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Interior Design vs. Interior Decorating

New year, new plans.  You may have decided – after experiencing various degrees of Australian lockdowns, home schooling and working from home in some capacity – that you need to look at exploring making some potential changes at home.  You delve into the world of architects, building designers, interior designers and interior decorators.  You have probably asked around for recommendations from family and friends, all with a (happy or terrifying!) tale of their own to tell.

Suddenly, you are faced with new questions, namely, “What’s the difference?” and more importantly, “Which one do I need?” Confusion and interchangeability surround the job titles, so let’s look at one specific question: What’s the difference between an Interior Designer and an Interior Decorator?

What does an Interior Designer do?

Interior Designers often work on projects in the commercial realms of workplace, hospitality, retail, public works, customer experience, branding and residential.  As Interior Designers, they firstly understand the operational, functional and cultural requirements to then create interior environments that are a true reflection of the client’s values.  Interior designers are trained to understand and evaluate spaces to consider the modification of the interior structure of the building instead of just refinishing and furnishing existing spaces.

Design and construction management are also important skills of interior designers in both residential and commercial environments.  Due to the technical requirements of the role, Interior Designers are typically tertiary qualified and are often a member of the Design Institute of Australia (DIA).

What does an Interior Decorator do?

Interior Decorators are responsible for the cosmetic design and decoration of an existing interior space.  They develop design concept and colour schemes for clients’ rooms to change the look, finishes, furniture, ambience, mood and colour of an existing space within a building.

In this role, Interior Decorators usually have a TAFE Certificate qualification and may also work as colour consultants, visual merchandisers, real estate staging or as interior advisors for product suppliers or in retail.

Who should I engage for my project?

Who you engage depends on your design requirements.  If interior structural changes are needed, generally an interior designer may be a better choice as they can plan for significant structural changes and work directly with architects, building designers and/or builders throughout the design and construction phases. 

On the other hand, if it’s pure aesthetic help that is needed – deciding on an interior style, procuring furniture or providing window treatment advice – an interior decorator may fit the brief.

Ultimately, when embarking on designing a space to fit your needs, finding the right match is key to a successful design project. You will know when you meet the right professional designer and how they understand and interpret your design brief.

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