Interior Designer vs. Interior Decorator: What's the Difference?

I often hear people ask the question, What’s the difference between an Interior Designer and an Interior Decorator? While a common query, the answer isn’t about one being better than the other. Both bring creativity and expertise to the table; they just specialize in different areas.

Think of an Interior Designer as the go-to person for large-scale transformations that usually involve structural changes. If you’re knocking down walls, reworking layouts, or moving plumbing and electrical, they’re the expert who makes sure everything is both functional and beautiful. Their job includes detailed planning, coordinating with architects and builders, and managing the technical side of a project to bring a home’s structure in line with the homeowner’s vision.

Now, if your space doesn’t need a full-scale renovation but is in desperate need of a glow-up, an Interior Decorator is the perfect professional to call. Decorating isn’t just about picking out aesthetic furniture—it’s a deep and thoughtful process that involves sourcing the right pieces, creating a cohesive design plan, and curating colors, textures, and layouts to transform a house into a home. A decorator ensures that every rug, lamp, and artwork works together to reflect the homeowner’s personality and style.

While Interior Designers have additional qualifications to handle major construction changes, that doesn’t take away from the artistry and expertise of an Interior Decorator. Many homeowners don’t need to move walls or change floor plans—they simply want their space to feel fresh, inviting, and uniquely theirs. That’s where a decorator shines.

So, which one do you need? If your project involves structural work, an Interior Designer is the way to go. But if you want to refresh and elevate your space without major renovations, an Interior Decorator has the vision and skill to bring it to life. No matter who you choose, both professionals have the ability to create stunning, functional spaces that will transform your home into the dream space you’ve been envisioning!