Interior Designer vs. Interior Decorator: What’s the Difference?
If you’ve been considering hiring a design professional to help with your next home project you’ve probably come across two titles while doing your due diligence: Interior Designer and Interior Decorator. While they are often used interchangeably, their roles and expertise are quite different. In this post, we’ll break down what each of these professionals does, how they can help with your project, and ultimately, the difference between an interior designer vs interior decorator.
Spoiler alert: If you're planning a renovation or large-scale project, you'll definitely want to work with an NCIDQ-certified interior designer - like me! (More on that later.)
So What Does an Interior Designer Actually Do?
As an interior designer, my job goes beyond aesthetics. Sure, I definitely care about how things look, but my role is much more comprehensive. We’re trained to create functional, safe, and beautiful spaces that meet both your needs and local building codes. Here’s what sets interior designers apart:
Education and Training:
Interior designers typically hold a degree in interior design or a related field (mine is architecture). This schooling covers everything from space planning and color theory to materials, lighting, learning about building systems and structures, and how to design spaces that meet health and safety standards. Many interior designers, myself included, are also certified by professional organizations like the NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification), which proves our expertise in building codes, accessibility standards, and safety regulations. You can learn more about what it means to hire an NCIDQ-certified interior designer in this post.Renovation Expertise: If you’re looking to knock down walls, relocate plumbing, or reconfigure your layout, an interior designer is the professional you need. We collaborate with architects, contractors, and engineers to ensure your project runs smoothly and meets all technical requirements. Oftentimes, depending on the scope of your renovation, if you hire a certified interior designer you will not have to hire a separate architect. Our expertise in spatial planning and building code allows us to design layouts that improve functionality through your home’s architecture, not just how the room looks.
Project Management: Large projects come with a lot of moving parts. Interior designers also manage timelines, budgets, and contractors on your behalf to ensure everything comes together seamlessly. This level of project management can be the difference between a smooth renovation and a stressful one.
If your project involves more than just swapping out furniture or changing paint colors, you’ll probably want an interior designer to handle the complexities.
What Does an Interior Decorator Do?
Now, let’s talk about interior decorators. While their focus is primarily on aesthetics, decorators can be a great resource if you’re looking for a quick refresh or want to update the style of a room without making structural changes. Here’s what to expect from an interior decorator:
Focus on Furnishings and Decor: Interior decorators are skilled (just like interior designers) at selecting colors, furniture, fabrics, and accessories that fit your personal style and enhance the visual appeal of a space. They can help you pull together a cohesive look using your existing furniture or source new pieces that bring your vision to life.
No Structural Changes: Unlike interior designers, decorators don’t deal with architectural changes or renovations. They work within the existing structure of your home, making it look beautiful but without altering its bones.
No Formal Training Required: While many decorators have a great eye for design, they don’t need formal education or certification to practice. Some may have completed design courses or worked in the field for years, but it’s not a requirement.
If your goal is to refresh your living room or bedroom without any major construction, hiring a decorator could be a quicker and more budget-friendly option.
When to Hire an Interior Designer vs Interior Decorator?
So, how do you know when to hire an interior designer vs interior decorator? It comes down to the scope of your project.
Interior Decorator: If you want to update a room by changing the color palette, swapping out furniture, or adding some fresh decor, an interior decorator might be the right fit. They’ll help you select beautiful furnishings, textiles, and accessories that enhance your space without making structural changes. Interior decorators are also usually more budget-friendly as fees typically reflect the knowledge and expertise of the professional.
Interior Designer: For larger projects that involve renovations, new layouts, or customized designs, an interior designer is essential. Interior designers manage everything from the initial space planning to the completion of construction documents, right through to the final installation, ensuring that your project is functional, safe, and beautiful. While we will also handle soft furnishings and decorating, similar to what an interior decorator would do, this is just one small part of the broader scope of our work. If you’re planning a major remodeling project like a kitchen, bathroom, or redesigning an entire home, an interior designer will bring the expertise needed to create a space that not only look stunning but also works seamlessly for your lifestyle.
The decision to hire an interior designer or interior decorator really should boil down to the scope of your project. If you’re simply looking for a refresh, a few new furnishing pieces, or a quick update an interior decorator may be a budget-friendly way to bring your vision to life.
However, If you’re planning a renovation, reworking the layout of your home, or taking on a large-scale project that involves more than just aesthetics, an interior designer is the way to go. Our expertise in technical design, code compliance, and project management ensures your space will not only look amazing but also function beautifully.
NCIDQ-certified interior designer like myself brings a level of knowledge, training, and experience that’s essential for ensuring a project’s success. If you’re planning on tackling a renovation or large-scale home project I would love to chat about how Paige Studio can work with you to bring your vision to life.
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