Interior Decorating Vs. Interior Design: Fabrics, Colors, Furniture, Lighting And Accessories

The terms interior design and interior decorating often are used interchangeably, but they actually refer to very different things.

The first difference between interior design and interior decorating is in education level and certification. The second is in the job description.

Interior designers are required to attend three to four years of combined schooling and field experience. Though some working designers do not have the proper education, it is becoming more of an anomaly. Already, 19 states and the District of Columbia require interior designers to be certified in order to work. To be certified in the U.S., interior designers must pass an exam from the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ). Even after passing the exam, interior designers must abide by and live up to the professional standards. They also must keep their certification current.

Interior decorators are not required to follow these guidelines. Although interior decorators are not expected acquire formal education, it is in their best interest to do so.

Both interior design and interior decorating are highly-competitive career fields. A career in interior design is desired by many talented and artistic individuals. This is why people in both fields should look for ways to set themselves apart from the others. An effective way for designers to stand out from the crowd of thousands is by getting certified. In fact, many interior designers receive multiple certifications. A certification can only be beneficial; perspective clients will take notice of professional experience and dedication.

As said above, the certification from the NCIDQ is a basic requirement for interior designers. Another highly-respected certification is with the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).

For an interior decorating, becoming a Certified Interior Decorator (CID) can further educate professions hoping to boost their careers. Professional Interior Decorators are set apart as proven trained professionals with earned credentials. CID members must receive training or certification by an approved educational program; they are not required to have a college degree. By receiving certification, it shows the decorator is serious and well-qualified for the job.

Interior designers plan and design or redesign appealing and useful interiors for homes, hotels, office buildings and other commercial structures. When starting a new building, they have the freedom to work from scratch to create the right space the client wants. When working on remodeling, they can tear down and reshape the space as they see fit.

Interior decorating is mostly work done with the insides of buildings and the space that is already in existence. Their focus is on surface decorating. They can work with an entire building or just a single room. The main goal of interior decorating is to create an aesthetically-pleasing space. To do so, interior decorating concentrates on space-planning, which is the layout out of the furniture in the room. They decide on the colors and feel of the room choosing fabrics, window coverings, paint, wallpaper, flooring, carpeting, lighting, art and accessories.

When looking for a career in design it is essential to understand the meaning of each given title. This enables professionals to choose the right school and career path. It may be helpful to have a grasp of both design concepts. Each design should complement the other.




Sources:
"About Us." Certified Interior Decorator International. Certified Interior Decorators International, Inc. 7 Dec. 2006 .
"Interior Design Vs. Interior Decorating." Schools of Interior. 2005. 7 Dec. 2006 .
"It's Where We Work." American Society of Interior Design. 2005. American Society of Interior Designers, Inc. 7 Dec. 2006 .
"Interior Designers." Bureau of Labor Statistics. 7 Dec. 2006 .