Interior Designer vs Decorator: What’s The Real Difference?

Let’s break down the real difference between an interior designer vs decorator so you don’t waste money hiring the wrong one for your home project.

There’s always that point you get to when you just want to change the way your home looks.

Maybe you just moved into a new place, or you’re tired of staring at the same old couch and beige walls.

Now, you’re thinking about getting help. But here’s the thing—who do you even call?

Should you hire an interior designer or a decorator?

They sound kinda similar, right? But the truth is, they’re not the same.

And trust me—I’ve seen people spend thousands of dollars hiring the wrong type of help for their home. It’s painful to watch.

So let me walk you through the real difference between an interior designer vs decorator.

Table of Contents

First Off, What Does An Interior Designer Do?

An interior designer is someone who’s trained to plan and change the layout and function of your space.

That means they can look at your kitchen and say, “Yeah, we can knock that wall down and add more space over here.”

They don’t just pick out pretty things. They understand stuff like:

Room layout
Lighting
Plumbing
Building codes
Safety rules

Most interior designers go to school for this. Some even have licenses. So they can help with major projects like:

A full home renovation
New home construction
Changing the flow of rooms
Making a small space more useful

If your house feels awkward or doesn’t “work right,” an interior designer is who you call.

What About Decorators?

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Now, decorators are more about the look than the structure.

If your home already has good bones and you just want to give it a facelift, that’s where decorators come in.

They don’t change walls or build new rooms. But they do help with:

Color choices
Furniture placement
Home decor
Art on the walls
Picking curtains, rugs, and lighting

They make your home pretty.

So, when you’re comparing an interior designer vs decorator, think of it like this:

Designers fix how a room works. Decorators fix how a room looks.

Okay, But Which One Do You Need?

This is where most people get stuck. And I get it.

Let me make it super clear.

You need an interior designer if:

You want to change how your space is built
You’re moving walls or adding rooms
You’re doing a big remodel or building from scratch

You need a decorator if:

You just want to refresh the look
You already like the layout, but it feels boring
You’re ready to buy new furniture, home goods, and art

Still unsure? Here’s a trick: If a contractor needs to get involved, you probably need a designer.

What About The Cost?

Here’s where things can sting a bit.

Interior designers usually charge more. That’s because they’re doing heavier work.

Some charge hourly. Some take a percentage of the total project. Some offer flat packages.

Decorators usually cost less. You can even hire one just for a couple of hours to help you pick out home decor for your space.

But remember—hiring the wrong one can cost you more.

I’ve had a friend hire a decorator for a full remodel, and they ended up wasting thousands because the decorator couldn’t handle the build-out. Ouch.

Where Does “Interior Design Services Georgia” Fit In?

Let’s say you live in Georgia and you’re thinking about changing up your home.

You could check out professional interior design services Georgia if your project is more than just switching out throw pillows.

For example:

Maybe you want to combine your kitchen and dining room.
Or you need better lighting because your living room feels like a cave.
Or your space feels crowded, and you want someone to help make it more open.

That’s the kind of work where a professional interior designer shines.

They’ll help you see things you probably never thought of.

And in Georgia, there are great services that handle both the design and decor if needed.

So again—don’t mix them up. Pick the one who can actually solve your problem.

Can Someone Be Both?

Now, this is a good question. And yeah, sometimes a person can do both.

There are some interior designers who also do decorating. That means you get help with both the layout and the pretty stuff like antiques, pillows, and artwork.

But, not all decorators are trained in design. So before you hire anyone, ask what they do.

Ask to see their past work. Ask if they’ve worked on projects like yours.

This step alone can save you so much money and stress. Trust me, I’ve learned that one the hard way.

Why Does The Difference Even Matter?

Because if you get this wrong, you could:

End up spending money on someone who can’t solve your problem
Get stuck with delays and mistakes
Hate how your space turns out
Waste hours fixing things later

Knowing the difference between interior designer vs decorator helps you avoid all that.

Also, your home is personal.

Whether you’re picking out furniture or redoing your whole kitchen, you deserve someone who gets what you need and knows how to make it happen.

Still Nervous About Hiring Someone?

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A lot of people worry about hiring the wrong help. I’ve been there too.

You wonder if they’ll get your style, if they’ll charge too much, or if the end result will feel like you.

Here’s my advice:

Start small. Maybe just get a consultation first.
Be honest about your budget.
Don’t rush. Good design takes time.
Don’t be afraid to say “no” if something feels off.

Also, it’s totally fine to shop around. Talk to a few people before deciding. That one step alone can give you peace of mind.

Quick Comparison Chart

Here’s a short chart that might help clear it up:

Feature	Interior Designer	Decorator
Can move walls or layout	✅	❌
Helps pick colors, fabrics	✅	✅
Works with builders/contractors	✅	❌
Needs formal training	✅	❌
Cost (usually)	Higher	Lower
Best for	Big changes	Style updates