Interior Design versus Interior Decoration
Let’s talk about Interior Design versus Interior Decoration because I’ve noticed there is a bit of confusion around what each one means and how it can help you with your home renovation! Is there a difference? Yes, there is.
I will try to explain the main difference here so that you are clear about what each one does so that you will know which specialist is best for your project. While one goes into much more depth than the other, both the interior designer and the interior decorator endeavour to create a beautiful space for us to live in. There are some differences when it comes to certifications and requirements (to be working in the industry). Anyway, let’s get started.
What they do
Interior Designer
The most important thing an interior designer does is space planning. What does that mean? Space planning refers to the way a home functions and “works” together with and for the people living in that space.
More often than not, space planning is all about solving problems related to storage, circulation, how the space is used by a person, depending on what activities she/he does, and how this space can be used in the future.
An interior designer also thinks about what the client desires and needs, how the space will look like (what colours and finishes are best to be used) and what is the best furniture to bring that vision to reality.
Interior Decorator
An interior decorator focuses on aesthetics. What does this mean? It means that the decorator focuses primarily on arranging how a space would look through the use of furniture and decorations.
What they focus on
Interior Designer
They focus on functionality, ergonomics, efficiency, acoustics, sustainability, the environment, style, health and safety, etc. They also focus on everything interior decorator focuses on, such as textures, colours, materials, etc.
Interior Decorator
They focus on accessories, textiles, textures, colours, furnishings, furniture, etc.
You can think about it this way - if you were to lift a space, turn it upside down, and shake it well, all of the things that would fall down, such as accessories, furniture, cushions, rugs, etc. are all of the things that an interior decorator would work with. Everything else that is fixed and not necessarily seen, are the things an interior designer works with besides all of the above.
Who do they work with
An Interior Designer
Can work with architects, builders, joiners, and different, various trades that the interior decorator also works with, to help achieve the look that the client wants.
An Interior Decorator
Works with furniture suppliers, curtain makers, upholsterers, joiners, etc. to create the look that the client wants.
What else
Interior Designer
If you need structural changes (i.e. changing/ removing walls, etc.), an interior designer can work with an architect/builder to help with that. However, when it comes to structural changes, it is best to work with an architect and make sure everything stays safe for you.
The architect can also help you with all the permits and building regulations. Whereas the Interior Designer, can know a bit about them, but will often refer you to an architect as they have more knowledge in this area.
A good interior designer will know when not to overstep and refer you to the right specialist, instead of taking on that is not his/her area of expertise and risk your safety. Always remember that!
Interior Decorator
If you don't need structural changes but need help picking colours, accessories, furniture, decorative lighting, window treatments, and choosing a design style, a decorator can help with that.
In a nutshell
Interior Designer
Can do all the things that an interior decorator does and more. Think colours, finishes, furniture, decorative lights, bespoke furniture, space planning, functional thinking, and basic knowledge of building regulations.
Interior decorator
Needs further knowledge (structural and functional, etc.), to be able to do what an interior designer does.
Photo by Studio Gently, Design by Detail Movement
Photo by Studio Gently, Design by Detail Movement
Photo and Design by Detail Movement
What about Detail Movement Interiors?
I started my journey into this industry by taking a slight wee detour in Architecture. I studied and took my master’s in Architecture in Bucharest, Romania, and I worked for a little while in the field. You can read all about why I left and pivoted to interior design here. After moving to London, I did a short interior decoration course at one of the best interior design and decoration schools, Inchbald School of Design, and got a job right off the heels of finishing that course. After working for about 2 years and freelancing for another 2 for various interior design studios in London, I moved to lovely Edinburgh where I work closely one-on-one with private clients, in making their homes a more loving place to live in.
While I don’t have a certification in Interior design, I do have one in interior decoration. Combining that with a background in Architecture provides me with the knowledge and confidence to tackle the interior design part of things.
This helps me to beautifully blend the 2 crafts and bring the best of both worlds to you, helping you have a home that brings you joy. A home that you can be proud of, and be yourself in.
If you are interested in learning a bit more about what I do and how I can help you, take a peek here. Let’s create some magic together!
Cannot wait to hear from you!
Raluca x
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All images that are credited as '©Detail Movement', are done by Raluca Vaduva for Detail Movement. All rights reserved. All pictures that are not my own, I credit them to the best of my knowledge & research, to their offline/online sources. I do not claim ownership over them in any way. If you see your picture on this site and do not wish for it to be displayed, please get in touch and I will remove it or add additional notes at your request.