Interior Designer Vs. Interior Decorator

Have you recently decided to revamp your hotel’s interiors? 

Fantastic! You just took the reins of your hotel's future into your hands. This is a big project, one that comes with many challenges. That said, with the right planning and the right professionals, it can be a success. 

One of your first steps might be deciding whether to hire an interior designer or an interior decorator. But first things first: to make your decision, you should know that interior design is not the same as interior decoration. 

So, is it better to hire an interior designer or an interior decorator? That’s a good question. To answer that, we’d need to know more about your project and what it would involve. 

We're often asked what the differences are between the two at our hospitality interior design firm. Today, we're discussing those differences, what interior designers do, and when you should hire one.  

What’s the difference between interior design and interior decoration? 

Interior designers create the overall look and feel of a space, whereas interior decorators add the finishing touches to it. Both professions involve elements of design and creating aesthetically pleasing spaces, but interior designers differentiate themselves by also considering structure, functionality, and user experience. 

In every project, interior designers must consider a building’s architectural and technical details, regulatory requirements, safety codes, and accessibility standards. Interior decorators, on the other hand, focus solely on decor. 

In contrast to interior decorators, who don't need a license or formal training, interior designers typically require licensing and advanced education to practice. 

An interior designer's career usually begins by earning a degree in any field related to interior design. Coursework includes computer-aided design (CAD), drawing, layout design, and architecture. 

State licensing requirements for interior designers vary from state to state, but most require passing the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ). To sit for this exam, candidates must have a bachelor's degree and two years of work experience. 

What do interior designers do? 

Depending on a client's needs and the spaces involved, the role of an interior designer could be different. 

In many cases, interior designers will act as project managers for clients, coordinating and handling a project from beginning to end. They provide guidance and assist in resolving any issues that could come up in the process. 

They could also be responsible for conceptualizing designs, creating sketches, setting budgets, scheduling, and making mood boards. Besides that, their responsibilities could extend to layout planning and collaborating with engineers, architects, and contractors. 

When it comes to decor, interior designers might handle choosing decorative elements like color palettes, lighting schemes, and materials. Aside from that, they’d purchase and select furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E), and oversee the installation processes of those pieces.  

When should you hire an interior designer? 

You should hire an interior designer when you’re planning a renovation, a remodel, or a new build. 

Let’s say your space needs work that goes beyond decoration, for example, structural or architectural changes (think electrical rerouting or removing walls). You would hire an interior designer in that case. Just looking to refresh your space with new furniture and decor? An interior decorator would be a better choice. 

Ultimately, whether you hire an interior designer or decorator will depend on your specific needs and goals. 

Would an interior designer be a better fit for your hospitality project? As a full-service provider, our team of brand-approved interior designers can provide custom design services to create stunning, functional spaces tailored to your property’s unique demands. 

Find Out How We Can Help You With FF&E  

At Lang & Schwander, we’ve been furnishing hotel interiors in the US, Caribbean, and Latin America for over 17 years. For both branded hotels and independent hotels, we offer a full-service Interior Design studio, custom FF&E production and shipping services, and in-house installation services.  

Contact us to schedule a call and discuss your project!