Yes, an interior designer can be an interior decorator. Many designers offer both services because decorating is part of what they do. However, decorators cannot do the full job of an interior designer. The main difference is that designers handle the technical side, like moving walls and working with building codes, while decorators focus only on making spaces look pretty.
What Does an Interior Designer Do?
An interior designer is like a builder and artist mixed together. They plan how a space will work and look.
Education and Training
Designers need real schooling. Most have a four-year degree from an approved design school. They study more than just pretty colors and furniture.
Key Skills Interior Designers Have
Interior designers know how to change the bones of your home:
- Space Planning: They figure out the best way to use every inch of your room. They think about how people move through spaces.
- Building Codes: Designers understand the rules for safe buildings. They know what walls you can remove and which ones hold up your house.
- Working with Contractors: They talk to builders, plumbers, and electricians. They make sure everyone does their part right.
- Technical Drawings: Designers create detailed plans that show workers exactly what to build.
What Projects Need an Interior Designer?
You need an interior designer when your project involves big changes. If you want to knock down a wall, move a kitchen, or add new windows, call a designer. They handle renovations that change how your home is built.
Designers also work on new homes from scratch. They help plan your consultation process from the start.
The NCIDQ Certification
Many designers get a special certificate called NCIDQ. This proves they know their stuff. To get it, they need years of school and work experience, then pass a tough test. Some states require this certificate before you can legally call yourself an interior designer.
What Does an Interior Decorator Do?
An interior decorator makes spaces beautiful. They work with what’s already there and add style to it.
Training for Decorators
Decorators don’t need formal degrees. Many learn by doing. Some take short classes or workshops to polish their skills. Anyone with a good eye for design can become a decorator.
Skills Decorators Bring to Your Home
Decorators are experts at the finishing touches:
- Color Selection: They pick paint colors that work together and make rooms feel just right.
- Furniture Arrangement: Decorators know how to place your sofa, chairs, and tables so everything looks and feels good.
- Accessory Selection: They choose pillows, artwork, rugs, and other items that pull a room together.
- Style Coordination: Decorators create a look that matches your personality.
When to Hire a Decorator
Hire a decorator when your walls, floors, and layout are fine. You just want to change how things look. Maybe you need new paint, updated furniture, or help picking curtains. Decorators are perfect for refreshing a room without any construction.
If you’re updating your home without remodeling, a decorator can help you make big visual changes on a smaller budget.
Can One Person Do Both Jobs?
Yes, and many do. Interior designers can absolutely work as decorators. In fact, most designers include decorating as part of their services.
Why Designers Make Great Decorators
Designers have all the decorator skills plus more. They understand:
- Color theory and how colors affect mood
- Furniture styles and what works in different spaces
- How to source beautiful items for your home
- The full picture from construction to final touches
When designers finish building or renovating, they often handle all the decorating too. This means you work with one person from start to finish.
Can Decorators Do Design Work?
No. Decorators cannot legally do what designers do. They aren’t trained to:
- Change your home’s structure
- Work with building codes
- Create technical plans for construction
- Move plumbing or electrical systems
If a decorator says they can knock down walls or redesign your kitchen layout, be careful. They might not have the right training or insurance for that work.
Key Differences Between Designers and Decorators
Understanding the differences helps you hire the right person.
Education Requirements
Interior Designers:
- Four-year degree from approved schools
- Years of work experience needed
- Must pass certification tests in many states
- Keep learning new skills every year
Interior Decorators:
- No formal degree required
- Learn through practice and projects
- No required tests or licenses
- Can start working right away with good taste
Scope of Work
Interior Designers: Interior designers handle complete projects. They can figure out how much you should pay for 2000 square feet of renovation work.
Interior Decorators: Decorators work with existing spaces. They don’t change the structure. They focus on making what you already have look better.
Legal Permissions
Some states require licenses for designers, especially for commercial work. No states require licenses for decorators working in homes.
Cost Differences
Designers usually cost more because they handle complex work. Their fees cover planning, managing contractors, and finishing touches. Decorators charge less because their work is simpler and faster. Setting a reasonable budget depends on which service you need.
How to Choose Between a Designer and Decorator
Ask yourself these questions to figure out what you need.
Questions to Help You Decide
Do you need to change your home’s structure? If yes, you need a designer. Any work that involves moving walls, changing layouts, or updating systems requires a designer.
Is your project just about looks? If yes, a decorator can help. When you like your layout but want new furniture, paint, or accessories, decorators are perfect.
What’s your budget? Designers cost more but handle bigger jobs. If you have a small project and a tight budget, decorators offer great value.
How much time do you have? Design projects take months because of construction. Decorating can happen in weeks.
What About Kitchen and Bathroom Projects?
These rooms are tricky. Small updates like new kitchen design ideas for apartments might only need a decorator. But if you’re changing the layout or moving plumbing, you need a designer.
The same goes for bathrooms. Following golden rules for bathroom layouts often means structural changes that require a designer.
Working with Both
Some projects need both professionals. A designer might handle the renovation, then a decorator adds the finishing touches. Or you might hire a designer who also does decorating, giving you one person for the whole job.
The Benefits of Working with a Designer Who Decorates
Hiring one person for both jobs has advantages.
Smooth Communication
When one person handles design and decoration, nothing gets lost in translation. Your vision stays consistent from the first wall you remove to the last pillow you place.
Time Savings
You don’t need two consultations or two sets of contracts. One professional manages everything.
Cost Efficiency
Though designers charge more per hour, you might save money overall. You avoid paying two different professionals. Plus, designers who decorate know exactly what will work with the space they created.
Better Results
Designers think about decoration while planning your space. They know which wall colors will look best with the new windows they’re adding. They plan furniture placement before the floors go in. This creates better results.
Real-World Examples
Let’s look at situations where you’d pick one over the other.
Scenario 1: Open Floor Plan Redesign
You want to combine your kitchen and dining room into one big space. This needs a designer. They’ll remove walls, update electrical, move plumbing, and make sure everything is safe and legal. They can also help you arrange furniture in your new open floor plan.
Scenario 2: Living Room Refresh
Your living room layout works fine. You just hate your old furniture and want a new look. A decorator can pick new pieces, choose paint colors, add artwork, and make your room feel brand new without any construction.
Scenario 3: Whole House Renovation
You bought an old house that needs everything updated. Hire an interior designer. They’ll handle the big stuff like layouts, systems, and construction. Then they’ll finish with decorating. Working with one designer-decorator saves you the hassle of coordinating between different people.
Scenario 4: Kitchen Update Without Renovation
You like your kitchen layout but want it to look more modern. Maybe you can upgrade your kitchen without renovating by painting cabinets and adding new hardware. A decorator can help with these cosmetic changes. But if you decide to move appliances or change the layout, you’ll need a designer.
Important Things to Remember
Keep these facts in mind when hiring someone for your home.
Check Credentials Carefully
Some decorators call themselves designers even without proper training. Always ask about education, certifications, and experience. Look at their past work. Ask for references.
Insurance Matters
Designers who work on construction need special insurance. Decorators need different coverage. Make sure whoever you hire has the right insurance for their work. This protects you if something goes wrong.
Set Clear Expectations
Tell your professional exactly what you need from the start. Show them pictures of styles you like. Explain your budget. Talk about your timeline. Clear communication prevents problems later.
The Generation Factor
Older professionals often call themselves decorators, even with full design training. Younger ones prefer the title designer. Don’t judge only by the title. Look at their actual skills and experience.
Finding the Right Professional
Once you know what you need, here’s how to find someone good.
Where to Look
- Ask friends and family for recommendations
- Search online portfolios and reviews
- Check professional organizations like ASID
- Look at before-and-after photos on social media
- Visit local design showrooms that work with professionals
Interview Questions to Ask
When you meet potential designers or decorators, ask:
- What’s your education and training?
- Do you have any certifications?
- Can I see examples of similar projects?
- How do you handle budgets?
- What’s your process from start to finish?
- Who else will I work with?
- How often will we communicate?
Red Flags to Watch For
Stay away from professionals who:
- Promise unrealistic timelines
- Won’t show you past work
- Refuse to give written contracts
- Can’t explain their process
- Have mostly bad reviews
- Push products you don’t want
- Won’t respect your budget
Final Thoughts
An interior designer can definitely be an interior decorator, but not the other way around. Designers have the training to handle construction, codes, and technical work. They also know how to make spaces beautiful with decorating skills.
Decorators focus on aesthetics. They excel at colors, furniture, and accessories. They make existing spaces look amazing without changing the structure.
For most homeowners, the choice is simple. Need construction or layout changes? Hire a designer. Just want a fresh look? A decorator works great. Many designers offer both services, giving you one person who can handle everything from demolition to decoration.
The most important thing is finding someone you trust. Look for professionals with the right training for your project. Check their work. Read reviews. Make sure their style matches yours. When you find the right person, whether designer or decorator, they’ll help turn your house into the home you’ve always wanted.Remember to set a reasonable budget for your home decor before starting any project, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The best professionals welcome your input and work with you to create spaces you’ll love for years to come.