Many people assume interior design and interior decorating are the same. We thought so too before starting our first home renovation. It’s easy to get confused since both aim to improve spaces, but the differences run much deeper than most realize.
Knowing the difference between interior design and decorating can save you both money and time. You’ll be able to hire the right professional for your project. Some jobs need a designer’s technical expertise, while others just need a decorator’s eye for style. Choosing the wrong one can be expensive and cause delays.
This guide explains what interior designers and decorators do, how they differ, and which one is right for your project. By the end, you’ll be able to make better choices for your home improvement plans.
What Is Interior Design? (Overview of the Basics)
Interior design is about improving the inside of buildings, both as a science and an art. Designers focus on structural elements, not just furniture and paint. They change how spaces work from the very beginning.
The Technical Side of Design
Interior designers make architectural changes that decorators don’t handle. This includes moving walls, changing floor plans, and redesigning room layouts. Designers know building codes, safety rules, and structural requirements for construction projects.
A designer reviews your space before any building or demolition starts. They make detailed blueprints and technical drawings for contractors to follow. They also plan electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems.
Education and Licensing Requirements
Most interior designers have degrees in their field. Their education covers architecture, engineering basics, and spatial planning. In many states, designers must also pass licensing exams before working professionally.
Their training covers:
- Building safety codes
- Construction materials and methods
- Lighting design and electrical systems
- Environmental sustainability
- Accessibility standards (ADA compliance)
What Designers Actually Do
Interior designers begin projects from the ground up or during big renovations. They work closely with architects, contractors, and engineers throughout the process. Their main job is space planning: deciding where walls go, how people move through rooms, and making sure changes are safe and practical.
Designers also choose finishes, but that’s only a small part of their work. They make sure your space meets legal standards and works well for you. A good designer considers how you’ll use each room in the future, not just how it looks now.
What Is Interior Decorating? (A Simple Explanation)
Interior decorating is all about making existing spaces look better. Decorators improve a room’s appearance without changing any structural parts. They work with what’s already in place.
The Artistic Approach
Decorators are experts in color, style, and creating a unified look. They pick furniture, arrange accessories, and choose paint colors that work well together. Their projects never involve moving walls.
Decorators are like artists who bring personality to a space. They turn plain rooms into stylish, inviting places by carefully choosing materials and furnishings.
Skills and Training
Most decorators gain skills through experience, workshops, or certificate courses. Formal education isn’t always needed, but many still get training to improve. They don’t need state licenses since they don’t change building structures.
Decorators develop expertise in:
- Color coordination and theory
- Fabric selection and window treatments
- Furniture styles and arrangement
- Accessory placement and styling
- Current design trends
Day-to-Day Decorator Work
A decorator comes to your space and works with the current layout. They may suggest new paint or updated light fixtures, but they won’t change your floor plan. Their advice is all about cosmetic updates to refresh your space.
Shopping is a big part of decorating. Decorators find furniture, fabrics, art, and accessories that fit your style and budget. They often have access to vendors and showrooms not open to everyone. Decorators also coordinate installations to make sure everything is set up properly.
The goal is to create a space that feels complete and shows off your personality. A good decorator makes your home look thoughtfully put together, not just thrown together.
Key Differences Between Interior Design and Interior Decorating
The main differences between interior design and decorating are in their scope, education, and what each can legally do. These distinctions are more important than many people realize.
Scope of Work
Interior designers make structural changes and create functional spaces from the start. Interior decorators enhance the appearance of existing spaces. That’s the main difference.
Designers work during construction or major renovations. Decorators step in after construction is done. Designers build the foundation, and decorators add the finishing touches.
Education and Credentials
There’s a big difference in training between these jobs. Designers spend years learning technical topics like building codes and structural engineering. Most have bachelor’s degrees and must pass tough licensing exams in many states.
Project: When you design:
- Building a new home from scratch
- Renovating and changing floor plans
- Moving or removing walls
- Installing new electrical or plumbing systems
- Commercial space planning
When you need a decorator:
- Refreshing a room’s look
- Selecting new furniture and fabrics
- Choosing paint colors and finishes
- Arranging existing furniture better
- Adding accessories and artwork
Cost Differences
Interior designers usually charge more because their work requires more education and carries legal risks. Their fees range from BDT 30 to BDT 80 sq. ft in Bangladesh, depending on experience and location. Some also offer flat rates for full projects.
Some charge cost on furniture sales rather than charging design fees.
Legal Responsibilities
Designers are legally responsible for their structural decisions. If their work fails to comply with building codes, they could face lawsuits or lose their licenses. This risk is why designers have insurance and charge higher fees.
Decorators have little legal risk because they don’t change the structure. Their main responsibility is making sure items are delivered on time and within budget.
Do You Need an Interior Designer or Interior Decorator? (How to Choose)
Deciding between interior design and decorating depends on your project. We’ll help you figure out which professional is right for you.
Assess Your Project Scope
Begin by thinking about what you want to achieve. If you like your current room layout, you likely need a decorator. If you want to remove walls or add a bathroom, you’ll need a designer.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Will any walls be moved or removed?
- Do you need new electrical outlets or lighting installed?
- Are you changing the room’s basic function?
- Does the project involve plumbing work?
If you answer yes to any of these, you’ll need design services, not just decorating.
Budget Considerations
Your budget is a big factor in this choice. Designer fees can add significantly to your costs, but skipping necessary design work can end up costing more. Fixing structural mistakes is usually much more expensive than hiring the right person from the beginning.
Decorating projects usually cost less because you’re working with what’s already there. You can often do decorating in stages and spread out the costs. Structural design work often needs to be finished all at once.
Timeline Factors
Designers need more time since their work involves permits, working with contractors, and construction. Design projects can take months or even over a year for big renovations.
Decorating projects are quicker. After you pick out items and place orders, most decorating is done in a few weeks. There’s no need to wait for permits or contractor schedules.
Finding the Right Professional
Take time to research before hiring anyone. Check portfolios for projects like yours, read client reviews, and check references carefully.
For designers, check their credentials and licenses. Make sure they have the right insurance. Ask about their experience with projects similar to yours and within your budget.
When talking to decorators, look for those who can work with different styles and really understand your preferences. The best decorators listen carefully during your first meeting.
Red Flags to Watch For
Watch out for professionals who promise very fast timelines or much lower prices than others. Good work takes time and costs a fair amount. If someone says they can redo your whole home in two weeks, they’re likely cutting corners.
Also, avoid anyone who doesn’t ask about how you live in your space. Good designers and decorators want to know your lifestyle before giving advice.
Interior Design and Decorating: Can You Use Both Together?
Many great projects use both interior design and decorating services. We’ve seen this combination create results that wouldn’t be possible with just one professional.
How the Collaboration Works
Usually, designers work first, handling structural changes and space planning. After construction is done and the space is ready, decorators come in to add style. This step-by-step approach works well for big renovations.
Sometimes designers and decorators work together. The designer handles technical details while the decorator focuses on style. Good communication helps everyone stay on the same page and avoid problems.
Benefits of Using Both
Using both services gives you technical know-how and creative style in one project. The designer makes sure your space works well, and the decorator makes it look great. You get the best of both worlds.
This approach works especially well for:
- Whole-house renovations with structural changes
- Commercial spaces need both function and brand identity.
- Historic home updates requiring technical knowledge and period-appropriate styling
- Custom home builds where every detail matters.
Managing Multiple Professionals
Good communication is key when you have several professionals involved. It helps to pick one person as the main project manager to coordinate between the designer, decorator, and contractors. This keeps everyone organized and avoids confusion.
Have regular meetings so everyone can talk about progress and any issues. Write down agreements so everyone knows their roles and deadlines. Clear records help prevent problems later.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Hiring both professionals costs more at first, but it often saves money in the long run. You avoid expensive mistakes, like designers missing style details or decorators trying to make structural changes they aren’t trained for.
Think about your home’s value and how long you’ll live there. If it’s your forever home, using both services is a good investment. For short-term homes, you might choose just one service based on your needs.
Making It Work on a Budget
If your budget doesn’t allow for both professionals, try these options. Hire a designer for structural planning and permits, then choose furniture yourself with online help. Or find a designer who’s also good at decorating, though this can be hard to find.
Another option is to hire a decorator or firm like BD INTERIOR, who knows designers and can bring in a designer for specific structural advice. This mix-and-match approach costs less than full-service design yet still provides the expertise you need.
Conclusion
The difference between interior design and decorating is more important than many homeowners think. Designers handle structural changes and technical planning. Decorators focus on improving the look of existing spaces. Each has unique skills for different projects.
Picking the right professional depends on your project, budget, and goals. Big renovations require licensed designers who know building codes and safety standards. Simple updates require decorators with a good eye for style and shopping. Many projects succeed by using both, either one after the other or at the same time.
Take time to look at your project before hiring anyone. Knowing the differences between these professionals helps you make smart choices, save money, and avoid mistakes.
