Interior Design vs. Interior Decorating: What's the Real Difference?

A question I am often asked as interior designer is "So you pick paint and fluff pillows, right?" If you’ve ever wondered whether you need an interior designer or an interior decorator—or if there’s even a difference—you’re not alone. These two roles often overlap and are similar in some ways, but they serve distinct and different purposes in the world of home transformation. Let’s break it down.

Interior Design: The Blueprint of a Space

Interior design is all about how a space functions. It’s the art and science of understanding people’s behavior to create functional spaces within a building. Designers often work with architects and contractors to plan layouts, select materials, and ensure the space meets building codes and accessibility standards.

Key elements of interior design:

• Space planning and layout

• Structural changes (walls, windows, plumbing)

• Lighting design and electrical plans

• Material selection (flooring, cabinetry, countertops)

• Color theory and psychological impact

• Technical drawings and 3D renderings

Interior designers often hold formal training and certifications, and their work begins long before the furniture arrives.

Interior Decorating: The Finishing Touch

Interior decorating focuses on the look and feel of a space. Decorators enhance aesthetics by selecting color palettes, furniture, textiles, and accessories. Their goal is to make a space visually appealing and reflective of the client’s personality and style of the home.

Key elements of interior decorating:

• Furniture selection and placement

• Color schemes and paint choices

• Window treatments and textiles

• Art, accessories, and styling

• Seasonal or thematic updates

Decorators typically don’t alter the structure of a space—they work with what’s already there to elevate it.

Real-Life Example

Imagine you’re renovating a kitchen.

• An interior designer might reconfigure the layout, move plumbing, and select materials for cabinets and countertops.

• An interior decorator would choose bar stools, drawer hardware, and a cabinet color that complements the overall style.

Why It Matters

Understanding the difference helps you hire the right professional for your needs. If you’re building or remodeling, a designer is essential. If you’re refreshing your space or styling it for a new season, a decorator might be the perfect fit. I am an interior designer with a formal degree in interior design and another in architectural drafting. While I can of course help with the things that fall into the role of decorator as those are a skill within my skillset, my job starts long before paint gets on the walls. My job is to ensure that your needs are thought of not just aesthetically, but practically and structurally as well.