Difference Between Interior Designing And Decorating

To begin this journey, first an attempt must be made to answer the question, \’What is Interior Design\’; The National Council for Interior Design Qualification offers up the following definition: \’Interior design is a multi-faceted profession in which creative and technical solutions are applied within a structure to achieve a built interior environment. These solutions are functional, enhance the quality of life and culture of the occupants and are aesthetically attractive\’. The Free Dictionary provides the following definitions for an interior decorator: \’also called interior designer a person whose profession is the planning of the decoration and furnishings of the interior of houses, shops, etc.\’ and \’a person whose profession is the painting and wallpapering of houses\’.

It is understandable that the contradicting definitions stated above leads to the existence of two camps. There are those that refer an interior designer as a highly qualified professional than an interior decorator, and then there are those that treat them as one and the same. No wonder there is misunderstanding amongst the ranks.

In an attempt to answer the question, \’Is there a difference or not?\’, a Google search was performed for \’Interior Decorator Degree\’ and the response overwhelmingly returned results for \’Interior Designer\’; and not the keyword as searched. As one can get a degree in interior design, but not as an interior decorator, we can conclude that there is a difference.

We need to go back to two definitions provided above to discern the key difference and draw the line between an interior designer and an interior decorator. From the definitions, the key activity of an interior designer is \’built interior environment\’, while for an interior decorator is \’decorating and furnishing\’. The role of an interior designer involve structural modification such as tearing down walls, flooring, windows, lighting, electrical and recommending furniture and miscellaneous design pieces. In short, the responsibility of an interior designer includes that of a decorator, but goes much further.

It is crucial for the interior designer to thoroughly consult the individual or company leadership to understand their needs and delivery beyond their expectations.

As you can understand, their job can be very challenging as they will need to be able to devise a design not only for small dwelling spaces but also for large corporate businesses such as national restaurant chain. Requiring a grasp of many different fields including developing and reading floor plans, a knowledge of building codes, and access to a long list of contractors that are capable of doing the work to specification are just a few of the extra requirement that separate interior design from decoration.

In today\’s environment, interior design should incorporate thinking green and integrate ways to minimize the consumption of non-renewable energy sources. How do one optimize the use of natural lighting without causing undue discomfort due to the blazing rays of the sun. What is the best way to incorporate solar powered floor heaters in colder climates without compromising the esthetic charm and ambiance of marble floors? These are the challenges of today\’s interior designers.

What is interior design? It is an exciting career where creative and technical solutions are applied within a structure to achieve a built interior environment and home lifestyle enhancement. For more information about interior design, please visit: What Is Interior Design

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