Difference Between an Interior Designer and an Interior Decorator
Although interior decorating and interior design are frequently used interchangeably, they are two different occupations. While both designers strive to produce stunning and useful living areas, there are some key distinctions between the two. The distinctions between an interior designer and an interior decorator will be discussed in this blog article.
Interior design: What is it?
A career in interior design entails creating and organising aesthetically pleasing and useful interior spaces. In order to create secure, useful, and aesthetically pleasing spaces, interior designers collaborate with architects and contractors. They are in charge of deciding on colour palettes, materials, and furnishings that will improve a room’s general appearance and feel.
A bachelor’s or master’s degree in interior design is frequently held by interior designers, who usually have a formal education in the subject. Depending on the state where they practice, they might also need to complete a licencing test. Interior designers can work on domestic or business projects and may have a particular area of expertise, such as sustainable design or kitchen and bathroom design.
A bachelor’s or master’s degree in interior design is frequently held by interior designers, who usually have a formal education in the subject. Depending on the state where they practice, they might also need to complete a licencing test. Interior designers can work on domestic or business projects and may have a particular area of expertise, such as sustainable design or kitchen and bathroom design.
What exactly is interior design?
On the other hand, interior decorating focuses on the aesthetics of a room. Interior designers collaborate with clients to choose colour palettes, furniture, and decorative accents that will improve a space’s general look and feel. They might also offer suggestions for where to put furnishings and other decorative items.
Interior decorators may have finished courses or training programmes in the field, but they typically lack a formal education in interior design. Interior painters are not required to have licenses, but some may choose to do so in order to gain recognition from a reputable body, such as the Certified Interior painters International. (CID).
Interior Design and Interior Decorating Differences
There are some key distinctions between interior designers and interior decorators despite the fact that both occupations aim to produce lovely and useful living spaces.
Training and Education
The background and schooling of interior designers and interior decorators are two key distinctions. A bachelor’s or master’s degree in interior design is frequently held by interior designers, who usually have a formal education in the subject. Depending on the state where they practice, they might also need to complete a licencing test.
On the other hand, interior decorators may have finished programmes or classes in the field but typically do not have a formal education in interior design. While there are no licencing requirements for interior decorators, some may choose to become certified by a professional group, such as the CID.
Scope of Work
The scope of their job is another distinction between interior designers and interior decorators. Interior space planning and design are skills that interior designers are educated in. They collaborate with architects and builders to create spaces that are secure, useful, and satisfy the requirements of the client.
On the other hand, interior decorators concentrate on the aesthetics of a place. They collaborate with clients to choose colour palettes, furniture, and decorative accents that will improve a space’s general appearance and feel. They might also offer suggestions for where to put furnishings and other decorative items.
Licensing Requirements
Another distinction between interior designers and interior artists is the need for licensing. In some states, in order to operate, interior designers need a license. Regular licensing prerequisites include completing a licensing exam, as well as requirements for education and work experience.
On the other hand, interior decorators are usually exempt from licencsng requirements. However, some people might decide to get certified by an expert body like the CID.
General Goals
Another distinction between interior designers and interior decorators is their general areas of expertise. The overall aesthetics and usability of a place are the main concerns of interior designers. Taking into consideration the requirements of the client, they work to design a space that is both visually pleasing and practical.
On the other hand, interior decorators concentrate on the aesthetics of a place. They make an effort to design a room that is both aesthetically appealing and in addition to offering guidance on decorative aspects like colour schemes, furniture style, and accessories. Although some of their work may overlap with that of interior designers, their main objective is to improve a space’s look.
Working together with Other Professionals
Although they both work together with other professionals in the design business, interior designers and interior decorators have different roles and responsibilities. To make sure that a space’s design complies with building codes and laws, interior designers collaborate closely with architects and contractors. To make a place useful and well-lit, they might also collaborate with engineers and lighting designers.
On the other hand, interior decorators deal mainly with clients and occasionally with suppliers and furniture manufacturers to source furnishings and decorative elements. They may collaborate with architects and contractors, but their main concerns are with the aesthetics of a place, not with its overall design and functionality.
Cost of hiring an interior decorator or designer
Another distinction between the two occupations is the cost of hiring an interior decorator or designer. Because of their formal schooling, specialised training, and involvement in the overall design and functionality of a space, interior designers typically charge more than interior decorators. Given that their primary concern is the aesthetics of a place, interior decorators may bill at a lower rate.
When to Hire an Interior Designer vs. an Interior Decorator
Now that we have explored the differences between Interior Designer Vs an Interior Decorator, you may be wondering when to hire each professional. Here are some guidelines to help you decide:
When to Hire an Interior Designer:
- When you are undertaking a major renovation or new construction project
- When you need to comply with building codes and regulations
- When you need to work with architects and contractors to design a space
- When you need help with space planning and functionality
- When to Hire an Interior Decorator:
- When you want to refresh the look and feel of a space without major renovations
- When you want to enhance the aesthetics of a space
- When you need help selecting furnishings and decorative elements
- When you want to work with a professional who specializes in decorative design
Final Reflections
In conclusion, there are two distinct professions—interior design and interior decorating—each with its own set of specialties, requirements for schooling and training, and legal obligations. Interior designers are primarily focused on the overall design and usefulness of a space, whereas interior decorators are focused on the aesthetics of a space, although there may be some overlap in their work. You can choose the expert you want to work on your next design job by knowing how these two professions differ from one another.
