What is the difference between an Interior Decorator and an Interior Designer?
That's a great question, and the answer is simpler than you might think. Many interior designers also do
decoration (wall coverings, furniture choice, color ideas, decorative items, art work etc.) but an interior
designer will also be able to supervise and plan out a more large scale project, including a major
renovation. These days, there are general contractors who are also interior designers and window
treatment firms that consider themselves decorators.
So the answer is, be less concerned with the terminology on the business card and more attentive to the
professional designation of the designer/ decorator. This designation will be determined by the level and
type of education that the person has, rather than what they refer to themselves as when pitching for
business.
For example, many experienced and reputable interior designers will be members of the ASID, the
American Society of Interior Designers. ASID boasts over 40,000 members in 48 chapters around the
country.
As for interior decorators, they too have a professional organization that was actually founded by an
interior designer named Ron Renner in 1997. Renner wanted to create something for the decorators in
recognition of their knowledge and skill, and to distinguish them from designers as their own profession.
This organization is called CID, or Certified Interior Decorators International. They were the first
institution to certify decorators based on degrees of education and experience.
The bottom line would be to worry less about what design pro's refer to themselves as, and more about
what licenses they carry as well as what professional organizations they belong to. Don't be afraid to ask
the decorator or designer, as they will be happy to tell you about what they do specifically. This will also
lead to a discussion on fee structure, which you'll want to be clear on anyway.
There are many advantages to working with both an interior designer and an interior decorator, but
choosing between the two will more or less come down to the scope of the project and what it is you
are looking to accomplish aesthetically. – from Remodeling Directory Cityhammer
Why should I hire an interior decorator when I could probably do the project
myself?
Another great question, and the best way to answer it is to find out some important things about
yourself, like:
and furnish your living space (read the full list of questions)
The truth is, most of us don't think twice about calling a plumber or electrician, but we think decorating
is easy and we can do it ourselves. For many people of style, this is true. However, if you have any
doubts, consult with a Certified Interior Decorator to make sure before you begin designing and
decorating on your own.
That's a great question, and the answer is simpler than you might think. Many interior designers also do
decoration (wall coverings, furniture choice, color ideas, decorative items, art work etc.) but an interior
designer will also be able to supervise and plan out a more large scale project, including a major
renovation. These days, there are general contractors who are also interior designers and window
treatment firms that consider themselves decorators.
So the answer is, be less concerned with the terminology on the business card and more attentive to the
professional designation of the designer/ decorator. This designation will be determined by the level and
type of education that the person has, rather than what they refer to themselves as when pitching for
business.
For example, many experienced and reputable interior designers will be members of the ASID, the
American Society of Interior Designers. ASID boasts over 40,000 members in 48 chapters around the
country.
As for interior decorators, they too have a professional organization that was actually founded by an
interior designer named Ron Renner in 1997. Renner wanted to create something for the decorators in
recognition of their knowledge and skill, and to distinguish them from designers as their own profession.
This organization is called CID, or Certified Interior Decorators International. They were the first
institution to certify decorators based on degrees of education and experience.
The bottom line would be to worry less about what design pro's refer to themselves as, and more about
what licenses they carry as well as what professional organizations they belong to. Don't be afraid to ask
the decorator or designer, as they will be happy to tell you about what they do specifically. This will also
lead to a discussion on fee structure, which you'll want to be clear on anyway.
There are many advantages to working with both an interior designer and an interior decorator, but
choosing between the two will more or less come down to the scope of the project and what it is you
are looking to accomplish aesthetically. – from Remodeling Directory Cityhammer
Why should I hire an interior decorator when I could probably do the project
myself?
Another great question, and the best way to answer it is to find out some important things about
yourself, like:
- Have I ever bought some furniture and been disappointed once it is in my house?
- Have I painted a room and found that it wasn't what I expected, and I was unhappy with the result?
- Have I looked at my furnishings and not known exactly where to put everything?
- Have I shopped all day for a certain accessory and not found it, or settled for something less?
- Have I paid too much for a piece of furniture because I was sick of looking for the perfect thing?
- Do you want a faux paint effect or original wall mural but don't know who to call?
- Are you already so busy that taking time for a decorating project seems impossible?
- Do you have a style you like but don't know how to describe it or where to get what you want?
and furnish your living space (read the full list of questions)
The truth is, most of us don't think twice about calling a plumber or electrician, but we think decorating
is easy and we can do it ourselves. For many people of style, this is true. However, if you have any
doubts, consult with a Certified Interior Decorator to make sure before you begin designing and
decorating on your own.
| Frequently Asked Questions |
| Links |
http://www.bhg.com/decorating/
http://www.smithandnoble.com/sn/getting_started.jsp
http://freshairechoice.com/
http://www.mythicpaint.com/ColorPalette.aspx
https://www.privatequarters.net/marianne
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