INTERIOR DESIGNER VS INTERIOR DECORATOR
The difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator
Interior design seems to be one of the most under-recognised professions out there! Let’s get straight to the point: we don’t fluff cushions and choose paint colours for a living. Our involvement in a renovation or a new build is so much more than this.
We’re often met with surprise from potential clients when we tell them that we draw entire floor plans of their house, help with architectural details and conduct spatial and circulation planning of their home.
Many people tend to blur the lines between an interior designer and an interior decorator, and while both professionals work to enhance the aesthetics of a space, our roles and expertise vary significantly. Understanding the difference is important when considering hiring for your project.
Interior Designer: the architects of space
An interior designer works on a much broader and deeper level than a decorator. Our expertise extends far beyond selecting colours, furniture, and accessories; one of our strongest abilities is complex floor planning, and this is something we spend a lot of time on during a project for a client here at Danielle Victoria Design Studio. We are trained in how to make the best use of a space, taking into account the structural integrity, functionality and flow of the room. We get planning this 100% accurate, working with you to achieve the home and floor plans you want.
As interior designers, we are trained in space planning and the technical aspect of design, this includes:
designing new house plan and room layouts
circulation and flow planning throughout a home
reconfiguring a space for optimal use for you and your needs
furniture and appliance placement, with correct circulation
lighting plans
electrical plans
location of plumbing and services
making significant changes to a room, such as shifting the walls or altering the layout of the space entirely
ensuring that the room is both functional and aesthetically pleasing
As your interior designer, we’re not only bringing creativity to the table but also work closely with contractors, engineers, and architects to implement your plans throughout the lifespan of your project. Our design services here at Danielle Victoria Design Studio can include incredibly detailed and annotated drawing sets and schedules of every room within your project scope, which contractors will use to accurately price your project and expertly build your home.
Interior Decorator: focusing on aesthetic details
In contrast, an interior decorator specialises in enhancing the aesthetics of a space without altering its structure. An interior decorator’s responsibilities are focused on:
selecting colours, textures and fabrics
surface design, working with the existing layout and architectural features
furniture, artwork and accessories
creating a visually appealing environment
An interior decorator’s abilities are limited when it comes to structural changes; due to legislation they cannot modify a room’s layout or change where plumbing and electrical services are located. Instead, they can suggest colour schemes, furniture arrangements, and the perfect finishing touches to bring a space to life.
Decorators often work closely with homeowners to personalise a space by selecting decorative items such as rugs, curtains, and artwork. They are excellent at curating the atmosphere of a room and giving it personality, but typically are not trained to handle the more technical aspects of a design project that involve significant structural modifications or detailed coordination with contractors and architects.
Key differences in responsibilities
Complex floor planning: An interior designer is trained to create detailed floor plans that maximise functionality and flow. They consider structural alterations, alter layouts, reconfigure rooms, and relocate plumbing and electrical. On the other hand, a decorator can offer simple suggestions for furniture placement but cannot alter the layout or change the structural components of a space.
Structural modifications: If you’re looking to change the placement of walls, move plumbing fixtures, or redesign the flow of a room, an interior designer is the professional for the job. A decorator is limited to working with the existing layout and cannot make such structural changes.
Aesthetic focus: While both designers and decorators aim to create beautiful spaces, interior designers have the skills to manage both aesthetics and technical design elements, providing a more comprehensive service. Interior decorators specialise in the final aesthetic touches; colours, fabrics, and accessories.
Who to hire for your upcoming project
As your interior designer, we can focus on both the aesthetic and the technical aspect of your renovation and offer distinct services. We have a broader skill set that includes technical design, floor planning and the ability to alter a room’s structure, while interior decorators focus primarily on surface-level design and aesthetics. Have a look at our services to learn more, and feel free to get in touch and we can give you a call to discuss your requirements further:
