.png)
Who does not enjoy beautifully done and well-thought-through spaces which make you feel comfortable and happy? In olden times, families came together and used their artistic sensibilities to create such spaces but today understanding the need for professionals to achieve functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces is being well received and acknowledged. People are now more aware of their requirements and possibilities available and want to choose the right resource to achieve the same. But does one need an Interior designer or an Interior decorator? Or are they the same or not? These are some frequently asked questions.
People confuse Interior designing and Interior decoration to be the same. These terms are used interchangeably and even synonymously but though they belong to the same category, they are fundamentally different. They both aim at translating the client’s vision for their space into reality but there is a lot of difference in the skill set. Let’s have a closer look at both to understand them better.
Interior Decoration
As the name suggests Interior Decoration is the art of decorating a space with ornamental elements to achieve a visually attractive aesthetic as per the client’s social context and design style. Interior decorators sometimes also called stylists, are known to have a strong eye for curating spaces using the right scheme of colours, furniture, soft furnishings, a well-balanced mix of accessories and artworks along with lighting to enhance the same. They are well-aware of the trends and styles dominating the market and use this to help adorn spaces better. However, they do not get involved in making these spaces functionally stronger.
The work of an Interior decorator comes into play when all structural changes to a space have been made. They do not coordinate with architects or structural designers of the space and do not interfere with any of the functional spaces or elements created, such as kitchens, bathrooms, or doors and windows. Nevertheless, they do look at furnishing them further to give them an appealing visual shape.
Interior decorators may work in some commercial and hospitality sectors but are predominantly appointed by architects or clients for residential spaces. As creativity does not need certification, Interior decorators don’t necessarily need to go through any professional training though some people do go ahead and take a few courses to hone their skills and get certified.
Interior Design
Interior designing is the art and science of understanding the needs, behaviour, and requirements of a client to create functionally strong spaces within a building. It is a systematic process that involves research, analysis, and application of technical knowledge along with an aesthetic vision to create design solutions.
Interior designers are involved with architects and structural designers from the inception of the design process and are responsible for efficient space planning working in tandem with them. They are involved in all areas of interior space preparation and completion. They respond to the building shell, the physical location, and the social context to create spaces that reflect the character and are beneficial to the quality of life of the inhabitants.
Interior designing requires a professional degree that is usually three to four years long, and it formally trains interior designers to learn effective space planning, furniture design, bathroom design, kitchen design, and lighting design along with wall, floor, and ceiling treatments alongside other services. They always keep in mind the interrelationship of all these elements, while also balancing the aesthetic and functional value of each. They closely analyse the way these elements would interact with the users visually as well as physically. The sculpture, aesthetics, accessibility of work and movement of the spaces are some other factors that they look into as well.
May it be Residential, Commercial, Hospitality, or Retail, Interior designers work in all sectors and are responsible for creating spaces that are not only functionally strong but have a well-defined narrative.
Conclusion
If in a nutshell Interior Decoration v/s Interior designing had to be defined it can be said that decoration is an attribute that a designer has. An Interior designer can decorate but an Interior decorator does not design. And thus, depending upon the requirements of a client and the skill set needed, the call about hiring which amongst the two can be taken.
