You might be thinking of redecorating or renovating your home. You're thinking of hiring a professional to do it. However, you're confused when finding out that an interior designer differs from an interior decorator. So, which is which? Let's find out what the many differences are between interior design vs decorating.
What is Interior Design?
The International Interior Design Association (IIDA) defines it as the science, art, and business of "planning of a creative, technical, sustainable, and functional interior solution that corresponds to the architecture of a space." It is the practice of enhancing and beautifying an interior of a house or building. It deals with creating an equally functional and aesthetically pleasing environment.
Who is an Interior Designer?
An interior designer is one who creates plans, does research, coordinates, and manages these enhancement undertakings. They carefully study their clients' homes and living spaces. They do this to provide them with creative, sustainable, and functional designs that align with the structure of the area and the clients' preferences.
What Schooling and Training Must an Interior Designer Have?
Interior designers must undergo specific schooling and formal training to qualify. They are trained to understand color, fabric, furniture design, architecture, drawing, and computer-aided designs, among many others. Interior designers typically apprentice with an established design company before venturing independently.
What Credentials Do Interior Designers Have?
Some states require professional interior designers to pass a qualifying exam to be able to work as one. Once they pass, they have to register with the governing body that handles the department. Take note that some states do not require a license for interior designers. It's better to check the situation in your area first.
What Does an Interior Designer Do?
Aside from those mentioned above, an interior designer designs and renovates interiors. They draw initial floor plans, execute them, and place the decorations. Their main concern is to enhance the look and function of a space.
Who Does an Interior Designer Work With?
Interior designers work with architects, contractors, and anyone involved with the construction. Of course, they work closely with the clients to ensure that they get the distinct look they're going for.
What is Interior Decorating?
Interior designing and decorating are two different disciplines. While many think of the two as the same, they are different in many ways. To put it simply, interior decoration is furnishing a space with beautiful and stylish decorations, furniture, and other details. It is the art of beautifying and embellishing an existing home or office space.
Who is an Interior Decorator?
Interior decorators are more concerned with aesthetics than functionality. Their focus is on visual properties such as color scheme, styling, texture, and other similar specifics. In essence, they do less than what you can expect from an interior designer.
What Schooling and Training Must an Interior Decorator Have?
As interior decorators are not involved in renovations or structural planning, they aren't required to have formal training. Only when the planning and execution of the structure are complete can an interior decorator start work. That said, their concern is on the surface look alone.
What Credentials Do Interior Decorators Have?
An interior decorator can start working even without schooling. However, short courses are available if they want to be more competitive. These training courses teach fabric, color, space planning, furniture styles, and many others.
What Does an Interior Decorator Do?
An interior decorator goes into a room and adds details that would make it pleasing to their clients. They add suitable color carpets, place the sofa where it's best situated, and perform many other beautifying tasks. They can also redesign an existing space and provide the best color scheme or find the most suitable furniture for the room.
Who Does an Interior Decorator Work With?
Interior decorators do not work with architects and contractors like interior designers. Since they come on board after all the structural construction is over, they work directly with the clients.
Who Should I Hire: Interior Designer vs Interior Decorator
Now that you know the various differences between an interior designer and a decorator, you'd know who you should hire. This will all depend on what your requirements and goals are. If it would involve structural changes such as wall removal, rewiring of your electricals, or adding a new window, an interior designer is the one to should contact.
Interior designers will know how to work and communicate directly with architects and builders. They can help plan for and implement significant structural changes. Again, they are concerned with beautifying your space, but they also have the training to work with renovations.
On the other hand, an interior decorator is the person you need if you aren't looking to install a new door. If all you need is a professional eye to see if the design on your mind will work, then a decorator is your best option. An interior decorator will help you choose the best curtains for that French door or lighting fixture to brighten up your room.
Do note that the differences between an interior designer and a decorator does not end here. Expect an interior designer to charge more than an interior decorator. They have spent on getting their training and licenses, so it's only natural that they will demand higher pay.
According to Home Advisor, an interior designer can charge $6,500 on average. They have an average hourly rate of $50 to $200. Meanwhile, hiring an interior decorator can cost between $2,000 to $11,300, and an hourly rate of $50 to $150. These are a few considerations you should consider when hiring an interior designer or a decorator.
Conclusion
To get the best service for your home or office, it pays to know what your needs are, what will fit your budget, and what you want to accomplish. This way, you can determine which professional you need to hire, an interior designer or an interior decorator.
