One of the things that being a student would teach you is how using words interchangeably can be quite problematic. One thing that irks you is that how it’s still common. Interior designers and decorators face the same problem. It’s so common that designers hear things from customers like, “Oh! But you are going to decorate my house as well, right?” Every designer or decorator will have one horror story like this.
Did you just take a new house and need it to fit as the house of your dreams? Can’t decide a color theme for your unicorn crossed a-little-Satan personality?
Two similar questions but two different professions that need to handle them. Let’s go with a very mundane definition just to give you a basic idea. Then we’ll go to more detailed analysis of the two. Interior designer: An interior designer is a person who is employed to design the decoration for the inside of people’s houses. Interior decorator: A person whose profession is the planning of the decorations and the furnishings of the interior of houses, shops etc. Still a little confusing. Isn’t it? Let us delve a little deeper?
Designers have a more inclined towards the architectural aspect of looking at the interior of the place. They usually have to have a certified educational background. Interior designing courses are usually two to four years depending on the country, fees, institution etc. To be an interior decorator, you do not necessarily need a degree. You need to have the talent to make it work. Interior decorators usually do short, small courses, to enhance their skills. Interior designers work with the given space. They are dedicated towards making the most of the space that has been given to them. Decorators on the other hand, are all about the aesthetics.
They usually see the color pallet and how you can mix and match up the shades to create the best version of your house. In this sense, the decorators start working once the designers have done their jobs. So answering the two questions, you bring in a designer to create your dream home and you bring in a decorator when you need to choose the decorations and what color your walls would be. That is where the basic difference lies. Now, please keep in mind that both of them are artists in their own ways. Before picking up a designer, make sure that you are given the full knowledge of what changes they are making. Be more careful while picking a decorator because you need someone who matches your idea of aesthetic. A costly decorator might not give what you want just because their ideas might not match with yours so choose wisely! Keep in mind that you make your house only once. It would be best if both the designer and decorator work in collaboration as that would make the work faster and easier. Have you ever hired either of the one? Do let us know about it.