAdvisor, the average hourly fee for an interior designer is $50 to $200 per hour, while the average hourly fee for a decorator is $50 to $150 per hour. When you buy furniture from a specific retailer, you might get free decorating advice.
Differences in responsibilities
The biggest difference between the two professionals, however, is what they are trained to do.
Elvis Alcequiez, the Architect Designer at Forever Architect, who has worked with both decorators and designers, says "The decorator is more concerned with the aesthetics and style of the space and furniture, whereas the designer is more concerned with the functionality of the space and furniture."
"A designer will consider how the space interacts with its [external] surroundings, including natural incidence factors like wind and sun," he continues. A decorator, on the other hand, keeps his gaze inward, focusing on the "use and combination of colours in spaces and furnishings," as he explains. In other words, they take a look around the room.
Let's pretend you're planning a kitchen renovation. A decorator could bring the space together by defining a style (such as "farmhouse" or "contemporary"), assisting in the selection of paint colours and tiling, furniture and appliances, as well as adding accessories such as wall art, light pendants, interesting vases or objects, and assisting in the better organisation of the kitchen cabinets. They would improve the appearance of the kitchen, making it appear more spacious and possibly even providing you with additional storage or working space.
An interior designer, on the other hand, might suggest a completely different kitchen layout. They'd show you how to enlarge it or change the configuration of the major appliances (and the lines/wiring/pipes that go with it). They could assist in sourcing and replacing countertops, designing new custom cabinets, and adding an island; they could even supervise the contractors as they built and executed the renovations.
So, what's the big deal?
Why is it that there is still so much confusion between interior designers and decorators, given these distinctions? Partly because some interior designers do more than just design spaces; they also decorate them. But, more often than not, it's because many interior decorators refer to themselves as "designers" or as providing "design services" — even if what they primarily do is furnish. While some states have laws governing who can call themselves an "interior designer," these laws only apply to those who work on commercial structures. For residential projects, design/decorating services are unregulated: anyone can call themselves anything when it comes to home interiors.
Consider the popular online interior design services that collaborate virtually with clients via uploaded room photos, software renderings, and computer consultations. Despite their name, these services primarily provide decorating and furnishing advice, rather than reshaping spaces. Some won't even work on new construction or unfinished areas.
Do I require the services of a designer or a decorator?
The scope of your design project and your budget will determine whether you hire an interior designer or a decorator. An interior designer can work on any project, no matter how big or small, including structural and functional changes. Because the designer can work with (and supervise) contractors, they're ideal for a new build, an addition, or a major remodel.
When the room is complete, an interior decorator is brought in to focus on the aesthetic aspects of the job, such as furnishings, room flow, colour selection, and home accents. Although a decorator's services are less extensive than those of a designer, they may be more than adequate if all you need is a shopping companion to help you brainstorm ideas and find the perfect piece of furniture.
Choosing a professional
Are you unsure of the capabilities of the professional in front of you? Try looking for the credentials that are the mark of degree-holding, board-certified interior designers — the initials after their names. No matter what their firm's name is, a decorator is unlikely to have these affiliations.
Also, inquire as to what they do and have done on the previous projects they have in their portfolios. Do they have any prior experience working in an unfamiliar setting? Can they assist you in changing the size or function of a room? Will they be able to assist you in locating furniture and fixtures? Do you have contractors or installers to supervise?
The better option is determined by your requirements. "It is better to hire an interior designer when there is a significant space problem and the solutions required are focused on improving the quality of the space. "However, hiring a decorator is recommended if the space is functional and all that is needed is to improve the aesthetics and style."
