Interior design and decorating play crucial roles when transforming a space, but they often need clarification. Although they share similarities, there are distinct differences between the two disciplines.
Understanding these differences can help homeowners and businesses make informed decisions when hiring project professionals.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Interior design and interior decorating often need clarification but serve different purposes. Interior design focuses on functionality and structure, making spaces practical and beautiful.
It often involves structural changes and working with architects. Interior designers typically require formal education and certification.
Interior decorating, on the other hand, is all about aesthetics. It enhances a room’s visual appeal without altering its structure. Decorators focus on furniture, colour schemes, and décor but do not require formal qualifications.
What Is Interior Design?
Interior design is a multi-faceted profession that goes beyond aesthetic enhancements.
It involves understanding space planning, architecture, and functional design principles to create a harmonious and efficient environment. The role of an interior designer encompasses more than just decorating a room.
Interior designers work closely with architects and contractors to ensure the space planning is functional and meets the occupants’ needs. Their work often involves structural alterations, such as moving walls, adjusting floor plans, or improving lighting layouts.
What Is Interior Decorating?
While interior decorating focuses more on aesthetics and furnishing, it does not involve the complex planning or structural changes associated with interior design.
An interior decorator typically uses colour schemes, furniture, and décor items to enhance a space’s visual appeal. They do not handle structural changes or renovations.
Instead, they focus on the surface-level aspects of a room, such as selecting paint colours, choosing furniture, and arranging artwork. Their goal is to create a cohesive look that reflects the client’s taste and personality.
Key Differences Between Interior Design And Interior Decorating
Now that we have defined the two professions let’s examine the main differences between interior design and decorating.
1. Focus On Functionality vs. Aesthetics
The key difference between interior design and interior decorating lies in their focus. Interior designers are primarily concerned with how a space functions, ensuring that the layout, lighting, and overall flow meet the practical needs of its occupants.
They create spaces that are not only beautiful but also highly functional. In contrast, interior decorators focus exclusively on aesthetics, enhancing the visual appeal of a space through colour schemes, furnishings, and accessories without altering its structural or functional elements.
2. Structural Changes vs. Surface-Level Changes
Interior designers often modify a space structurally. They may reconfigure room layouts, adjust wall placements, and select materials for flooring, countertops, and other surfaces.
This can include significant renovations to optimise a space’s functionality and appearance. Interior decorators, on the other hand, focus on surface-level changes such as adding or replacing furniture, window treatments, and decorative accents.
Their role involves enhancing a room’s beauty without making fundamental structural alterations.
3. Formal Education and Certification
Interior designers generally have formal education and may be required to hold certifications. In many regions, they need a degree in interior design and may have to pass licensing exams to practise professionally.
This education covers technical skills, building codes, and space planning. Interior decorators, by contrast, usually do not need formal qualifications or licensing. Their expertise lies in styling and enhancing a room’s visual aspects, often relying on personal experience and an eye for aesthetics.
4. Collaboration With Architects vs. Solo Work
Interior designers often collaborate closely with architects, contractors, and engineers to bring a space to life. Their involvement in structural decisions and building processes requires collaboration with other professionals to ensure their designs are practical and safe.
In contrast, interior decorators typically work more independently, focusing on a space’s decorative elements. They may collaborate with homeowners or business owners to select furnishings, colour schemes, and decor but do not need to coordinate with structural experts.
When To Hire An Interior Designer vs. An Interior Decorator
Understanding when to hire an interior designer or decorator can save time, money, and frustration.
Here’s a guide to help you determine which professional is best suited for your needs.
Hire An Interior Designer If:
- You are remodelling or building a home from scratch.
- You need to change the layout or functionality of a room.
- It would be best if you had assistance with technical elements like lighting plans, plumbing, or structural changes.
- You want someone who can oversee the entire project from conception to completion, ensuring the space is functional and beautiful.
Hire An Interior Decorator If:
- You want to refresh the look of a space without making structural changes.
- You need help selecting furniture, colour schemes, or decor items.
- You want a quick visual update on your home or office.
- You want a cohesive style or theme that reflects your taste.
Interior Design And Interior Decorating Styles
Whether you’re working with an interior designer or an interior decorator, both can help you achieve a specific style for your space. Here are some common design styles to consider:
1. Modern Style
Modern style is all about simplicity, functionality, and minimalism.
Key elements include clean lines, neutral colour palettes, and natural materials like wood, glass, and steel. It emphasises open spaces, often with large windows, to maximise natural light.
In this style, less is more—clutter is kept to a minimum, and every piece of furniture or decor serves a practical purpose. Whether working with a designer or decorator, the modern style offers a sleek, sophisticated, fresh, timeless aesthetic.
2. Traditional Style
The traditional style draws inspiration from classic European décor, focusing on rich, deep colours like burgundy, gold, and dark greens. Furniture pieces are often heavy, crafted from dark wood, and detailed with intricate carvings.
Fabrics such as velvet, brocade, and silk add to this style’s luxurious feel. An interior designer may ensure the space functions well for modern living, while an interior decorator may focus on layering textures, patterns, and accessories to achieve a warm, elegant atmosphere.
3. Contemporary Style
Contemporary style is constantly evolving, defined by its emphasis on current trends and a focus on form and function. Unlike modern style, which has a more set aesthetic, contemporary interiors can be more fluid and adaptable.
Clean lines, simple shapes, and neutral colours dominate, but with the addition of bold statement pieces or pops of colour. An interior designer may optimise the flow of the space, while a decorator can add stylish furnishings and accessories that reflect the latest trends.
4. Bohemian Style
Bohemian, or “boho,” style is carefree, eclectic, and vibrant. It mixes different cultures and artistic expressions, blending patterns, textures, and colours that may not traditionally go together.
Key features include vintage furniture, woven textiles, handmade items, and abundant greenery. Interior decorators may enjoy this style for its freedom of expression, while designers ensure the space remains functional and cohesive, even within its artistic chaos.
Conclusion
Understanding the key differences between interior design and interior decorating is essential when planning a home or office project. Interior design focuses on creating functional spaces considering the structural layout, while interior decorating primarily focuses on enhancing a room’s visual appeal.
Designers often collaborate with architects and builders, requiring formal education and certifications, whereas decorators work more independently, focusing on aesthetics without structural changes. Knowing when to hire an interior designer versus a decorator can help you achieve the desired balance between functionality and style for your space.
FAQs About Interior Designer Vs. Interior Decorator
Can Both An Interior Designer And An Interior Decorator Work On The Same Project?
Yes, interior designers and decorators can collaborate on the same project. Designers handle the functional and structural aspects, while decorators focus on creating a cohesive and visually appealing space.
Is Interior Design More Expensive Than Interior Decorating?
Interior design is generally more expensive because it involves technical aspects such as space planning, structural changes, and collaborating with architects and contractors. Interior decorating is more affordable as it focuses on aesthetic improvements without altering the structure of a space.
Can An Interior Decorator Help With Furniture Placement?
Absolutely! One of the key roles of an interior decorator is to arrange furniture to maximise a room’s aesthetic appeal and flow, making it both functional and visually cohesive.
Do I Need An Interior Designer For Small Home Projects?
Not necessarily. A decorator can help you achieve a new look if your project involves something other than structural changes. However, an interior designer is the right choice for projects requiring functional adjustments.
How Long Does An Interior Design Project Typically Take?
The duration of an interior design project depends on its scope. Larger projects, such as a home renovation, may take several months, while smaller-scale designs can take a few weeks. Interior decorating projects, being less complex, usually take less time.