Ask the expert!
Our first Q & A questions comes from Kari in Midland, TX.
“What is the difference between an interior designer and interior decorator?”
This is a great question! That I get asked ALL the time! Honestly, most people do not know the difference! Many people use “interior designer” and “interior decorator” interchangeably, but the two professions differ in critical ways.
When telling people I am an interior designer more times than not, they think interior decorator; furniture, throw pillows, colour palettes, and pretty signs. Which is the most common misconception and possibly one of the worst things you could say to an Interior Designer. Many people think that Interior Designers and Interior Decorators are one in the same, but this is just not the case.
(We are as different as; Architects vs. Structural Engineers or registered nurse vs. nurse practitioner)
BOTH PROFESSIONS ARE VALUABLE BUT THE DIFFERENCES MATTER!
Interior design is the art and science of understanding people’s behaviors to create functional spaces within a building. The interior design process follows a coordinated methodology—including research, analysis, and integration of knowledge into the creative process to satisfy the needs of each client. Whether working in a commercial or residential space, interior designers are challenged with applying creative and technical solutions within a structure that are functional, attractive, and beneficial to the occupants’ quality of life. Designers are educated to understand human scale, acoustics, lighting, life safety, building codes, accessibility, sustainable design, technical construction, and so many other elements that make a space function before it looks ‘pretty’. By implementing thoughtful solutions, interior designers create spaces that greatly improve the experiences of the people using them.
Interior decorating refers to the art of making an interior space more aesthetically pleasing. Interior decorators furnish a space with beautiful or fashionable things while working within its functional space created by an interior designer. Interior Decorators are ‘stylists’. Their expertise is in selecting and arranging colour palettes, finishes, paint, furnishings, and accessories focusing primarily on creating a cohesive aesthetic.
INTERIOR DESIGNERS CAN DECORATE, BUT INTERIOR DECORATORS DO NOT DESIGN.
EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS: INTERIOR DESIGN VS. INTERIOR DECORATING
Interior Design is a more specialized career field, requiring a certain combined level of education, work experience, and licensing. A minimum being a bachelors’ degree from an accredited college and anywhere between 4-6 years professional experience under the supervision of a licensed professional. A Professional Interior Designer must also pass a qualifying exam called the NCIDQ (Nationally Certified Interior Design Qualification) which certifies that they are competent in the interior design principles that enable them to protect public health, safety and welfare. In addition, many states are now requiring interior designers to attain registration in their practicing states, to do so the interior design must first complete the NQIDQ. In contrast, Interior Decorators are not required to have formal education, work experience or licensure.
BE CAREFUL WHO YOU CHOOSE!
Most states do not have a title act that regulates the use of ‘interior designer.” Therefore, anyone can call themselves an “interior designer” regardless of the qualifications above being completed. Before moving forward with your project, it is extremely important to ask the right questions to ensure you are getting the right person for the job.
For more information on the difference between Interior Design and Interior Decorating please visit the National Council for Interior Design Qualification website.
If you are looking for a qualified professional interior designer for your next project, give me a call!
Thanks for the questions Kari! Hope this was helpful!
