What is/are the difference/s between an interior designer and an interior decorator?
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In common layperson terms they are kind of interchangeable. But in my industry (interior construction) I would define them as this –
Architect – a licensed professional who certified to design a space to meet building code, they need to consider things like occupancy and fire evacuation, means of travel distance with regards to disability compliance and building codes like # of toilets per person and gender.
Interior Designer – Responsible for the actual design of a space. Do you want wood floors or ceramic tile? Do you want a large welcoming reception area or a small private intimate space? They are the more spiritual / human-to-built-world side of the design.
Interior Decorator – “OK, you want a blue color scheme? Here’s a blue lamp I found from Etsy for $99 and a nice new couch from Raymore and Flannigan” They are the actual “Doers” who find the specific “movable” or “not glued down” aspects of the space.
Interior designer would change how the actually physical space is shaped, such as walls / ledges / windows. Interior decoration is just working with what you have. An interior designed does both.
Interior decorator is more of the cosmetic aspects, such as wall coverings, furniture, textiles, styling etc
An Interior Designer can often include moderate structural changes as well as putting scheme la together and cosmetic details .
Interior Architect is more moderate to extensive structural changes with less focus on design schemes and rarely any focus on styling.
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