Interior decorator and interior designer are often used interchangeably, but they are actually distinct professions with unique roles and career paths. While both involve creating beautiful spaces, the scope of responsibilities and required qualifications differ significantly.
In this post, we delve into the differences in interior decoration vs interior design careers, outlining how the two roles stack up in terms of job duties, skills, training, earnings, and outlook.
By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to decide which path aligns better with your interests and goals.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Understanding Interior Decoration and Interior Design
- Job Roles and Responsibilities
- Skills Required
- Education and Training
- Salary Ranges
- Career Prospects and Job Market
- Deciding Which Career Path is Right for You
UNDERSTANDING INTERIOR DECORATION AND INTERIOR DESIGN
Interior decoration focuses on enhancing the esthetics of a space by selecting and arranging decorative elements like furniture, fabrics, colour schemes, lighting, and accessories. It is concerned with the style and visual appeal of an existing interior space without significant structural changes.
Interior design, on the other hand, goes beyond decoration to include the planning and design of the interior layout of a space. This includes considerations of functionality, safety, ergonomics, and building codes. The interior design process may involve structural modifications, space planning, and working with architects or builders to align esthetics with the practical use of the space.
Interior designers can plan significant structural changes
JOB ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
While there is overlap between the two roles, interior decorators focus primarily on esthetics, while interior designers have a broader scope of responsibilities that involve the structural and functional elements of a space.
A typical interior decorator job description includes:
- Assessing the client’s style preferences and creating visual proposals
- Selecting and purchasing decorative items such as furniture, rugs, lighting, and art
- Arranging and positioning furniture and accessories in an esthetically pleasing way
- Managing budgets and timelines for the decoration project
- Staying updated on the latest décor trends and projects
A typical interior designer job description includes:
- Developing conceptual designs, space plans, and layouts, ensuring functionality and safety
- Creating detailed drawings and specifications for construction and installation
- Coordinating with contractors, electricians, and plumbers to ensure structural designs are feasible and comply with regulations
- Overseeing the design process from concept to completion
- Managing large-scale projects, budgets, and timelines while ensuring client needs are met
- Staying informed about materials, building codes, and sustainable practices
SKILLS REQUIRED
The skills needed for interior decoration and interior design are similar, although designers need more technical knowledge.
Creativity and esthetics: Both roles require creativity and a keen sense of esthetics. However, interior decorators focus solely on visual styling—such as choosing colours, furniture, and accessories—while interior designers balance esthetics with functionality and spatial efficiency.
Client interaction: Both roles need strong communication skills to collaborate with clients. However, designers often have to collaborate with a broader range of stakeholders, including contractors and architects.
Technical expertise: Interior designers require more in-depth knowledge of architecture, construction, space planning, and building regulations. They need proficiency in design software and a strong grasp of structural elements. Interior decorators, on the other hand, do not need to possess this level of technical skill, as their focus is on enhancing the space after structural decisions have been made.
Problem solving: Interior designers need stronger problem-solving skills due to the complexity of their work, blending creative and technical solutions. This may involve making structural changes, adhering to codes, and resolving functional challenges. Decorators, while creative, deal more with esthetic decisions that involve less technical problem solving.
Decorators and designers both need to be creative
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Interior Decorators
Decorators typically do not require formal education. However, many people opt for certificate or diploma programs in interior decorating to build foundational skills and knowledge that help them create functional spaces. Herzing’s interior decoration program includes training in colour theory, sketching, space layout, arrangement, and project proposals.
Interior Designers
Designers need a degree or diploma in interior design. Degree programs are typically four years long and include a heavy focus on design theory, while diploma programs are two years or less and are built around practical design skills. Both provide training in design principles, space planning, building codes, and materials.
Some provinces require professional certification for interior designers. The National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) certification is widely recognized as the industry standard. It requires completing a degree from an accredited program, gaining professional experience, and passing an exam.
SALARY RANGES
The Government of Canada Job Bank puts interior decorators and interior designers in the same category. It says the median interior decorator/interior designer salary is about $60,000, with the top earners making more than $102,000.
Due to their more extensive training, interior designers typically command higher salaries than interior decorators.
Designers generally make more than decorators
CAREER PROSPECTS AND JOB MARKET
The Job Bank estimates that over the next few years, demand for interior decorators and designers will be good to very good in many provinces, including Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Interior decorators primarily focus on the residential market, which may be more affected by changes in personal spending habits. However, they can also find work in niche markets like home staging for real estate, seasonal decorating, and specialized consulting (e.g., colour consulting, furniture selection).
Interior designers tend to have a broader range of job opportunities due to their involvement in both residential and commercial projects. Designers are hired for corporate offices, retail spaces, hospitality projects (e.g., hotels, restaurants), healthcare facilities, and more.
DECIDING WHICH CAREER PATH IS RIGHT FOR YOU
Choosing between interior decoration vs. interior design ultimately comes down to your interests, career goals, and preferred work style.
If you’re primarily drawn to creativity, esthetics, and styling—such as choosing colour schemes, furniture, and decorative items—interior decoration may be a better fit. If you’re more interested in structural design, space planning, and technical details like floor plans, lighting, and building codes, interior design could be more suitable.
GET THE DESIGN TRAINING YOU NEED
Herzing College offers online programs in both interior decoration and interior design. Both can be completed in less than two years, and both include an internship for real work experience before you graduate.
Click below to learn more about each program and chat live with an admissions advisor. We’re here to help!
