There are many differences between an Interior Decorator and an Interior Designer. It is crucial to understand the difference between these two professions to help you know which one to hire, and if you are considering choosing this profession, learning which route to take.
Design Focus
A decorator usually does not have a degree and gains their knowledge through personal experience and takes a more artistic approach in design. They have expertise in putting décor together, arranging a room, but might lack the technical knowledge of code compliance and documentation that comes with a degree. A decorator usually starts their business because they have an eye for putting a room together and gain experience through trial and error. Aesthetics are imperative for any design career path. Designers pair this with their formal training of elements and principles to truly make a beautiful and functional design. With a designer's education and real-life experience, they can go above and beyond with technical programs, commercial design, and space planning/ requirements..
Education
The certification for a Designer is different from a Decorator. The NCIDQ, National Council for Interior Design Qualification, is a certification for Interior Designers with many requirements before you qualify to take the exams. It requires a two or four-year college degree and years of experience to pass it- for a total of about six years. This test shows that you have the knowledge that is needed to be a skilled designer. The certification for decorators can be completed in a lot less time and is less intensive than the NCIDQ and does not require a degree. Interior Decorators are more focused on finishes and accessories. Interior Designers specify finishes and accessories, but they are also concerned with commercial and residential building codes, accessibility requirements, functionality, and proper lighting. In Utah, a certified commercial Interior designer can stamp and permit drawings on their own. For more information about your local laws and state, requirements visit here.
Technical Skills
Designer: 3D rendering programs, Revit, Autocad, construction documents, photoshop, illustrator, Indesign, sketchup
Decorator: Mood boards, sample boards, furniture room plans, conceptual documentation not built for construction, hand drawings and sketches
Earnings
A designer graduating from a four-year program can expect to start at 40k a year. Depending on the area they live, specialty, and experience, a skilled designer can eventually earn six figures. A certified designer can expect to earn up to 34% more than a decorator. A decorator, however, may start working in a furniture dealership, as an intern, tile showroom, staging, or for a home builder and can expect to start at a lower salary and climb the ladder. A decorator can expect to start charging for their services at $75/hr while well known Interior Designers charge between $120-350 hr.
There’s a few key differences between an interior designer and interior decorator. Whether you’re deciding to become a designer or narrowing down your choices for your home- you have to know what the differences are between the two. To talk to an interior designer click here.
