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

You may hear the terms interior designer and interior decorator used interchangeably, and understandably so. You might even notice someone referred to as an interior decorator, while their business profile says interior designer. Technically, that’s not always wrong: every interior designer is an interior decorator, but not every interior decorator is an interior designer.

Still confused? You’re not alone. The difference often comes down to scope of work, not style. Let’s walk through a relatable story and break down when you need an interior designer, an interior decorator, or sometimes… both.

You move into a 1950s home and are ready for a full kitchen remodel. And I don’t mean styling the counters with cookbooks and cutting boards. I mean full gut mode. You want new cabinets and countertops, updated hardware, new appliances, and possibly a reconfigured pantry.

This is when you need an interior designer, because the project now goes beyond surface-level decisions.

Interior designers are trained to design and plan renovations and new builds. They create functional layouts, select permanent materials, coordinate with contractors and licensed professionals, and ensure the design complies with local and state building codes.

Fast-forward and your kitchen renovation is complete, and now it’s time for the finishing touches. You’re styling open shelving with cookbooks, leaning cutting boards against the backsplash, and choosing the perfect tray, soap dispenser, and accessories. It’s beautiful, but something feels off.

This is where an interior decorator comes in, helping translate all that hard work into a space that actually feels finished.

Interior decorators focus on styling and aesthetics rather than construction or structural changes. They help layer décor, balance scale, and bring warmth and personality into a space so it feels finished and cohesive.

Your kitchen looks great, but now the rest of the house needs attention. Paint colors need to be chosen, color palettes need to flow from room to room, furniture needs to be reassessed, and furniture placement needs to make sense for everyday living.

In this situation, you can work with either an interior decorator or an interior designer.

If no construction or layout changes are required, an interior decorator may be the perfect fit. If you want measured floor plans, future renovation flexibility, or space planning, an interior designer may be the better choice.

So now that the dust has settled and the big decisions are behind you, let’s break it down clearly.

What Does an Interior Decorator Do?

Interior decorators focus on the visual and decorative elements of a space. They can:

• Select paint colors for walls, trim, and ceilings
• Create cohesive color palettes
• Choose furniture, fabrics, lighting, rugs, décor, and accessories
• Suggest furniture and décor placement
• Provide mood boards and styling concepts

What Does an Interior Designer Do?

Interior designers can do everything an interior decorator does, plus handle technical and construction-related work, including:

• Design interior spaces in accordance with local and state building codes
• Create scaled, measured floor plans for renovations and permitting coordination
• Design architectural details like trim, crown moulding, paneling, and built-ins
• Select permanent finishes such as flooring, tile, cabinetry, countertops, and hardware
• Coordinate interior electrical, lighting and plumbing layouts with licensed professionals

The Bottom Line

If you’re decorating, refreshing, or styling a space, an interior decorator may be exactly what you need. If you’re remodeling a home, changing layouts, or building from scratch, an interior designer is essential. And sometimes, the best projects use both.

Whether you’re remodeling a home, decorating a room, or doing a mix of both, Olive Lane Interiors can help clients navigate every stage: from full-scale renovations to thoughtful decorating, without overcomplicating it.

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