Difference Between Interior Decorators and Interior Designers
The art of transforming spaces is a creative process. If you’re someone who enjoys working with colour, developing mood boards and bringing ideas to life, interior designing or decoration is for you. Though quite often this term is used interchangeably, they vastly differ. Before you apply at the best interior design school in India, it’s important to know the difference between the two. This will help you get started in this exciting industry, and understand what suits your interests and career goals. While both play crucial parts in creating beautiful environments, their responsibilities and roles differ. The scope of work is different too.
Through this blog, we aim at highlighting the key differences between an interior design and interior decorator.
Interior Designer Definition
Interior designers are trained professionals that focus on the functionality and structure of interior spaces. They work on commercial or residential projects, and are often seen collaborating with architects and contractors.
Interior Decorator Definition
As the term implies, interior decorators are involved with the décor or aesthetics of a space. They come in once the structure and layout of a space has been completed. They bring the space to life and enhance the visual appeal by thoughtfully using furnishings and décor.
Interior Decorating vs. Interior Designing
Education & Training
In terms of training and qualifications, the education differs. To become an interior designer, you need formal education at a reputed interior design institute in India. You need to have a B.Des in interior design or higher degree. The program is likely to go on for months and teach you modules including spatial planning, architectural principles, building codes, and more. On the other hand, to become an interior decorator, you don’t need any formal education or qualification. All you need is passion and a certification. An online course will also do. Since an interior designer is involved in spatial planning, they need to study advanced mathematical tools and software at a college or university level.
Key Responsibilities
An interior designer’s work usually involves architectural modifications. From breaking walls and adding windows to reconfiguring layouts, an interior designer’s job encompasses all this. They often sit with the client to understand their requirements and lifestyle before going ahead. They are also heavily invested in creating comprehensive plans that are both aesthetically pleasing and practical at the same time. It is also their job to ensure that safety regulations and compliance codes are met. They create their own technical drawings to show a client what a particular space would look like.
On the contrary, an interior decorator oversees the visual aspect of a space. They choose paints, colour schemes, furniture, fabrics, furnishings, décor and accessories. Interior decorators are also interior stylists. They decorate spaces depending on a particular mood or theme.
Though the key responsibilities of both the professions are different, designers and decorators collaborate. Designers handle the technical aspects while decorators take care of the visual aspect and finishing touches.
Careers
After completing an interior design course, the first career path anyone chooses is becoming an interior designer. However, a lot of students are unaware that besides that there are several other core professions one can consider. A few of these career options include set designer, exhibition designer, space planner, furniture designer, universal design consultant, product manager, and kitchen and bath consultant. Choosing the right career path all depends on your interests. It’s best to stay updated with the latest trends/updates in the industry.
If you choose interior decorating as your profession, you can specialise in residential or commercial projects, become a home stager, or work as a furniture and décor stylist, event decorator, visual merchandiser and home accessories consultant. Interior decorators usually start their own studios or consultancies. Certain interior designers also work as decorators in their free time.
Which is a Better Profession?
If you’re someone who is exploring various career paths and is trying to decide between becoming an interior designer or interior decorator, the choice is solely yours. Every path honestly leads to a new adventure. It all depends upon your inclination. The best thing to do would be to get a bachelor’s in interior designing in Bangalore and then decide after that. It’s always better to choose the right design career path based on your interests. Once you’ve completed the programme, go ahead and create a portfolio that can help you prepare for a successful career.
If you’re looking to transform your future in interior design, embark on a thrilling journey at Vogue Institute of Art & Design, top institute for interior designing in India.
