Many people use “interior designer” and “interior decorator” interchangeably, but the two professions are very different.
Interior design is the science of understanding behaviors to help property owners create a functional room within a building, including the shapes of a room’s walls, floors, and more. An interior designer works closely with architects to design the interior space and has a good amount of experience within the construction field. Decoration or decorating, on the other hand, is the furnishing of a space with beautiful or fashionable things while working within its functionality.
For example, an interior decorator may recommend changing the layout of the furniture. In other words, decorators do not tend to design, whereas interior designers may design and decorate.
Check out our infographic below to learn more about the difference between an interior designer and interior decorator.
In summary Interior Designers can be Interior Decorators, but Interior Decorators cannot be Interior Designers without a degree.