Interior design and interior decorating are sometimes confused. However, the phrases are not fully interchangeable. There are numerous similarities between the two vocations, and opinions differ on where to draw the line. There are also major disparities across the professions, some of which are subtle.
Choosing the type of assistance you require while making improvements to your house can help you grasp the differences between professional designers and decorators—their education, credentials, services, and clients. Here, we’ll compare the interior designer vs decorator in relation to their duties and salary range.
Interior Designer vs Interior Decorator: Overview
Interior Designer
An interior designer frequently collaborates with architects and other experts to create an efficient, safe, and aesthetic interior space, with added expertise in generating floor plans and using design software.
Interior Decorator
An interior decorator is a trained specialist who can transform a room using style, color, furniture, and accessories. They collaborate closely with furniture producers, upholsterers, and other home décor professionals to provide visually appealing interior spaces for their clientele.
Interior Designer vs Interior Decorator: Duties
Duties of an Interior Designer
Interior designers develop and implement visual designs for a wide range of indoor locations, such as residences, commercial buildings, and health care facilities. They could work for themselves or for a design firm. Many interior design organizations specialize in a single type of building, such as residences or hospitals, but an individual interior designer may have experience with a variety of structures. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:
- Learning about the demands of clients
- Creating schematic drawings and renderings with computer-aided design (CAD) software
- collaborating with painters, carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
- Designing to match the budget of the customer
- Buying furniture and decorative items
- Obtaining consumer input on the finished product
Duties of An Interior Decorator
Interior decorators add or replace decorative features in an indoor environment, such as a home or business. They may also work for themselves or for a decorating company. Decorators frequently have experience working in a variety of rooms or other spaces, which can assist them in attracting clients. Here are some of their duties:
- Displaying design inspirations and color palettes to clients
- Wall painting
- Purchasing furniture, rugs, and wall art
- Putting up wall art and storage containers
- Photographing completed works for their portfolio
Interior Decorator vs. Interior Designer: Differences
Here are some important differences between interior designers and decorators:
Priorities
While interior designers and interior decorators both contribute visual aspects to a place, an interior designer may have a broader set of concerns than an interior decorator. An interior designer may focus on creating movement within a room or maximizing the number of workplaces that can fit in a space, depending on the project plan and the client’s needs. An interior designer for a medical practice, for example, might include pillars or runners to encourage patients to obey entrance and departure signs, resulting in an orderly waiting area. They may also have decorative components.
Interior decorators are solely concerned with the aesthetic features of a space or structure. They may meet with their clients to discuss their vision for the area, which may include color schemes or design influences, as well as to determine a budget. The interior decorator’s purpose is to produce a space that is as close to the client’s vision as possible while staying within the budget.
Qualifications
Typically, being an interior designer requires more time and education than becoming an interior decorator. Many interior designers have a degree in interior design, architecture, or a similar profession. They can receive a National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) certification after working in the profession for several years, which certifies their knowledge of building rules, fire codes, project management, and other critical areas of knowledge. This accreditation allows them to work as interior designers in firms all around the country.
Interior decorators do not have a regular degree program or accreditation, while many have associate or bachelor’s degrees in interior design, graphic design, or art history. Interior decorators may attract clients or land a job at a design agency by compiling a portfolio of their independent work. These finished interiors samples can demonstrate their aesthetic style and layout abilities.
The scope of the project
Interior designers frequently finish large-scale projects that include both functional and decorative elements. They might, for example, collaborate with contractors to design a sustainable kitchen for a new home that combines smart devices and high-efficiency equipment. When constructing a new building or remodeling an existing space, clients frequently choose to engage an interior designer. They may allow the designer to radically alter the room’s usage of space. The qualifications of an interior designer enable them to select items that fit the client’s concept while still adhering to fire laws and construction regulations.
Interior decorators typically work on redecorating projects that do not necessitate extensive construction or renovations. They frequently move or replace furniture, artwork, and carpets while leaving the structural features untouched. If a client has a large number of rooms to redecorate in a structure that already meets fire laws and building regulations, they may hire an interior decorator. A hospital director, for example, would employ an interior decorator to refurbish dozens of rooms on a pediatric wing. The decorator could select fresh drapes, rugs, and wall art without having to relocate the medical equipment.
Skills
Many of the abilities shared by interior designers and interior decorators enable them service clients and create aesthetically appealing spaces. They frequently have great communication skills, which they utilize to meet with clients, identify project priorities, and deliver regular updates by phone or email. If they work alone, they may have business administration abilities that allow them to file taxes and adhere to state business requirements. Finally, they have good visual design skills that enable them to blend furniture, paint, and other design aspects to create a visually pleasing setting.
Additional talents may be acquired by interior designers in order to finish more difficult projects or create specific designs for clients. They frequently understand building standards and laws, and they may also understand how to incorporate technology into their designs in order to create accessible or sustainable interiors. An interior designer, for example, might specialize in sustainable or environmentally friendly design, employing scientific knowledge to develop designs that use energy efficiently. These advanced abilities may be gained by experience or by getting a graduate degree in interior design.
Interior Designer vs Interior Decorator: Salary
Interior designers often earn more money than interior decorators due to their higher duties and skills. While interior designers get an average pay of $59,957 per year, interior decorators earn an average salary of $46,525 per year, according to Indeed Salaries. Interior designers and interior decorators may both receive additional benefits, such as health insurance and 401(k) matching, if they work for a large design business.
Interior Designer vs Decorator: How to Hire
When hiring a professional, understand your needs and look for someone who has a proven track record of satisfying those needs, regardless of official job title. Designers are often responsible for space planning and structural implementation, whereas decorators are responsible for final aesthetic selections.
However, if their skills are demonstrated, don’t be scared to cross lines and hire a decorator with a reputation as a good designer or a designer with a flare for decorating.
Request a portfolio of the decorator’s or designer’s completed projects. Obtain references and inquire about the designer’s or decorator’s credentials, years of experience, and any collaborations that may work in your favor. The most important consideration is selecting a decorator or designer who knows you and your aesthetic and will deliver on what you want rather than what they want.
Inquire about timetables, stick to a budget, and understand the decorator or designer’s approach from start to finish. Determine whether the decorator or designer will conduct the work themselves or engage a subcontractor to finish the room. Set a fee schedule so you are not surprised by how much you will be paid.
Interior Stylist vs Interior Decorator
Interior Stylist
A visual professional who frequently works on photo shoots or product ads to create aesthetically appealing interiors is known as an interior stylist.
They may be in charge of sourcing and selecting furniture and decor, as well as arranging them in a visually pleasing and “on trend” manner. They may also assist in the decoration of a space for special occasions such as celebrations or events.
A stylist’s job includes creating appealing and harmonious settings that exhibit things in the best possible light. They may also be in charge of finding and selecting props and accessories, as well as arranging furniture and decor/accessories to achieve a specific style or mood.
However, interior stylists can also collaborate with customers to style residential and commercial environments.
They can assist with the creation of a specific style or look for a place by picking color palettes, combining textiles, and selecting furnishings and accessories that reflect their client’s personality and lifestyle. They may, for example, design a beautiful and useful living area without the need for restoration or building.
Many can also work with what a customer currently has in their house, adding or removing things to improve the overall look and feel.
Interior Decorator
An interior decorator not only concentrates on aesthetics but also assists clients in making practical decisions about furniture placement and accessories/decor.
They may work on both residential and commercial projects, and their responsibilities often include the following:
- Meeting with clients to learn about their wants, preferences, and budget
- assessing the current situation and recognizing prospective problems or possibilities
- Creating a design concept and a detailed plan for the area, including layout, color palette, and material choices
- Making mood boards and scheduling selections
- Furniture, decor/accessories, and soft furnishings sourcing and selection
- Assisting clients in selecting the appropriate window treatments, such as curtains/drapes, shades, or blinds
- Assisting customers in selecting textiles such as bedding, throw cushions, and blankets
- Coordination of the installation and positioning of the chosen furniture, decor, and accessories
- Assisting the client in managing the project’s budget and timeframe
- In charge of professionals such as painters, art installation, electricians, and flooring installers.
- advising clients on lighting, paint colors, and other design elements that can improve the overall appearance and feel of their room
- assisting clients in decluttering and organizing their space
- Home staging for sale
Interior decorators may have a background in interior design, but they do not usually need any schooling or licensure to practice.
They will, however, be well-versed in design concepts, color theory, and the most recent trends in decoration/accessories and materials. Interior decorators have a good sense of style and can assist clients in creating a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and useful.
Interior Decorator Certifications
#1. CID (Certified Interior Decorator)
Ron Renner, the founder and president of Certified Interior Decorators International (C.I.D.), wrote the C.I.D. Certification Online Course and Home Study programs specifically for the Interior Decorator. Instruction includes the basics of certification, elements of interior design and decoration, business practice, and “How to Charge for Services.”
#2. NCIDQ (National Council of Interior Designers)
The NCIDQ Examination is divided into three sections: the Interior Design Fundamentals Exam (IDFX), the Interior Design Professional Exam (IDPX), and the Practicum Exam (PRAC), which assess a candidate’s knowledge of interior design principles as well as their application to protect public health, safety, and welfare. The IDFX and IDPX tests are both multiple choice.
#3. Certified Decorator
At this level and for this qualification, a decorator prepares and polishes sweet baked items for a commercial bakery. Preparing icings, decorating a range of cakes using various techniques, seasonal displays and specific designs, and working with customers are all part of the job. He/she exhibits basic sanitation knowledge.
Is Interior Design Better Than Interior Decorating?
If structural changes are required (such as removing a wall, relocating plumbing or wiring, or installing new windows or doors), an interior designer is usually the best option. Working closely with architects and builders, designers can assist prepare for and implement major structural improvements.
Do Interior Designers Make More Money Than Interior Decorators?
Interior designers often earn more money than interior decorators due to their higher duties and skills. Interior designers get an average pay of $59,957 per year, while interior decorators earn an average salary of $46,525 per year, according to Indeed Salaries.
How Much Do Interior Designers Charge?
Most interior designers bill by the hour, with fees ranging from $50 to $500 depending on experience. Expect to pay between $100 and $200 each hour, for a total of roughly $5,200 in design fees, not including the cost of furniture.
Why is Interior Design So Expensive?
Because their skills are more extensive and they are frequently more well qualified, interior designers are typically more expensive to hire than decorators.
In Conclusion
Who you should hire is determined on your requirements. If structural changes are required (such as removing a wall, relocating plumbing or wiring, or installing new windows or doors), an interior designer is usually the best option. Working closely with architects and builders, designers can assist prepare for and implement major structural improvements.
If, on the other hand, no structural adjustments are required but you require aesthetic assistance—deciding on a design, selecting wallpaper, paint, and furnishings, selecting window treatments, and selecting lighting and accessories—an interior decorator would most likely suffice. Experienced decorators understand what works well together and can modify a room to meet the needs and wants of their clients.
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