Are you planning on a home renovation this year? Sure, that must be very exciting, but you might be confused about who you need to contact and hire. When looking for services, you’ll find some people describing themselves as “interior designers” and some as “interior decorators”.
This will bring up multiple questions like “what’s the difference?” and “which one do I need?”
Although these titles might sound like interchangeable terms for the same job, that’s not necessarily true.
Some tasks — such as dealing with the inside of the property to make it attractive and habitable — do overlap, but there are significant differences between the two.
In simple words, interior designers are responsible for structural issues, while decorators deal with stylistic ones.
Understanding the distinctions and deciding when to employ one over the other can help you save time and money. So, sit back and take a few moments to look through this blog before you start hiring.
What Is An Interior Designer?
An interior designer is professionally trained to create functional, usable rooms and areas in a building.
They make indoor spaces safe and aesthetically pleasing by understanding the client’s behavior and determining space requirements.
Interior designers take a detailed, complete approach to a space while adhering to building codes and regulations. They are concerned with both visual elements like the layout, size, and shape of the room and things that are out of sight, such as the placement of plumbing and electrical fixtures.
Looking after the aesthetics, sculpture, and accessibility of work in the spaces we live in also comes under the duties of an interior designer.
Designers work closely with developers, architects, and contractors to devise a customized design plan. With modern technology, they have also been provided with the facility of creating virtual living areas before giving the construction teams a green signal.
Duties of an Interior Designer
- Design space planning
- Cabinet selection
- Light design
- Floor and wall finishes
- The color palette
What Is An Interior Decorator?
Once the structural plans and renovations are completed, a decoration unit is set up to create a seamless space.
This is where interior decorators, often referred to as home stylists, come into action.
This means decorators do not work hand in hand with architects and designers but rather collaborate with upholstery designers and furniture companies to embellish existing designs.
This is after the structural work is complete. In other words, they are qualified to decorate and furnish areas, not design or construct them.
Interior decorators are skilled at upgrading and transforming the entire feel and ambiance of a room without altering the layout. Usually, they purchase or order the items for you and help arrange them around the space.
Duties of an Interior Decorator
- Furniture selection and placement
- Purchasing decorative accents
- Deciding on the paint and wallpaper
- Choosing soft decorations like textiles, accessories, and carpeting
- Window treatments
The Key Difference Between A Designer And A Decorator
Considering how an interior impacts people’s behaviors while designing a space is one of the main differences between an interior designer and a decorator.
The ‘physical’ interior setting (backdrop), interior props (furniture and accessories), and psychological elements (light, color, and scale) all have significant impacts on our behavior and well-being.
For example, brighter lighting can result in energetic feelings and stronger emotions, while dimmer lighting has a calming effect. Similarly, neutral colors bring tranquility to a space, while darker colors make a room appear cozy and opulent.
A skilled and proficient interior designer is trained to base the functionality of space on human needs and responses. In addition, he has the ability to harness a particular ambiance and mood.
Who Should You Hire?
Deciding whether you need an interior designer or a decorator depends on your needs.
For example, if your renovation plan includes structural changes, such as removing walls, shifting around wiring, or adding new doors, then hiring an interior designer would be a smart option.
A designer will manage the project, measure and evaluate the site, carry out various consultations on design, and allow a smooth process with the desired results.
On the other hand, if you’re just looking for an upgrade in the aesthetic value of your home, consider hiring an interior decorator. Whether deciding on a specific style, choosing window treatments, picking wallpaper, furnishings, lighting, or accessories, a decorator will do the trick.
However, you must keep in mind that a designer can also have the skills of a qualified decorator.
So, don’t be afraid to cross the lines and hire a designer who has a positive reputation as a decorator.
Rates: Designers vs. Decorators
The average rates depend on how experienced the professional is.
The estimated starting rates of interior designers are $100 per hour, which can rise up to $500 per hour for competent designers.
Whereas interior decorators charge $50 to $150 per hour with a ten percent to forty percent markup on materials.
Ready To Hire?
The difference between a designer and a decorator lies mainly in the way they are trained. Designers focus on the functionality of the spaces and furniture, they consider how an interior is connected to its surroundings and aspects of the space.
While a decorator’s eyes see how different color combinations and accessories can aesthetically remodel a space.
In the end, the decision of who to choose shall be based on your needs, budget, tastes, and the atmosphere you want to create. Also, don’t forget to get references and study the professional’s portfolio before finalizing a decision.
