When you’re ready to transform your home or workspace, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the many choices involved. One of the first and most important decisions you’ll face is choosing the right professional for the job. Should you hire an interior designer or an interior decorator?

While these two roles are often confused or used interchangeably, there are key differences in their education, expertise, and the types of projects they handle. Understanding these differences is essential if you want to make an informed decision and get the most value out of your design investment.

In this guide, we’ll break down what professional interior designers chester and decorators do, when to hire each, and how to determine which professional is right for your specific needs.

What is an Interior Designer?

An interior designer is a trained and often licensed professional who works with both the structural and aesthetic elements of a space. They are qualified to work on a wide range of projects—from small residential updates to large-scale renovations and new construction.

Interior designers focus on how a space functions, how it flows, and how people interact within it. They often collaborate with architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure that both the form and function of a room or building meet the client’s needs.

Key Responsibilities of an Interior Designer:

• Analysing how a space is used and improving functionality
• Developing floor plans and reconfiguring layouts
• Selecting building materials, finishes, and architectural details
• Designing lighting, cabinetry, and custom millwork
• Managing projects that involve electrical, plumbing, or structural changes
• Working with construction professionals to bring the vision to life
• Ensuring compliance with building codes, safety regulations, and accessibility standards

Education and Credentials:

Most interior designers hold a degree in interior design or a related field. In many regions, particularly in the United States and Canada, designers must also be licensed or certified—often by passing exams such as the NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification). This level of education and professional accreditation ensures that designers have a strong foundation in both design principles and technical knowledge.

What is an Interior Decorator?

An interior decorator focuses solely on the visual styling and aesthetics of a space. Decorators are skilled in choosing color palettes, furniture, artwork, lighting, and accessories that reflect the client’s taste and lifestyle. However, they do not work on structural changes, architectural plans, or projects that involve building permits or mechanical systems.

If you want to enhance the look and feel of your home without tearing down walls or changing floorplans, a decorator might be exactly who you need.

Key Responsibilities of an Interior Decorator:

• Creating cohesive color schemes and themes
• Sourcing and arranging furniture, rugs, and décor items
• Selecting fabrics, textures, and finishes
• Styling rooms to reflect a specific mood or aesthetic
• Updating the appearance of a space without altering its structure

Education and Credentials:

Interior decorators may or may not have formal training, though many complete certification courses or design programs. Unlike designers, decorators are not required to be licensed, and their role is more flexible and accessible to clients seeking non-structural updates.

Interior Designer vs. Decorator: Who Should You Hire?

When you’re ready to transform your home or workspace, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the many choices involved. One of the first and most important decisions you’ll face is choosing the right professional for the job. Should you hire an interior designer or an interior decorator?

While these two roles are often confused or used interchangeably, there are key differences in their education, expertise, and the types of projects they handle. Understanding these differences is essential if you want to make an informed decision and get the most value out of your design investment.

In this guide, we’ll break down what interior designers and decorators do, when to hire each, and how to determine which professional is right for your specific needs.

What is an Interior Designer?

An interior designer is a trained and often licensed professional who works with both the structural and aesthetic elements of a space. They are qualified to work on a wide range of projects—from small residential updates to large-scale renovations and new construction.

Interior designers focus on how a space functions, how it flows, and how people interact within it. They often collaborate with architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure that both the form and function of a room or building meet the client’s needs.

Key Responsibilities of an Interior Designer:

• Analyzing how a space is used and improving functionality
• Developing floor plans and reconfiguring layouts
• Selecting building materials, finishes, and architectural details
• Designing lighting, cabinetry, and custom millwork
• Managing projects that involve electrical, plumbing, or structural changes
• Working with construction professionals to bring the vision to life
• Ensuring compliance with building codes, safety regulations, and accessibility standards

Education and Credentials:

Most interior designers hold a degree in interior design or a related field. In many regions, particularly in the United States and Canada, designers must also be licensed or certified—often by passing exams such as the NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification). This level of education and professional accreditation ensures that designers have a strong foundation in both design principles and technical knowledge.

What is an Interior Decorator?

An interior decorator focuses solely on the visual styling and aesthetics of a space. Decorators are skilled in choosing color palettes, furniture, artwork, lighting, and accessories that reflect the client’s taste and lifestyle. However, they do not work on structural changes, architectural plans, or projects that involve building permits or mechanical systems.

If you want to enhance the look and feel of your home without tearing down walls or changing floorplans, a decorator might be exactly who you need.

Key Responsibilities of an Interior Decorator:

• Creating cohesive color schemes and themes
• Sourcing and arranging furniture, rugs, and décor items
• Selecting fabrics, textures, and finishes
• Styling rooms to reflect a specific mood or aesthetic
• Updating the appearance of a space without altering its structure

Education and Credentials:

Interior decorators may or may not have formal training, though many complete certification courses or design programs. Unlike designers, decorators are not required to be licensed, and their role is more flexible and accessible to clients seeking non-structural updates.

Can You Hire Both?

Yes. In fact, many successful design projects involve a combination of both design and decoration. It’s not uncommon to work with an interior designer during the renovation phase and then bring in a decorator for finishing touches and styling.

Some professionals also offer both services under one umbrella, giving you a seamless experience from layout to the final throw pillow.

Final Thoughts

Both interior designers and decorators play valuable roles in the world of home and commercial design. Choosing the right professional for your project can make all the difference—not only in the outcome but also in how smooth and enjoyable the process is.

Take time to define your goals, research professionals in your area, and don’t hesitate to ask questions about their qualifications and portfolio. Whether you’re doing a full remodel or a style refresh, the right expert will help turn your vision into reality.