Interior Designer vs Decorator: Key Differences Explained
Have you ever wondered what sets an interior designer apart from an interior decorator? With popular home renovation TV shows and a rise of DIY décor projects on Pinterest, the distinctions between these roles can get blurry. However, while their work often overlaps, interior designers and decorators actually have quite distinct skillsets, qualifications, and specialties.
Core Differences Summarized
Interior design involves the art and science behind creating functional, safe, and aesthetically-appealing spaces suited to client needs. Interior decorating focuses more narrowly on the aesthetics, furnishings, and styling to make rooms attractive per a desired decorative scheme.
In short:
- Interior designers may decorate, but decorators do not design
- Designers focus on technical, structural elements
- Decorators focus on decorative finishes and furnishings
Below we explain key differences in more depth across areas like responsibilities, background, ideal projects, and more.
Interior Designer Responsibilities
Interior designers manage a comprehensive start-to-finish design process for spaces like:
- Corporate offices
- Healthcare facilities
- Retail stores
- Restaurants
- Residential spaces
Their responsibilities include:
- Space planning – Layouts tailored for client functional needs and brand identities
- Lighting design – Technical plans balancing aesthetics, utility
- Furniture arrangements – For optimal human flow and usage
- Architectural detailing – Custom millwork, ceilings, flooring
- Construction – Coordination with building shell, systems
- Regulatory compliance – Adhering to state codes, environmental guidelines, and accessibility standards
This requires deep knowledge across:
- Ergonomics
- Architecture
- Engineering
- Building systems
Enabling interior designers to make structural changes to spaces.
Their solutions balance beauty, safety, and compliance with client goals like:
- Improved workflow
- Greater productivity
- Enhanced brand image
- Increased sales
Interior Decorator Responsibilities
Interior decorators possess specialized expertise in developing the aesthetic scheme and décor elements to customize the look, feel, and styling of client spaces.
Their key duties include:
- Color scheme creation – Palettes aligned with client preferences
- Fabric/finish selection – Upholstery, flooring, wall coverings
- Furnishing recommendations – Sources/selections for functional, visual harmony
- Accessory styling – Art, accent pieces pulling together overall vision
This talent for composing, coordinating, and layering decorative elements creates residential or commercial settings tailored to client desires around:
- Specific moods
- Decorative styles
- Personal tastes
- Brand imaging
- Target customer attraction
Interior Designer Qualifications
The complex technical expertise and lifesafety responsibilities involved in structural interior design requires formal education and certification to practice legally across most US and Canadian jurisdictions.
Typical qualifications include:
- College degrees – Minimum Bachelor’s level education in Interior Design or Architecture
- Professional experience – 2-5 years working under licensed mentor
- Licensing exams – Passage of the NCIDQ certificate
This governs adherence to:
- Building codes
- Sustainability standards
- Accessibility regulations
Ensuring designer accountability for health, welfare, and safety of building occupants.
Interior Decorator Background
Decorators come from a variety of backgrounds including:
- Art/design degrees
- Industry experience and specializations
- Self-education and experimentation with styles
While voluntary certifications exist, legal qualifications around decorating are less stringent compared to interior design.
This provides decorators greater flexibility across styles, projects, and work arrangements.
Ideal Use Cases
Armed with an understanding around key distinctions, you can better match projects to suitable experts.
Best Suited for Interior Designers
- Major renovations changing layout
- Ground-up building construction
- Commercial spaces like offices, retail
Best Suited for Interior Decorators
- Furnishing/finishing existing spaces
- Minor room refreshes without structural changes
- Residential projects on a budget
Conclusion – Evaluating Your Project’s Needs
In closing, interior design and decorating, while related in enhancing interiors, carry quite distinct roles and abilities. Interior designers drive structural enhancements ensuring spaces are functional, compliant, and targeting client goals. Decorators possess specialized talents curating aesthetics through furnishings, color schemes and styling tailored to personal tastes or brand imaging.
Assessing project needs around structural changes, budgets, aesthetics, and more can clarify which expertise suits best. Those desiring rigorous, accredited interior design training are encouraged to explore programs like RMCAD’s Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design. Their skills will facilitate even greater career opportunities improving human spaces and experiences.