It’s not uncommon for those who don’t work in the industry to use the terms interior designer and interior decorator interchangeably. This is an honest mistake and it’s understandable because designing and decorating can seem like the same thing to the layman. However, it’s important to understand the differences between the two when you’re looking to hire one. With help from The Reflective Designer, we can make it easy to understand their similarities and differences. Read the guide below for answers.
Schooling
When it comes to formal training and schooling, it often takes much more schooling to start a career as an interior designer than a decorator. Interior designers will spend years in school learning how to draw, space plan, use computer-aided design software, and understand architecture. They’ll then go on to work as an apprentice with an established designer.
In contrast, becoming an interior decorator doesn’t require any type of formal training or education to start working in the field. Of course, decorators can receive education on the matter but their job is to primarily focus on the execution of the vision created by the designer.
Credentials
While it’s not required everywhere, it’s not unusual for interior designers to have to pass an exam then be registered as a professional before working. Arizona doesn’t currently require any level of certification, but Massachusetts requires designers to have at least an associate’s degree with four years of work experience.
Because interior decorators work more with the structural integrity of a building than designers, it’s important that they are certified. To do this, there are courses that they can take before entering the field. While there isn’t any type of formal higher education required, it’s recommended that decorators enroll in a program before getting certified.
Scope of work
When it comes to the scope of their work, interior designers and interior decorators will work together but not side by side. A designer will be the one who comes up with the creative plan to fill a space, renovate the interior, create a floorplan, enhance functionality, and more into the initial design of the room. The decorator will come in and execute the plan in the room itself. This means choosing and utilizing the appropriate colors, fabrics, furniture, and other materials to carry out the vision created by the designer.
Who they work with
Both designers and decorators are going to work with architects and contractors. Although, the nature of their work and how they collaborate with them is different. Again, an interior designer’s job is theoretical and conceptual. This means that the work they perform is going to be done on paper or digitally. The architect or contractor will then go in and execute the design according to how it was created by the designer.
Because a decorator’s job is to carry out the design, they’re going to work directly with an architect or contractor after the structural work has been completed. The decorator will bring in the necessary materials to complete finishing work to provide the finishing touches.
Get in touch to learn more
If you’d like to learn more about the differences between an interior designer and interior decorator, reach out to our team at The Reflective Designer. We have offices in both Massachusetts and Arizona, so we can help clients in both areas. Send us a message using our online contact form or give your nearby office a call. We look forward to helping you create the perfect space in your home.
