When the time comes to give your home a makeover and you’re looking for some professional help, often the question of interior decorating or interior designer comes up. While there is overlap, there is a difference.
Decorators have an eye for what looks great in your home. They are able to find, source and procure furnishings, soft goods, accent pieces and other decor. They will help you put together a color scheme that works for you and help you implement it. Though there is no required certification or degree to be an interior decorator, most have a passion for it and have taken courses and studied design elements. Some have degrees in related fields. Where they are limited is with structural changes.
Interior Designers also have a keen eye for aesthetics, functional space planning and color schemes. They, however, DO get their hands (and their required education and certification) into the structural elements of your design project. They work closely with architects and contractors to remodel your homes structure (lighting/electrical, appliances, cabinets and counters, plumbing, faucets and water features, flooring, walls, etc.). Great designers provide renderings for clients (and contractors) to visualize the finished project. And they, too, will be able to help with furnishings, soft goods, decor, and so on.
An easy way to think about it is this…
- If the changes you seek are for elements of your home that are attached to or part of your home (structural) AND new colors, styles, etc. you’ll most likely have greater success and rewarding benefits by using the services of an interior designer.
- If you’re looking to change things up to the elements/things that go IN to your home (aesthetics), you will be happy with the services of a decorator.
But whether decorator or designer, your decision should be based on the quality of their work, their experience and the experience of their other clients such as yourself.
This article in “The Spruce” is a great reference tool!
https://www.thespruce.com/interior-design-vs-interior-decorating-1976740
