Interior Design vs. Interior Decoration: Knowing the Difference Matters
When planning a home renovation, the terms interior designer and interior decorator can be used interchangeably—but they shouldn’t be. While both roles contribute to creating beautiful spaces, the training, skills, and scope of work are very different. And if you’re renovating (not just refreshing), knowing who to hire—and when—can have a major impact on your project’s success.
Let’s clarify the difference, and why it matters.
Interior Designers: Strategic, Structural, and Aesthetic
What they do:
Interior designers are qualified professionals who work on both the structure and the style of a space. Their role often begins during the planning or architectural stage and covers everything from spatial layouts and lighting plans to materials, finishes, and colour palettes. They’re also trained to manage technical drawings, building regulations, and coordination with trades and contractors.
Importantly, interior designers can and often do handle interior decoration—furniture, soft furnishings, artwork, styling, etc.—but with the added advantage of being able to shape the bones of a space too. That means they offer a holistic approach: design that works from the inside out.
Skills & qualifications typically include:
A degree in interior design or a related field;
Training in spatial planning and building regulations;
Technical proficiency (e.g. CAD, Revit, SketchUp, Vectorworks);
Experience liaising with architects, contractors, and engineers;
Aesthetic and styling expertise ideally backed up by featured projects and awards;
When to hire an interior designer:
You’re planning a renovation or structural change;
You want better flow, light, or use of space;
You need guidance from early-stage planning to final styling;
You want one expert to manage both technical and decorative decisions;
Interior Decorators: Styling and Surface-Level Expertise
What they do:
Interior decorators focus on the visual elements that come after the structure is in place. Their role is to enhance the atmosphere of a room through furniture, fabrics, colours, accessories, and styling. They’re experts in creating beautiful, cohesive interiors—but do not typically make changes to structure, layout, or fixed fittings.
It’s important to note that while decorators specialise in aesthetics, they don’t have the training to deal with technical or architectural elements. Their skill lies in curating and refining what already exists.
Skills & strengths typically include:
Strong sense of colour, composition, and visual flow;
Knowledge of textiles, furniture, and accessories;
Experience sourcing and styling for specific looks;
Ability to create mood boards and curated design schemes;
When to hire a decorator:
You’re furnishing or refreshing a finished space;
You want to update style, colour schemes, or décor;
You’re preparing a home for resale or staging;
You need help with sourcing, styling, or layering finishes;
Designers Can Decorate—but Not All Decorators Design
This is the key distinction many homeowners miss:
Interior designers often include decoration as part of their services, but interior decorators do not offer design at a structural or spatial level.
So, if you hire an interior designer, you’re getting someone who can:
Rethink your layout;
Plan lighting and electrical points;
Select materials and surfaces;
Oversee construction details;
Curate furnishings and final styling;
In contrast, a decorator can help you beautifully style your space—but only once the framework is already complete.
How to Tell if Someone Is a True Interior Designer
Because the title “interior designer” isn’t regulated everywhere, anyone can claim the label. So how do you know if you’re working with a trained professional?
1. Ask about qualifications.
Look for formal education in interior design or architecture, not just a course in styling or colour theory. A note: many brilliant interior designers don’t have formal training, but years of experience in the industry so it’s actually more important to jump to points below.
2. Check their portfolio.
Ask to see examples of projects that involved renovations, spatial planning, or architectural coordination—not just mood boards and product sourcing. Before & After photos can really demonstrate what the designer was involved in.
3. Ask about scope.
Can they create technical drawings? Do they liaise with contractors? Can they advise on lighting layouts, flooring, or custom joinery? If not, you are dealing with a decorator.
4. Look for accreditations.
In the UK, check for membership in the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) or the Society of British & International Interior Design (SBID). These signal professional standards, training, and ethical practice.
5. Talk to past clients.
If possible, get a sense of how involved they were in managing the project from planning to completion.
Final Thoughts: Choose the Right Expert for the Job
Decorators and designers both bring value—but for very different purposes. If you’re choosing curtains and cushions, a decorator may be exactly what you need. But if you’re rethinking how your space functions, changing layouts, or upgrading surfaces and systems, an interior designer is the right professional to guide you.
By understanding the difference, you can make smarter choices, avoid costly mistakes, and create a home that works as beautifully as it looks.
Whether it’s for Christmas, Easter, or simply peace of mind, now’s the right time to plan your project. Get in touch with us to arrange a free consultation and see how we can work together.
