Interior Designer vs. Interior Decorator: What’s the Difference?
Planning a home remodel can feel quite overwhelming, especially when choosing the right team to bring your vision to life. Terms like interior designer and interior decorator are often used interchangeably, but they’re not the same. The choice between the two depends on the scope of your project and your goals for the space.
At IDC, we provide both interior design and decorating services, guiding homeowners from initial space planning to the final decorative details. So, what’s the difference? And more importantly, which type of professional is right for your home and vision?
The Role of an Interior Designer
Interior designers, like our team here at IDC, dive much deeper into the planning and functionality of a space. We have the opportunity to fully reimagine spaces with creativity and purpose, going far beyond surface design.
Johanna G. Seldes of Interior Design Consulting (IDC) exemplifies this approach. She’s not just a designer—she’s your partner in creating a home that fits your life perfectly. Johanna works from the ground up, collaborating with architects, builders, and key members of your construction team to ensure every detail of your home aligns with your vision.
An interior designer like Johanna can:
- Rethink your home’s layout to improve flow and functionality.
- Work as a liaison with architects to create design solutions before construction begins
- Select materials, finishes, and fixtures that align with your aesthetic and practical needs
- Curate bespoke furniture, décor, and touches that reflect your personal style and elevate your space
- Guide you through decisions that will impact your space for years to come, and coordinate with the builder to make your design dream a reality
We create spaces that are tailored to the way you live, blending form and function seamlessly to enhance your daily life.
What Does an Interior Decorator Do?
Interior decorators, on the other hand, solely focus on the aesthetics of a space. Unlike our design team, their expertise lies in choosing furniture, paint colors, fabrics, and décor to create a cohesive and stylish look. Think of them as the final touch—the professionals who step in after the structure of the home is complete.
Decorators are ideal for smaller-scale projects like:
- Refreshing a single room with new furniture and accessories
- Adding personality to a space through colors, textures, and artwork
- Enhancing the overall style of a fully-built home
While decorators are incredibly skilled at making a space look beautiful, their role doesn’t typically extend into structural decisions or working alongside architects and builders.
Key Differences Between Designers and Decorators
To decide whether you need an interior designer or decorator, it’s important to understand our varied focus and approach.
- Interior Designers: Professionals like us focus on functionality, layout, and the overall structure of a space. They collaborate with architects and builders, handle decisions like materials and finishes, and are ideal for new builds or major renovations. And we can help finish out the residence beautifully too.
- Interior Decorators: Their expertise is in styling and aesthetics. Decorators only step in once the construction is complete, helping with furniture selection, color palettes, and accessories to enhance an existing space.
If your project involves big-picture planning—like reimagining your home’s layout or working with a construction team—a designer is the right choice. If you’re simply looking to refresh the aesthetic of a space, a decorator might be the better fit.
For a project that truly transforms your space, a designer like Johanna G. Seldes brings unparalleled vision and expertise, turning ideas into reality in ways that go beyond aesthetics.
While You’re Here > How to Choose an Interior Designer
Why Johanna G. Seldes is More Than a Decorator
Johanna’s design philosophy transcends tradition, shaping spaces that are both refined and livable. She takes the ideas in your head—the ones you may not even know how to articulate—and turns them into reality. Her work brings together elegance and practicality, ensuring your home works beautifully for your lifestyle.
As a liaison between you, your architect, and your builder, our interior designers ensure your vision is brought to life with precision and care. From construction to the finishing touches, we’re there every step of the way.
Is IDC Right for Your Project?
If you’re working with a blank slate, undergoing major renovations, or need help rethinking the layout and flow of your home, you’ll want to partner with an interior designer. Our expertise at IDC ensures your project is functional, stylish, and cohesive from start to finish.
Conversely, if you’re looking to refresh a space that’s already built, adding personality with new furniture or accessories, then an interior decorator might be the better choice for you.
If you’re ready to go beyond what you thought was possible for your abode, Johanna G. Seldes and the team at IDC are here to make your dream home a reality. Schedule a consultation to get started today.
