Interior Design vs. Interior Decorating – Is There a Difference?

Often the terms "interior designer" and "interior decorator" are used interchangeably, when in fact they are quite different practices.

So, what exactly is the difference?

An interior decorator is concerned with coordinating the treatments of surfaces within an existing space (paint, wallpaper, flooring and trim), unfixed elements (furniture, artwork, accessories) and semi-permanent elements (window coverings, decorative shelving). Decorators generally add finishing touches to spaces, but do not alter their structure or overall functionality.  Interior decorators work more often in the residential field.

The role of an interior designer, on the other hand, is to thoroughly plan and co-ordinate the construction of interior spaces, in an aesthetically pleasing manner, with the purpose of safely supporting the specific activities that are to take place within them.  Interior Designers can be thought of as “interior architects” who modify the built elements within a space to create an interface which enables people to effectively utilize that space for a specific purpose. 

Some of the factors that an Interior Designer must take into consideration when planning a space include:

• Existing building elements (which may or may not be modified)
• Building Code
• Public Safety & Accessibility for persons with disabilities
• Aesthetic vision
• Suitability of finish materials (in terms of durability, aesthetics, fire resistance & price point)
• Psychology/perception of space
• Special needs of the end user
• furniture & equipment requirements
• “Green” Building techniques
• Budget
• Timeline

Interior Designers can work in the fields of residential and/or commercial design, and may chose from a number of areas of specialization in order to offer value and specialize knowledge to their clients.  Some areas of commercial specialization include:

• Office Planning (small offices, large corporations, high-tech)
• Restaurant/Foodservice Design
• Hospitality Design (Hotels, Motels)
• Personal Services (Hair Salons, Spas, Nail Salons)
• Health Care Design  (Hospitals, Long Term Care Facilities, Health Clinics, Dental Offices)
• Retail Design
• Institutional Design (laboratories, schools, libraries)

Interior Designers usually constitute part of a larger project team which may include:

• Architects
• Structural Engineers
• Mechanical Engineers
• Architectural Technologists
• Lighting Consultants
• A/V Technicians
• Computer Networking Specialists
• Furniture Specialists
• Project Managers

In summary, a professional Interior Designer:

• analyzes client's needs, goals, and applicable building code requirements
• integrates findings with knowledge of interior design principles
• formulates preliminary design concepts that are both functional and aesthetically appropriate
• develops and presents design recommendations through presentation media
• prepares working drawings and specifications for non-load bearing interior construction, reflected ceiling plans, lighting, interior detailing, materials, finishes, space planning, furnishings, fixtures, and equipment in compliance with universal accessibility guidelines and all applicable codes
• collaborates with professional services of other licensed practitioners in the technical areas of mechanical, electrical and load-bearing design as required for regulatory approval
• prepares and administers bids and contract documents as the client's agent
• reviews and evaluates design solutions during implementation and upon completion.

For more information on the profession of Interior Design in Canada visit: http://www.idcanada.org/english/about-interior-design/about-interior-design.html