Interior design vs interior decorating - Modern interior design of cosy apartment, living room with beige sofa, turquoise armchairs

Interior design vs interior decorating: How do they differ?

Comparing interior design and interior decorating based on scope of work, project complexity, service cost, and more.

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Key Facts

  • Interior decorating is enhancing a space's visual appeal through furniture, colours, and décor, without altering its structure.
  • Interior design is planning and creating functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces by integrating layout, structure, and décor to meet your needs.


Buying a new home or space is an exciting milestone, and you naturally want it to reflect your style. But when it comes to enhancing your interiors and design, should you hire an interior designer or an interior decorator? These two professions, often confused, offer distinct services. 

Understanding the difference between interior design vs interior decorating is essential to making an informed decision for your next project, whether it’s for your home or office. This article will guide you through the differences between interior design vs decorating, helping you  determine the right service best suited to bring your vision to life.

What is interior design? 

Interior design vs interior decorating - Interior designer's working table with an architectural plan of the house and a color palette

Interior design is a discipline that transcends simply supplying aesthetics — it focuses on creating functional, safe, and efficient spaces that align with your needs and personality. Interior designers assess how the space will be used and the desired atmosphere, combining research and creativity to craft environments that are both beautiful and practical.

The difference between interior design and interior architecture is that interior architects focus on structural elements, while interior designers also integrate your personal style with functionality. They also consider layout, location, and social context, ensuring your space not only looks great but also functions smoothly with proper lighting, ventilation, and flow.

What is interior decorating? 

Close-up of two interior decorators choosing samples of wall paint

Interior decorating is all about enhancing a space’s aesthetic by selecting and arranging furniture, fabrics, and colour schemes. If your space functions well but needs a style update, interior decorating is the perfect service. 

An interior decorator or house decorator works with your preferences to create a cohesive look using furniture, textiles, and accessories. While they don’t make structural changes, they excel at transforming a room’s ambience and keeping up with trends. For example, to refresh your living room, a house decorator can help recommend new curtains, rugs, and accents to achieve your desired look within budget.

Interior design vs decorating: When should you choose each?

Both interior designers and decorators offer creative expertise, but you don’t always need to hire both. Here, we’ll look at the key factors to consider when choosing the right service for your project.


In terms of scope of work

Interior design vs interior decorating - Close-up of an interior designer's hands using a tablet with material samples on desk

The service scope differs significantly between interior designers and interior decorators. Interior designers manage the entire interior design process, from suggesting architectural changes like removing walls or altering layouts to working with architects and builders on house renovations or new projects. They create detailed plans and ensure compliance with building codes. 

In contrast, interior decorators focus on enhancing the aesthetics of an existing space, selecting and arranging furnishings, décor, and accessories, and making minor updates such as changing light fixtures or applying a different type of wall paint. They excel at improving the look and feel of a room without making structural changes.


Recommendation: If you’re starting from scratch or undergoing a major house renovation, an interior designer is best suited to manage the comprehensive interior design process. 


In terms of project complexity

The complexity of your service request often dictates whether you need an interior designer or decorator. For more complex projects like structural changes, space planning, or key updates like a bathroom renovation with modern design trends, an interior designer is the best expert to hire. They manage reconfiguring layouts and collaborate with architects and engineers to ensure both beauty and structural integrity.

On the other hand, if your focus is purely on updating aesthetics without altering the structure, such as choosing between drapes, curtains or blinds, or enhancing your interior lighting design, an interior decorator is the expert to call. They specialise in refreshing your space with stylish, well-chosen elements.


Recommendation: For more complex projects, hire an interior designer. For smaller-scale projects like aesthetic updates and selecting décor, an interior decorator will provide the perfect guidance.


In terms of skills

Interior design vs interior decorating - Interior decorator holding color swatches and looking at a computer screen

Interior designers and decorators offer distinct services. Interior designers typically hold degrees in interior design, with expertise in architecture, space planning, colour schemes, and furniture design, allowing them to manage complex projects and navigate regulatory requirements. Often licensed, they oversee both technical and aesthetic aspects of a project. 

Interior decorators, on the other side, focus on creating beautiful spaces without structural changes. While formal education isn’t always required, many decorators build their skills and credibility through courses or certifications. Their strength lies in transforming rooms with appealing apartment colour schemes and home décor and design ideas, making spaces visually captivating.


Recommendation: If your project requires technical expertise, an interior designer is your best choice.


In terms of project involvement

Interior designers are deeply involved from the start, collaborating with architects and builders to shape the space. Their service covers the entire project lifecycle, from concept development to construction oversight, ensuring that every detail aligns with the design vision.

In contrast, interior decorators typically step in after the structural work is complete. Their focus is on selecting furnishings, colour schemes, and décor, adding the final touches to bring the space to life. While their contribution is important to the space’s aesthetic, their involvement is more limited compared to an interior designer.


Recommendation: Hire an interior designer if you need someone who will be involved in every aspect of your project.


In terms of project duration

Interior design vs interior decorating - Hands of interior designer and client discussing 3D renderings of rooms design

The project timeline generally depends on its scope. Interior designers, due to their more comprehensive service, often work on longer-term projects that can span several months to over a year. Coordinating with contractors, engineers, and clients, especially on complex projects, can extend the timeline.

Conversely, interior decorators focus primarily on aesthetics, allowing them to complete shorter-term projects. Their work can often be finished within weeks to a few months, making them ideal for quicker interior updates.


Recommendation: If you’re on a tight schedule and need a faster turnaround, an interior decorator may be the better option.


In terms of cost

Interior designer costs are typically higher, ranging from £50 - £150 per hour, due to the broader scope of their services and expertise. Fees are often calculated based on an hourly rate, square footage, or a percentage of the total project cost, reflecting their full involvement from concept to completion.

Meanwhile, interior decorators generally charge less since their focus is more on decorative elements rather than structural changes. Their fees are usually based on an hourly rate or a flat project fee, though costs can vary depending on the quality and quantity of furnishings and décor.


Recommendation: If you’re working on a tight budget and looking for straightforward updates or aesthetic enhancements, an interior decorator can provide a more cost-effective solution.

Book trusted interior design or interior decorating on Airtasker today

If your project involves structural changes, functional upgrades, or a complete renovation, it's time to hire an interior designer. For quicker, more aesthetic updates—like choosing new furnishings, colours, or décor — an interior decorator can enhance your space with style and efficiency.

Whether you need interior design or decorating, Airtasker makes it easy to find the right professional for the job. Just post a task, write your project scope, time and budget, and wait for the local interior designers and decorators to give you a quote. Get started today to bring your vision to life!

Interior design vs interior decorating


Interior Design Interior Decorating
Scope of Work
From scratch to the end of the project
Focus on enhancing the aesthetics of an existing space 
Project Complexity
More complex like a major house renovation 
Less complex and smaller-scale projects like aesthetic updates
Skills
Interior designers are skilled in architecture, space planning, colour schemes, and furniture design
Interior decorators are skilled in transforming rooms with appealing colour schemes and home décor and design ideas
Project Involvement
More involved in a big space renovation project
Typically involved once the structural changes are complete
Project Duration
Typically longer, around a few months to a year

Typically shorter, that could range from weeks to months

Cost
Tend to be higher
More cost-effective

FAQs on interior design and interior decorating

Interior design includes planning layout and aesthetics, while furnishing focuses more on selecting and arranging furniture to enhance the designed space.

Definitely! Many interior designers also handle decorating, combining expertise in both functional design and décor to offer a comprehensive approach to creating stylish and cohesive spaces.

Good interior design reflects your personality and lifestyle, enhancing both the function and feel of your space, whether it’s a relaxing home or an inspiring office, making it uniquely your own.  

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