So, you want to learn more about interior design but are confused about whether or not it is the same as interior decorating. To be sure, there are a few key distinctions. The primary distinction between an Interior Designer and an Interior Decorator is that the former is concerned with the overall layout of the house, while the latter primarily works on a single space. Remember that designers are more concerned with form and function, while decorators are more concerned with style. If you hire an interior designer, they may also sell their own brand of furniture to complete the look of your new abode.
Both interior design and interior decorating have their place, but interior design differs significantly from decorating. Choosing and arranging furniture and decorative elements to make a living or working space look good is interior decorating, while designing an interior space from scratch is interior design. While both can involve aesthetic choices like colour palettes, furniture layouts, lighting, etc. Every one of them is exceptional in their own special way.
The Difference Between an Interior Designer and an Interior Architect
People often confuse interior design services with architecture services. In a word, no. Although the terms interior design and interior architecture are often used interchangeably by those in the design industry due to their similarities, there are important distinctions between the two.
Although they seem to be two distinct fields, interior design and interior architecture actually belong to the same field and serve a similar purpose.
What Is an Interior Designer?
Designing a building encompasses many subfields of expertise. While it is not unheard of for an architect or building designer to be responsible for every aspect of a home's design, it is more common for a variety of specialists (such as interior designers, landscape architects, and lighting designers) to be hired for specific projects.
Interior designers, on the other hand, frequently perform these tasks independently, and usually to enhance pre existing structures rather than create new ones from scratch. The goal of any professional interior designer is to produce a space that serves its intended purpose while also being safe, efficient, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing.
We've established that most successful interior designers have a bachelor's degree or higher in the field. Interior designers engage in intensive training in the theory and practise of design, covering topics such as:
- Lighting layout
- Structure, colour, and texture
- Methods for Eco-Friendly Construction
- Design theory and history
- Focus on accessibility and practicality when designing.
- Building systems and technologies
- Project management
- Codes and Standards Applicable in Australia
To ensure that the interior spaces they design are appropriate and properly implemented, interior designers typically have a solid grasp of construction practises and documentation requirements, on top of designing and decorating the interiors of buildings.
Some licensed interior designers in Victoria are also RBPs (Registered Building Professionals) with the state's Building Practitioners' Board (RBPs). Because of this, the designer can submit an application for a Building Permit independently of the builder, who would otherwise be on the hook for any mistakes in the designer's plans.
What Is an Interior Architect?
The technical aspects of designing and constructing a space are the primary focus of interior architects, who combine the creative and analytical skills necessary for the profession with a scientific approach. This is the study and practise of creating environments that are both safe and functional while also being aesthetically pleasing in terms of things like lighting, colour, and texture. Inside design experts pay equal attention to the building's framework, its materials, and its aesthetics.
When designing a space, interior architects often have a large number of tasks to coordinate. They begin most projects with consultations with clients to learn about their needs and ideal design parameters. Some interior designers specialise in creating brand-new buildings, while others are experts at breathing new life into older structures. Those concerned with the latter examine the interior layout of the area to determine constraints and needs. Experts in interior design may collaborate with general architects to ensure that their work complements that of the building's exterior.
These architects consider the surrounding area, the amount of available natural light, and the practicality of each design option as they work on interior layouts. After hand-sketching initial concepts, many interior architects turn to CAD, drafting, and BIM software to finalise their designs and create scaled floor plans. Not only do these plans detail the structure, but they also typically depict the aesthetics of the design and the HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems.
As part of their job, interior architects must also develop comprehensive plans for their projects, detailing everything from budgets to timelines. Most organisations prefer to employ outside parties to carry out their projects, which often necessitates the creation of contracts and the recruitment of temporary staff. When working on large or complicated projects, interior architects often work in tandem with other architects, interior designers, engineers, and construction crews.
Because of the importance of safety and sustainability in their work, architects must be familiar with and compliant with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to the built environment. Engineers and architects frequently investigate and test new building components and techniques to ensure they are in accordance with applicable standards.
FAQs About Home Builders
Interior decorators must have a strong sense of style and a good eye for color and composition. They should be able to select furniture and decor that complements the existing space and the client's taste. They must also have good communication skills to work with clients and vendors and stay within budget constraints.
Yes, an interior designer can also be an interior decorator. However, not all interior designers choose to offer decorating services. Interior designers who do offer decorating services usually do so as part of a comprehensive design package that includes both planning and finishing touches.
The main difference between interior design and interior decorating is that interior design involves the planning and functional aspects of a space, while interior decorating focuses on the aesthetics and finishing touches. Interior designers often work with architects and builders to plan and design the layout of a space, while interior decorators typically work with the finished space to select and arrange furniture, accessories, and decor.
No, an interior decorator cannot be an interior designer unless they have the necessary training and education to do so. Interior design involves technical and functional aspects that require specialized knowledge and training, such as building codes, spatial planning, and structural considerations. Interior decorators typically do not have this level of training or expertise.
Interior design is the process of planning and designing a space's layout, functionality, and aesthetics. It involves working with the architectural elements of a space, such as the layout, walls, and ceilings, to create a cohesive and functional design.
Factors to Think About When Deciding Between an Architect and a Designer
As we've explained above, it appears that good building design requires the efforts of both architects and interior designers working together. Both of these parties are essential to the design process and bring with them unique sets of knowledge and expertise. Now, the question is: who do you choose to employ? So, we say it all depends on the specifics of your case. The majority of the time, hiring an interior designer is necessary if you already have a building and are looking for assistance with the interior design. And if you need a brand new house built, our advice is to hire an architect, and maybe an interior designer as well. The examples given above are fairly cut and dry, but what about when walls are being knocked down and the structure is being altered during an interior remodel or rebuild? Is it better to hire an architect or a designer? In such cases, it is recommended that you employ the services of both an architect to create the blueprints for the new building and an interior designer to help make sure the finished product meets your aesthetic and practical expectations. There are those who will argue that an interior designer can handle both the structural and aesthetic aspects of a remodel on their own, and they would be correct to do so; however, we recommend playing it safe and enlisting the services of both professionals to ensure you get the best of both design worlds.
Interior designers and architects are both fascinating, imaginative people who bring valuable expertise to the field of residential design. We've established that an architect's expertise in exterior design complements an interior designer's expertise in the interior of a home, demonstrating the complementary nature of these professions. Check the specifics of your project to see if someone's expertise is a good fit.
When Should You Consider Hiring an Interior Decorator?
While it's true that working with an interior designer will increase your budget significantly, the returns could be well worth the investment.
Figure Out Your Style
You can find countless images to use as home decor ideas on websites like Pinterest and Instagram. Many homeowners run into trouble because they develop an unhealthy obsession with too many design eras. You might fall in love with a beautiful modern kitchen one day, and the next you're set on having a rustic country kitchen. This can keep happening, leaving you stuck in a design rut. A professional interior designer can assist you in developing your personal aesthetic and then incorporate it into the design process. A designer will ask you the right questions and present you with enough options to help you settle on a design that reflects your preferences, way of life, and character.
Avoid the Headache
Social media before-and-afters are stunning, and home improvement shows on TV are heavily edited to make the process look easy. The truth is that it takes a long time and a lot of effort to decorate and design a home. You can relax and enjoy the process of creating a beautiful home because your interior designer will handle all the tedious details, such as placing orders, managing the work of contractors, and monitoring costs.
Possibility of Reaching Reliable Suppliers
You know how difficult it is to find the right person if you've ever had to hire a painter, plumber, or trim carpenter. Finding a reliable service provider requires extensive research, including reading reviews, asking for recommendations, and gathering quotes. When you work with an interior designer, they will refer you to their trusted network of industry professionals. Further, those reliable suppliers are more likely to offer your designer a competitive price because they anticipate future business as a result.
Effective and Stunning Outcomes
The most obvious benefit of working with an interior designer is, well, having a well-designed space! If you want your home to look as good as the ones you see on Pinterest, you need the expertise of an interior designer. The process of interior design involves many complex factors. A professional decorator can help you figure out where to put everything, from where to hang pictures to how big a rug to put under your feet.
No More Annoying Returns and Mistakes
How often do you order something for your house from a website, only to have to send it back because it wasn't what you expected? Errors in the design phase are unfortunately common. And both placing an order and cancelling it are tedious, costly, and annoying processes. A professional interior designer will have the expertise to guide your initial decisions.
Successfully Complete Your Task
However well-intentioned, DIY home improvement and decor projects rarely make it to completion. A home improvement project can easily be put on hold while you deal with something more urgent in your personal or professional life. Never mind ordering the cabinet hardware; you never get around to installing that last bit of baseboard. A professional interior designer will see the job through from beginning to end. They stick by you from the beginning to the end to make sure you get what you want.
Improving Your Home's Value
You can get expert advice on how to improve your home's resale value from a professional interior designer. The kitchen and bathroom are the two most expensive areas of a home to remodel, but they also have the greatest potential to increase its value. Your interior designer can advise you on the kinds of fixtures and fittings that will continue to look great for years to come and that will interest a wide variety of potential buyers.
Ability to Acquire Trade-Only Products
Experts in the field of interior design and decorating have access to products typically reserved for the commercial sector. The right decorator will be able to incorporate these rare pieces into your design and even get them at a lower cost. Even after designers add their markup to items sold to the trade, the final price is typically lower than retail. Make sure the designer you hire is forthcoming about their wholesale costs.
Have Someone in Your Corner
Dealing with contractors, inspectors, and other tradespeople can be intimidating when undertaking a large-scale renovation project, especially if it is your first time doing so. A good interior designer will know to ask the right questions and will not be afraid to be the bad guy if things aren't done properly. A professional designer will keep your best interests in mind at all times and work to ensure that your ideas are carried out.
Excellent and Original Concepts
An interior designer's services extend beyond the aesthetic improvement of a space to include the identification of problems and the development of novel approaches to their resolution. A designer can come into a space with new eyes and offer suggestions you never would have thought of on your own, such as turning an odd nook into a reading nook or finding the perfect curtains for those pesky corner windows.
Conclusion
Interior design and interior decorating are two distinct fields, but there are important distinctions between them. Interior design is concerned with form and function, while decorators are more concerned with style. Interior designers have a bachelor's degree or higher in the field and engage in intensive training in the theory and practise of design, covering topics such as lighting layout, structure, colour, and texture. They are responsible for creating a space that serves its intended purpose while also being safe, efficient, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing. Interior architects are responsible for designing and constructing a space that is both safe and functional while also aesthetically pleasing.
They focus on accessibility and practicality when designing, and must have a solid grasp of construction practises and documentation requirements. They also collaborate with general architects to ensure that their work complements that of the building's exterior. Interior architects must also develop comprehensive plans for their projects, detailing everything from budgets to timelines. Interior architects often work in tandem with other architects, interior designers, engineers, and construction crews to ensure safety and sustainability in their work. When designing a new house, it is recommended to hire an architect and an interior designer to create the blueprints and make sure the finished product meets aesthetic and practical expectations.
An architect's expertise in exterior design complements an interior designer's expertise in the interior of a home, demonstrating the complementary nature of these professions. When considering hiring an interior decorator, it is important to check the specifics of the project to see if someone's expertise is a good fit. Working with an interior designer can increase your budget significantly, but the returns can be well worth the investment. An interior designer can help you develop a personal aesthetic and incorporate it into the design process, avoid the headache of social media before-and-afters, and reach reliable suppliers. Additionally, they can help you figure out where to put everything, from where to hang pictures to how big a rug to put under your feet, and ensure no more annoying returns and mistakes.
A professional interior designer can help you successfully complete DIY home improvement and decor projects, improve your home's resale value, and make sure you get what you want from the beginning to the end. They can also provide expert advice on how to improve the kitchen and bathroom, which are the two most expensive areas of a home to remodel and have the greatest potential to increase its value. Experts in interior design and decorating have access to trade-only products and can incorporate them into their design at a lower cost than retail. They also have the ability to ask the right questions and be the bad guy if things aren't done properly. Finally, they offer excellent and original concepts and can come into a space with new eyes and offer suggestions.
Content Summary
- So, you want to learn more about interior design but are confused about whether or not it is the same as interior decorating.
- To be sure, there are a few key distinctions.
- The primary distinction between an Interior Designer and an Interior Decorator is that the former is concerned with the overall layout of the house, while the latter primarily works on a single space.
- Remember that designers are more concerned with form and function, while decorators are more concerned with style.
- Both interior design and interior decorating have their place, but interior design differs significantly from decorating.
- Choosing and arranging furniture and decorative elements to make a living or working space look good is interior decorating, while designing an interior space from scratch is interior design.
- People often confuse interior design services with architecture services.
- Although the terms interior design and interior architecture are often used interchangeably by those in the design industry due to their similarities, there are important distinctions between the two.
- Although they seem to be two distinct fields, interior design and interior architecture actually belong to the same field and serve a similar purpose.
- While it is not unheard of for an architect or building designer to be responsible for every aspect of a home's design, it is more common for a variety of specialists (such as interior designers, landscape architects, and lighting designers) to be hired for specific projects.
- We've established that most successful interior designers have a bachelor's degree or higher in the field.
- Focus on accessibility and practicality when designing.
- To ensure that the interior spaces they design are appropriate and properly implemented, interior designers typically have a solid grasp of construction practises and documentation requirements, on top of designing and decorating the interiors of buildings.
- Some licensed interior designers in Victoria are also RBPs (Registered Building Professionals) with the state's Building Practitioners' Board (RBPs).
- Because of this, the designer can submit an application for a Building Permit independently of the builder, who would otherwise be on the hook for any mistakes in the designer's plans.
- The technical aspects of designing and constructing a space are the primary focus of interior architects, who combine the creative and analytical skills necessary for the profession with a scientific approach.
- Inside design experts pay equal attention to the building's framework, its materials, and its aesthetics.
- When designing a space, interior architects often have a large number of tasks to coordinate.
- They begin most projects with consultations with clients to learn about their needs and ideal design parameters.
- Those concerned with the latter examine the interior layout of the area to determine constraints and needs.
- Experts in interior design may collaborate with general architects to ensure that their work complements that of the building's exterior.
- As part of their job, interior architects must also develop comprehensive plans for their projects, detailing everything from budgets to timelines.
- Most organisations prefer to employ outside parties to carry out their projects, which often necessitates the creation of contracts and the recruitment of temporary staff.
- When working on large or complicated projects, interior architects often work in tandem with other architects, interior designers, engineers, and construction crews.
- As we've explained above, it appears that good building design requires the efforts of both architects and interior designers working together.
- Both of these parties are essential to the design process and bring with them unique sets of knowledge and expertise.
- Now, the question is: who do you choose to employ?
- So, we say it all depends on the specifics of your case.
- The majority of the time, hiring an interior designer is necessary if you already have a building and are looking for assistance with the interior design.
- And if you need a brand new house built, our advice is to hire an architect, and maybe an interior designer as well.
- Is it better to hire an architect or a designer?
- In such cases, it is recommended that you employ the services of both an architect to create the blueprints for the new building and an interior designer to help make sure the finished product meets your aesthetic and practical expectations.
- Interior designers and architects are both fascinating, imaginative people who bring valuable expertise to the field of residential design.
- We've established that an architect's expertise in exterior design complements an interior designer's expertise in the interior of a home, demonstrating the complementary nature of these professions.
- Check the specifics of your project to see if someone's expertise is a good fit.
- While it's true that working with an interior designer will increase your budget significantly, the returns could be well worth the investment.
- You can find countless images to use as home decor ideas on websites like Pinterest and Instagram.
- This can keep happening, leaving you stuck in a design rut.
- A professional interior designer can assist you in developing your personal aesthetic and then incorporate it into the design process.
- A designer will ask you the right questions and present you with enough options to help you settle on a design that reflects your preferences, way of life, and character.
- The truth is that it takes a long time and a lot of effort to decorate and design a home.
- Finding a reliable service provider requires extensive research, including reading reviews, asking for recommendations, and gathering quotes.
- When you work with an interior designer, they will refer you to their trusted network of industry professionals.
- The most obvious benefit of working with an interior designer is, well, having a well-designed space!
- If you want your home to look as good as the ones you see on Pinterest, you need the expertise of an interior designer.
- The process of interior design involves many complex factors.
- A professional decorator can help you figure out where to put everything, from where to hang pictures to how big a rug to put under your feet.
- How often do you order something for your house from a website, only to have to send it back because it wasn't what you expected?
- Errors in the design phase are unfortunately common.
- And both placing an order and cancelling it are tedious, costly, and annoying processes.
- A professional interior designer will have the expertise to guide your initial decisions.
- However well-intentioned, DIY home improvement and decor projects rarely make it to completion.
- A home improvement project can easily be put on hold while you deal with something more urgent in your personal or professional life.
- A professional interior designer will see the job through from beginning to end.
- They stick by you from the beginning to the end to make sure you get what you want.
- You can get expert advice on how to improve your home's resale value from a professional interior designer.
- The kitchen and bathroom are the two most expensive areas of a home to remodel, but they also have the greatest potential to increase its value.
- Experts in the field of interior design and decorating have access to products typically reserved for the commercial sector.
- The right decorator will be able to incorporate these rare pieces into your design and even get them at a lower cost.
- Even after designers add their markup to items sold to the trade, the final price is typically lower than retail.
- Make sure the designer you hire is forthcoming about their wholesale costs.
- Dealing with contractors, inspectors, and other tradespeople can be intimidating when undertaking a large-scale renovation project, especially if it is your first time doing so.
- A good interior designer will know to ask the right questions and will not be afraid to be the bad guy if things aren't done properly.
- A professional designer will keep your best interests in mind at all times and work to ensure that your ideas are carried out.
- An interior designer's services extend beyond the aesthetic improvement of a space to include the identification of problems and the development of novel approaches to their resolution.
- A designer can come into a space with new eyes and offer suggestions you never would have thought of on your own, such as turning an odd nook into a reading nook or finding the perfect curtains for those pesky corner windows.