# TIP 2 : INTERIOR DESIGN VS DECORATION....the difference

Let's take a step back today and ask ourselves what exactly 'design' is....

The dictionary definition would blandly point to : marking out; defining; making a plan or preliminary sketches of a pattern or outline. 

Hmmm......ok but what exactly does design mean in the building sector/ environment?

The terms "interior designer" and "interior decorator" are often used interchangeably, as if they were identical professions. And while both may have the ability and talent to create beautiful rooms the two are surprisingly NOT synonymous.

1. INTERIOR DESIGN: 
This is a profession where creativity and technical solutions are applied within a structure (space) to achieve a built interior environment. It is the art and science of understanding people's behavior in order to create functional spaces within architectural design. 


An interior designer is responsible for a wide variety of tasks that go well beyond making an interior look more attractive! So to do their job properly, interior designers must be educated in a number of areas such as: analyzing the client's needs, safety, preparing legally compliant working drawings and specifications etc. 
An example of an elevated room design done by an interior designer

2. INTERIOR DECORATION: 
This on the other hand is mostly concerned with surface decoration - you know...paint, fabric, furnishings, lighting and other materials. 

Interior decorators are primarily hired to decorate homes, but they may also be hired to decorate interiors of businesses such as boutiques, restaurants, and offices. They may work on the entire interior of a home or a single room such as the living room, kitchen or bathroom.

A decorating job may be as simple as rearranging furniture yourself or it may involve hiring and supervising contractors. 


If it would offer one any comfort, there are no formal educational requirements to enter this career. You can start calling yourself an interior decorator as soon as you have sufficient knowledge to do interior decorating!
A tastefully decorated room...who said pink cannot look cool ?
So to summarise........
Decoration, although an undoubtedly key element of an interior, is not solely concerned with human interaction or human behavior. That is primarily the realm of the interior designer. 

Interior designers and interior decorators both perform important jobs -- but it's important that we don't continue to confuse the two. To do so is a disservice to both professions.

So next time you see your local interior designer or decorator please refer to them by the right title.

Have a lovely weekend.... and as always, be inspired !

Daphine