Home Decor vs Interior Design: what's the difference and what do you actually need?
So the time has come! You are ready to re-design your home and make some changes. After some contemplation, you realize you’re going to need a bit of help and upon Googling you realize some professionals describe their work as Interior Design, and others Home Decoration. You might be a little confused, what’s the difference? And more importantly, which one do you need?
Interior Design and Home Decor / Decorating are often mistaken for the same thing. It’s true, there are many similarities between the two roles. So many in fact, that opinions often vary on what the exact distinctions are. There are some significant differences, however, and it’s important to know them in order to hire the right professional for the services you need.
The first port of call in helping you decide which help you need is to understand the differences between professional designers’ and decorators’ schooling, credentialing, services, and the types of clientele that they work with.
Let’s take a deeper look.
Decorator
Schooling
To work professionally interior decorators are not required to have formal training or schooling. Decorators focus primarily on aesthetics and do not aid in renovations or structural planning. A decorator comes in at the end of the building process, to complete the look.
Credentials
While no official schooling is required to become an interior decorator, there are numerous courses and programs available, these focus on topics such as color, fabrics, space planning, furniture styling, and more.
What they actually do
A great decorator is highly skilled at coming into a room and transforming it with ease. They focus on the look and feel. They help you choose a style, color palette, furniture, and accessories.
Who they work with
Decorators typically work with vendors such as interior painters, drapery makers, furniture makers, upholsterers, and other related industry professionals.
Interior Designer
Interior Designers do everything a Decorator does (which is why people tend to mix them up). However, they add an additional level of expertise to the project.
Schooling
Interior Design is a role that requires specific training and study. Upon graduating, designers often apprentice with a registered and established interior designer before moving on to establish their own companies.
Credentials
In some states, designers are required to pass certain exams to register with specific councils. They cannot register as a designer until this is completed. This exam is known as the NCIDQ certification (National Council for Interior Design Qualification). This requires at least two years of professional experience as well as passing a multi-day examination that includes a full eight hour long drafting portion. Many states in the US require the NCIDQ exam before a person can be called a true “Interior Designer”.
The awesome part? We are NCIDQ certified in our office!
What they actually do
An interior designer is someone who draws floor plans and is able to source materials/furniture. However, the difference in our floor plans (vs. an architect, for example) is the focus. Whereas an architect will focus on the building itself (ensuring its structurally sound, exterior design, etc.), interior designers are focusing on the overall flow of the interior in terms of space planning and furniture layout. In addition, we’re doing interior elevations to show what backsplash tile you may be using in your kitchen or which direction your subway tile is running in your shower. Interior designers are also pulling together the colors within the space - both hard surfaces and fabrics/upholstery.
Who they work with
Designers work closely with architects and contractors to help you achieve the look you desire. They work in multiple settings such as residential homes, hotels, offices, and any interior space. If you want to read more about each specialty and how they differ, visit our blog “Teamwork”.
How do I know who to work with?
Who you hire is entirely dependent on your needs. Are you looking to spruce up your home and style it? Or are you looking for more structural changes that require renovation works? Your needs determine the professional, so it’s important to know what you want when looking for the right person for the job.
Structural changes to consider include things such as plumbing works, removing/adding walls and windows/doors, re-wiring your home, etc. If you are seeking significant changes then hiring an interior designer may be your best option.
If you are wanting to change the look and feel of your home or a room, then a decorator could be the professional for you. Experienced decorators can transform a space that does not require any structural change.
Bee’s Knees Interior Design offers both Interior Decoration AND Design. We’re able to do both renovations and floor plans as well as creating a brand new look in your space, with new furniture, etc. You can do it all in one place!
Essentially, your needs are what determine your choices. What you want to note is that the most important part of the search process is looking for a professional who is experienced in the type of transformation that you desire. Give yourself time to research both local designers and decorators and look at their past projects and testimonials.
You will want to make sure that not only do they have the professional skills that you need but that you also align with their styles. Get familiar with the types of projects they work on, learn more about their areas of expertise, etc. If you find a designer that focuses on classic design, don’t assume they will switch gears to create a mid-century space. Designers and decorators typically have a niche, so make sure you mesh well!
When hiring a professional, begin with clearly understanding your own needs and desires. Search for a professional who has a proven reputation for meeting those needs, no matter what the formal job title.
The best and easiest way to know is to get in touch! Contact us today!