DESIGNER vs. DECORATOR: What’s the difference?
The terms interior designer and interior decorator are often used interchangeably, even though there are significant differences between the two. While we love adding in furnishings and accessories and final details, that is only a small part of what we do as interior designers.
So what is the difference between an interior designer vs. interior decorator, and when should you use an interior designer?
Short answer is: Designers create functional spaces within a building, while decorators adorn a space with decorative elements.
Keep reading to learn what characteristics set the two apart and which will suit your needs the best.
What is an Interior Designer?
| Education
Interior design requires formal training, typically from a four-year program from an accredited college. Another important difference is interior designers are involved in the project from beginning to end, where interior decorators are typically only brought in at the end. Designers study people’s needs to create functional, structural living or work spaces to satisfy those demands. Decorators furnish interior spaces with furniture and accessories, creating an aesthetic environment. As a result, interior designers may decorate, but decorates are not permitted to design.
We also must have expertise in building codes, Life Safety, health and well-being, ADA Guidelines, sustainability, construction, technical drawings, project management, lighting design, and more. As you can tell, there is a lot more to interior design than just what you see in the pretty photos on Instagram!
| Credentials
To practice as a designer, some states require interior designers to be licensed or registered. Some states also require the NCIDQ Certificate, the industry’s recognized indicator of proficiency in interior design principles, to demonstrate their experience and qualifications. Although not needed everywhere (NC,SC not needed), many interior designers elect to undergo credentialing and certification to set them apart from decorators.
| Duties
An interior designer researches and analyzes their client’s needs and plans interior layouts to make them aesthetically, socially and physically functional. We use technology to create virtual plans before coordinating with construction teams to carry out the design.
Interior designers adhere to building codes and regulatory requirements and have strong problem-solving skills. We also work directly with our clients, architects, builders and other trade professionals to create a successful project.
2009 - College graduation - Bachelor of Science- Interior Design
What Is an Interior Decorator?
Interior decorating is outfitting a space with aesthetically pleasing elements such as furniture, wall-coverings, accessories, rugs and more. Interior decorators do not work with architects to create new interior spaces; they embellish interior spaces that already exist.
| Education
There is no formal training requirement for interior decorators because they focus primarily on aesthetics. They do not plan or participate in renovations or structural planning. A decorator focuses on the surface look of the space. Many interior decorators have degrees in related fields or have entered the profession as a career change or as a hobby turned business.
| Credentials
Credentialing and licensure are not required to practice interior decorating professionally. However, there are courses focused on color and fabric, room layouts, space planning, furniture styles and offer decorators formal certifications to authenticate their training.
| Duties
Decorators help their clients decide on a style, choose a color scheme and purchase furniture and accessories. They are often hired to spruce up an existing space that needs to be updated or redone. Decorators work directly with homeowners and handyman. They are not involved with contractors or architects, but they often partner with furniture makers, upholsterers, painters and other industry professionals that provide services for home decoration.
When to hire an Interior Designer?
As you may have guessed, interior designer rates are typically higher than an interior decorator due to the level of experience and education you are receiving. If you are building a new home or doing a remodel, having the expertise of an interior designer is essential to making sure the space functions the way you need. From curation to finish, starting with a designer in the planning phase saves you time, money, allows you access to our professional resources and of course that wow factor we are all looking for!
Here at The OC, we go even a step further, we truly get to know you (the user). We dig deep into why your space doesn’t work and how you need it to work for your everyday. Everything in your home triggers an emotional response; the layout of the room, the lighting, the use of materials, the presence of plants, the use of color, and the use of art. We are good at managing multiple perspectives and really understand what our clients truly want. Krystle has over 14 years experience making homes even better than what clients envisioned.
Pro Tip | Decorators are known to hire degreed designers to their team to handle all aspects of the design.
Photo | Julia Fay Photography
If you are looking to build a new home or remodel your current home, The O’Neill Casa is here for you! We specialize in creating family friendly spaces that reflect your style of living. Contact us to schedule your Free Consultation.
