Next week, the Kuotes will be launching a September series on how to become a better designer, including topics like how to get started, how to beef up your social media cred, and how to handle your client’s trickiest questions. We’ve been watching everyone head back to school, and we thought it was time to hit the books for a fall refresh. But before we give you our tips of the trade, we should get some terminology out of the way. Interior designer. Interior decorator.
We’re sure you’ve heard both of these terms. As you scroll through your favorite design blogs (including, I’m sure, the Kuotes), you’ll come across an array of titles: designers, decorators, stylists, specialists, trendsetters, creative consultants, interior design firms…We could go on and on and on and on and on and on. And then on some more. But this begs the question: What’s the difference? Is there a difference? Today, the Kuotes has taken the time to demystify the terms used in the design world.
What is an Interior Designer?
When it comes to your interiors, interior designers are the crème de la crème. What makes them so special? Two words: education and qualification. While interior design is a form art, it is also a science, and interior designers have an understanding of human behavior that allows them to create functional spaces for clients. For many designers, what a space does is much more important than how a space looks.
Designers deal not only with furnishing and decor, but also with the building plans and location, the social context of the project, codes and regulatory requirements, and environmental sustainability…just to name a few. Just think of the saying you learned in high school geometry: all squares are rectangles, but not all rectangles are squares. Interior designers are squares (attractive and fashionable squares, don’t worry) and interior decorators are rectangles. The point we’re making here is that interior designers decorate, but interior decorators do not design. interior designers often work closely with architects or with a design firm to create interior designs and space planning ideas that go beyond helping a client select a piece of furniture.
What Do Interior Designers Have That Others Do Not?
- A degree in Interior Design or Interior Architecture from an accredited 4-year college or university, sometimes in addition to an existing Bachelor’s degree
- Internship experience under a licensed professional
- State licensing after passing the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam
- Knowledge of art history, architecture, furniture, and industrial design
- Knowledge of design technology (such as CAD) and skills in sketching, modeling, and drafting
Our team taking measurements and video before designing everything out on AutoCAD.
What Does This Mean for Me?
When deciding who to hire for your home or design project, the Kuotes always recommends hiring an interior designer (Kathy, of course, is an experienced designer, and you can learn more about her background here). Designers guarantee the experience and problem-solving skills necessary to bring beautiful structure and design to your home. Designers can work directly with architects, obtain building permits, supervise construction or installation, and give advice on matters including electricity, plumbing, structural changes, ADA requirements, etc.
If you are working on a large design project–like a kitchen and bath–building your home from scratch, or making adjustments to your home’s structure, it is imperative that you choose an interior designer for functional, safe, and beautiful design. If you’re just looking to repaint or redecorate a room, however, an interior decorator can get the job done and may be the right choice for you (read more below). Due to their training, designers typically work on large commercial projects in addition to residential spaces. This rings true from New York City to Los Angeles.
Pro Tip: Sometimes even members of the trade can confuse the terminology, and some interior decorators will advertise or call themselves interior designers. Do your research and make sure the person you hire has all of the bulleted criteria above before you pay for an interior designer level of expertise.
What is an Interior Decorator?
When it comes to selecting beautiful furniture and home decor, interior decorators can help you achieve the look you want for your home. Experienced interior decorators have experience with paint, fabrics, furniture, window treatments, and accessories, and they can provide fantastic direction for selecting a color palette, arranging the layout of a space, and selecting items to give your home the personality and style it needs to be you. Note, however, that anyone can claim to be an interior decorator.
No formal training is required, and decorators are not qualified to alter building structure or make electrical changes. Decorators are also not typically trained in sketching, modeling, or design technology like CAD. If you decide to hire a decorator, make sure to choose somebody you trust, somebody who can provide a portfolio to show their past work, and somebody who is not charging you for an interior designer level of expertise. And while there is no government regulation or certification process, most good decorators will attain a 2-year associate degree or a certificate from a vocational program to showcase their experience and dedication to the field.
Pro Tip: Most online services that offer “designers” to put together mood boards or design concepts for your space employ interior decorators and not interior designers.
What is a Stylist?
In the world of interiors, you might also hear the term “stylist.” It’s a pretty vague title, so it’s not surprising that what they do is also broad and somewhat vague. Like with decorators, there is no formal training needed to become a stylist except for…well, good style. Stylists typically style for a variety of lifestyle interests in addition to interiors, fashion being a very common stylist industry. The designer is interested in the craft and function of a space, and the decorator is interested in the look and beauty of a space.
The stylist is really interested in the dressing and entertainment value of an interior space, focusing on smaller accessory items and current design trends or a particular design tool. So when to hire a stylist? For events, mostly. Are you throwing a themed or seasonal party and you want your decor to fit in? Are you doing a photo shoot and want the placement of everything in your home to be picture perfect? Hire a stylist. Our suggestion here is to really get to know a stylist, learn their area of expertise, and move forward from there.
Kathy Kuo Home Design Services
Feeling inspired? In addition to being a source for beautiful high quality furnishings and decor, Kathy Kuo Home has a team of professional interior designers that are ready to assist with all of your interior design needs. Our services provide multiple layout and design options that fit your style and budget for any room. You will work with a team of designers and project managers to help you love where you live.
Call (888) 908-3486 or email designs@kathykuohome.com today to get started!
Call (888) 908-3486 or email cs@kathykuohome.com today to get started!
29 thoughts on “Interior Designer vs Decorator: What’s the Difference?”
This is a great article about the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator. Thank you for sharing.
Hi! I am an Interior Decorator student and about to finish next year (August 2021). I just would like to say my experience in learning the program, we are also learning AutoCad 1 & 2 and SketchUp in college and we do sketches and rendering too. After I finish my diploma program, I’ll be taking the post-diploma program too in Kitchen and bath. I think different colleges nowadays are more advanced even when you only take the Interior Decorating Diploma Program. Not to mention, we did the lighting course too which was very helpful because I now understand how a specific area is measured and which lighting would work best in every area of the house. There is a lot that I would want to share though but I guess this would do… Thank you very much 🙂
Hello! The article mentions price and that’s the biggest problem. How do consumers find out if they’re paying an interior decorator more than they should if they have no prices to compare? Interior designers and interior decorators don’t list their prices publicly and they all charge differently. Their prices are not transparent and so the consumer must be an investigator just to get a price quote on redesigning one room. Most designers and decorators charge for consultations, which is understandable, but that price adds up when trying to get multiple quotes. If someone wants to hire the same interior designer who designed their kitchen to decorate their living room will the designer recommend a good decorator so the client pays less per hour? How does the consumer find out what a qualified interior designer charges vs an interior decorator because this is where the problem lies.
Thanks for helping me understand what the difference between a designer, decorator, and stylist is.
I’ve always considered becoming an interior designer since I was a kid. I was always interested in making things beautiful and harmonious with each other. I’ll go ahead and share this with my sister since she feels the same way as I am.
It was helpful when you mentioned that you should consider the licensing of a designer when you are considering hiring them. My wife and I have been talking about finding a designer for our home to help us figure out the best layout for everything before we move in, and it will be important for us to be confident in who we choose to hire. When we look for one, I will be sure to consider their licensing.
I had no idea that there was such a thing as a degree in interior design that you had to have to be officially recognized as an interior designer. That makes me feel a lot better about hiring one. What kind of classes does an interior designer need to take to get the degree?
My cousin is thinking about getting an interior designer. It could be really nice for her to get a professional to help her. It was interesting to learn about the difference between a decorator and a stylist.
Did she just move into a new home, or is she looking to renovate her current home?
Would love to help your sister! She can schedule a free consultation for free design services with us (yes.. I said free haha!)
https://www.kathykuohome.com/designservices
Hope to hear from you soon, love!
This was an awesome article. I do not want to be an interior designer but I have my degree and several years in Fashion Merchandising. I have a eye and a love for decorating and styling. To read this article gave me hope!
We’re glad you enjoyed it! Best of luck!
I don’t normally rate and comment, but this article is just useful and necessary! It literally just saved me time and effort. This was really helpful. Thank you! And also excellently written! Great job.
Thanks, Joan! Glad you enjoyed it!
Hi Kathy, thank you very much for clarifying the difference between these three terms, which really inspired me in some way. I don’t have an interior design background but I am very interested in interior decorating and styling working as an event manager. I would like to develop more of my career in this direction by doing a master degree. What major would you recommend for me? I appreciate your reply!
It really depends on your area of interest. If you’re most interested in design in terms of events and event planning, a degree in Event Management may be much more lucrative. You can always take interior design classes on the side!
Hello! It was a very interesting article. I am seriously thinking to apply to a design school or do some online courses at first. My questions is, do you know if there is any difference between an interior designer and decorator in France? But in terms of salary? Many thanks in advance! P.S. If anyone could recommend me some good online courses or a design school in Paris I would highly appreciate it!
Thanks for reaching out. I’m not sure of the licensing differences in France compared to the US, but I’d assume the certifications are fairly similar. As far as salary, certified interior designers general receive higher salaries than a decorator , but of course there are differences based on experience, location, etc.
Great work. The blog creates interest of the reader and adds something of value to his knowledge.
Nice Article. I always think that the Interior designers and decorators are same but after reading your article i got the difference.
Thanks for sharing this important article with us
Thank you
Thank you for sharing your nice knowledge. I appreciate it.
I interior design is very important for every house for good looking.
Thank you
I LOVED this blog! Thank you! I myself am a stay at home mom formerly in the field of high end hospitality from clubs to hotels and airlines and on! I have an inate sense for color and fabrics and pairings and absolutely adore creating moments even the smallest with cards and packaging, gifting and of course with parties! I am considering a certificate program in interior design from a local college such as Hofstra or Molloy College and am wondering if that is acceptable in the industry? As I am an adult to obtain a second Bachelors would be a task! Thank you kindly in advance for any guidance you might offer!
Hi Lili,
Thanks for reaching out. I will say that experience and networking is most important when it comes to learning interior design and landing projects. A certificate program will likely give you enough of a background to feel comfortable taking on projects and is a great option if a four-year program is not for you. The only caveat is that some manufacturers/fabricators will only sell to (and some firms will only hire) CIDA or ASID certified interior designers, but this is not true of most vendors and if you’re looking to take on work independently (not as part of a firm) a certificate may be a great fit!
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At the end of the day you can be a trained interior designer and have horrible taste/style/eye for color and proportion or an interior decorator or stylist with exquisite aesthetics. I wouldn’t be so cut and dry if I were you. Some of the most world renowned interior designers (featured as “the best of the best” in AD) do not have what some would consider the “right” credentials.
I already have a four year degree (from 20 years ago), but want to go back to school for design. I am in Los Angeles and there are many choices. How would you suggest I choose a school? It is a bit of a maze
Hi Denise! Thank you for commenting. Definitely stay tuned this week for an article about how to get started as an interior designer. Luckily, in a city like L.A. there are a ton of great options, from large universities, like California State University – Long Beach, to smaller and more alternative programs, like the Los Angeles Institute of Architecture and Design. Those are just two recommendations, but it really depends on what fit works best with where you are right now. So stay tuned for our article and keep researching. In big cities, the possibilities are endless!
I am an Interior Design student. I am due to graduate May 2016. When I am finished I will have my Associates degree. I will be qualified to do the same things any designer with a 4 year degree can do. My program director made sure of that. Also, in the state of Pennsylvania we are not required to sit for the NCIDQ. However, I am considering getting my Bachelors degree in sustainable design. This was a very interesting read. I am going to post it on the Harcum Interior Design page on Facebook. Thank you.
Thanks for commenting! You are correct, licensing requirements do differ by state, and we will soon be posting an article about all of the different regulations for getting started as a designer. We always encourage learning more though, and a degree in sustainable design would definitely allow you to grow as a designer. Best of luck!