What's the Difference?

BY: Heather Higgins, Pricipal and founder of Higgins Design Studio in NYC

 You have tried to make changes yourself, but the drapery color doesn’t look the same on the windows as it did in the fabric swatch, the overstuffed sofa that looked great in the store, looks cramped in your space and the new dining room chandelier dwarfs the size of the table and the light level is blinding. Isn’t it time to call in a professional?

The Smart Solution
A challenging economy has reacquainted us with spending our money wisely, which is the reason to use a design professional. They will help you to develop a master plan for your space, so that with every purchase, you are building toward a successful end result. They can recommend where to best spend your money or when you can “get the look for less”. Most importantly, they have reliable resources for getting good value and can help you to avoid costly mistakes. But, which professional do you hire?

Interior Designer vs. Interior Decorator
Sometimes these labels are used interchangeably, but it’s important to distinguish between the two practitioners. They differ not only in training and qualification, but also in their range of skills and approach to design.

Training and Qualification
Interior designers have formal training, many passing certification requirements set by the NCIDQ (National Council of Interior Design Qualification). Several have also attained state certification. In New York State, they are given the designation NYSCID (New York State Certified Interior Designer). They are often members of professional organizations like ASID (American Society of Designers) or IIDA (International Interior Designer’s Association), which require minimum professional standards and continuing education. Interior decorators, on the other hand, frequently have no formal training or overseeing regulating organization.

Interior Design
Principally, interior design involves the preparation of documents for the construction of an interior space, including non-structural plans, elevations, details and specifications, lighting, power and communication locations, materials, finishes and furniture layouts.

Interior Decoration
Concerned with the adornment of surfaces in an interior space, interior decoration involves the selection of furniture, fabrics, floorcoverings, window treatments, light fixtures and decorative accessories.

In Practice
To further explore the differences between the two professionals, the following example contrasts their role on a project. An interior decorator might select carpets based upon the style of design and taste of the client, while an interior designer would probably take it a step further and look at fiber content, construction, usage, flammability and installation method.

When selecting the right design professional for your project, it is important to evaluate the training and skill set needed, among many other factors. The key point to remember is that interior designers design and decorate, but interior decorators don’t design.

Heather Higgins is the principal and founder of Higgins Design Studio, LLC, a Manhattan-based, interior design practice devoted to helping successful professionals create unique homes. She has over 30 years of design and business experience, including an extensive background with some of New York’s prominent architectural / interiors firms. She has been featured on HGTV’s “Designer’s Challenge””, online in the Wall Street Journal and most recently in Doggie Aficionado Magazine.

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