JD Institute of Fashion Technology
What is the Difference Between Interior Designers and Interior Decorators

While looking for professionals to guide you with the interiors of your homes, you might be confused between the interior designers and interior decorators. Though there are many considerable similarities between them, both the professions have significant differences in their workstyle, education and services. The differences can be minute or quite substantial. Both the professions come under the creative art field and the individuals should be passionate about designing. Here are some distinctions and similarities between both the professions that would give you a clearer understanding of whom to hire for your next home interior enhancing projects:

Interior Design

Skills and Educational Qualification:

The individuals who are aiming to become an interior designer require formal training and educational qualification. They can opt for bsc interior design after completion of their high school to get knowledge about the fundamentals of interior designing. Bachelor of interior design course includes technical training of Computer Aided design (CAD) which is used by the designers to draw and manage the designs digitally, architectural basics, space management, furniture designing, etc. After graduating, designers can either go for a masters in interior design or straightaway try for jobs or internships In  the field.

Job Description

The job of an interior designer is to make the indoors of your homes safe, functional and attractive. They must understand the requirements of their clients and decide on colours, lighting and features of the house. Space management, overall aesthetics are taken into consideration while remodelling and renovation of the indoors. Their work involves designing the floor plan to decorating the areas of the homes. They work in close association with the civil engineers, architects, construction workers and contractors. The profession requires knowledge of colours, textures and designs.

Interior Decorators

Skills and Educational Qualification:

Interior decorators don’t need formal training and educational qualification to practice the profession. There is no technical designing or renovation planning skills required to become an interior decorator. Their work focuses on decoration of the homes to improve the overall aesthetics and enhance the look. After planning and designing work is done, the interior decorator’s work begins. They can have a degree in related fields but it is not mandatory to get a degree.

Job Description

There are various short term courses that one can take if he is planning to become an interior decorator. There is no specific course to pursue but there are different courses that teach colour contrasting, special planning, etc that could be beneficial in the profession. Interior decorators give a good visual appearance to the indoors of houses, offices or other buildings. They decide on the style, colour, accessories, furniture and other home décor aspects. After the space is designed and made functional, they are bought to make the interiors look elegant and pleasing to the eye. They must be updated with the current trends and fashions. Decorators don’t work in close association with the contractors, civil engineers or construction workers as the structural building work is already finished before they come. They work for the clients in association with furniture makers, painters and other distributors.

How Should I Decide Whom to Hire Between Interior Designer or Interior Decorator?

Check your requirements before hiring a profession. If you require structural renovation or remodelling , an interior designer will be great help. They can help you plan the structural designs and execute your vision into reality. If you are facing difficulties in decorating your house and making it aesthetically pleasing like choosing the colour of the walls, picking furnitures, choosing accessories and lights, then interior decorator might be a better choice.

However the workstyle and output depends on how skilled and competent the professional is. Search for a designer or decorator with a good reputation who has completed successful projects in the past.