The Difference Between a Decorator and an Interior Designer
If you’ve ever wondered whether you need a decorator or an interior designer for your home project, you’re not alone. These two roles often get used interchangeably, but they’re not the same. Understanding the difference can save you time, money, and stress.
Education & Training
As someone with a B.A. in Interior Design and currently preparing for the NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification) exam this fall, I know firsthand how much technical knowledge goes into becoming a professional interior designer.
An interior designer typically has formal education in design, training in building codes, space planning, and safety regulations, and may hold professional certifications like the NCIDQ. This equips designers to take a project from blueprint to completion.
A decorator, on the other hand, does not require formal training. Their expertise lies in creating a cohesive look by choosing colors, furniture, fabrics, and accessories.
Tip: If your project involves construction, moving walls, or permits, you’ll need an interior designer. For purely cosmetic changes, a decorator may be a fit.
Scope of Work
Interior designers can collaborate directly with architects, engineers, and contractors. They create detailed drawings, reflected ceiling plans, and furniture layouts while considering both aesthetics and functionality.
Decorators focus on styling a space once it’s already built — enhancing it through furniture, finishes, and décor.
Tip: Bring in an interior designer early to avoid costly layout mistakes.
Problem Solving vs. Styling
Designers address function first: How will the space flow? Is it safe? Is it code compliant? Once the foundation is set, they add the visual layers.
Decorators specialize in those layers, the beautiful pieces that make a space feel complete and personal.
Tip: Think of designers as the “architects of interiors” and decorators as the “stylists of interiors.”
Why It Matters for Your Project
While decorators can help with styling, an interior designer brings a higher level of expertise to every project, big or small. Even something as simple as refreshing your living room with a new sofa and accessories benefits from a designer’s trained eye for scale, proportion, and function.
An interior designer ensures that your investment isn’t just pretty today but continues to work for your lifestyle in the long run. From selecting furnishings that fit your space perfectly to recommending finishes that align with your home’s architecture, a designer looks at the bigger picture.
