What’s the difference between a designer and a decorator?
It’s a question we’re asked a lot: what’s the difference between an interior designer and a decorator? For many people who have never hired either a designer or a decorator, it can be confusing. While the terms can often be used interchangeably, we wanted to provide some key and subtle differences between the two, and elaborate on the types of services each may offer.
What is an interior decorator, and when should you hire one?
An interior decorator is skilled at aesthetics and decor; if you’d like to refresh your living room, for example, they can help with selecting new throw pillows, window treatments, and accessories. Do you want to reupholster your favorite chair? A decorator can work with you to choose the perfect fabric. Can’t decide what colors to paint the first floor of your new home? Your decorator will look at your space and select shades that compliment your existing furnishings as well as new pieces you’ve selected. They can also assist you with things like where to hang art or how to create a gallery wall of treasured photos. Many interior decorators have taken educational classes and courses focused on color and fabrics, furniture placement, and more.
What is an interior designer, and when should you hire one?
Interior design is a profession where most designers have received a degree in interior design. Their courses focus on CAD, construction and building materials, architectural drawing and details, color, textiles, space planning, furniture design, and more. Most degree programs focus on both residential and commercial interior design, providing education around building codes and ADA requirements.
The IIDA describes interior design as “…the art, science, and business planning of a creative, technical, sustainable, and functional interior solution that corresponds to the architecture of a space, while incorporating process and strategy, a mandate for well-being, safety, and health, with informed decisions about style and aesthetics.” We rely not just on our technical skillset and knowledge, but also anticipate the needs of our clients and create spaces that speak to them on a visual and emotional level.
Therefore, when you are planning a new construction project or renovation, an interior designer will be your best asset. Our technical abilities and knowledge in AutoCAD, building materials, and the construction process allow for comprehensive designs that account for the totality of the space. Designers are used to working hand in hand with your architect, general contractor, and landscape architect to ensure that you have a team of advocates to make your project run as smoothly as possible.
Reviewing architectural drawings on site
Combining technical drawings with finishes and materials for a holistic review
In addition to the design drawings presented, the GSID process ensures that each client presentation includes all of the materials used in a space, such as fabrics, finish samples, rugs, trim, and hardware so that you can touch and see what will go into the final design, as well as seeing a room board with the pieces together to help you envision the end result.
Our design team has extensive knowledge about residential and commercial building codes, which fabrics and wallcoverings are best suited to particular rooms, and how to create custom designs for furnishings and cabinetry that will fit you, your family and your lifestyle. Our designers hold degrees from top design schools and are adept at balancing both the technical and creative sides of full service design. With our detailed and collaborative processes, we steer the design journey with intention and efficiency, while at the same time always looking for ways to grow and improve in order to deliver a standard of excellence. This allows us to create a home for you that you love by managing all of the details and giving you the freedom to enjoy the process!
Preparing material palettes for client presentation
Finally, we manage all procurement, expediting, and installation to ensure that everything is exactly what you dreamed of and your new spaces are picture perfect! You can relax and trust that all aspects of your design project are in our capable hands.
Our delivery and install day plan is rigorous – we use our room boards to confirm!
We hope that you’ve found this helpful in determining the difference between a designer and a decorator, and which is the right fit for you!
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Glenna Stone Interior Design is an award-winning Philadelphia interior design firm serving Philadelphia, the Main Line, and surrounding cities. Utilizing her background and training in interior design, architecture, and engineering, Glenna specializes in creating interiors for residential and commercial design settings. We invite you to visit our website, view our portfolio, and catch up on the latest interior design concepts on our blog!
