Jan 10, 2023
Do you know the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator? Many don’t. We love that HGTV has brought design to the masses, but what’s often shown on television is décor, not design, and it’s not always realistic. When you’re selecting the right professional for your project, understanding the difference matters.
Interior design focuses on the structure, function, and flow of a room. Décor is the finishing layer that makes it beautiful. Both play important roles, but they’re not interchangeable.
Because of their education and technical expertise, designers consider the long-term function and safety of a home. They understand how every trade—plumbing, electrical, structural—intersects with design decisions.
When you work with an interior designer for a renovation or new build, you’re not just selecting finishes. You’re ensuring your home is designed holistically, with every detail considered for both beauty and performance. Designers come in after architects or in conjunction with architects and refine the layout and spacing of the home for how humans move in the space.
Some interior designers become licensed interior designers (LID) to protect their title and their education. It’s important to note that only licensed interior designers are registered and have a protected title according to the Alberta Association of Architects. Unfortunately, the title of interior designer is not protected.
Anyone can call themselves an interior designer or decorator with or without education, so it is up to you to check that the person you are hiring is educated to the level that your project requires.
As we speak about interior designers in this blog, we hold them to the standard of education required of a licensed interior designer (LID) prior to tracking their hours and testing to become licensed. The education required to qualify for LID testing is a bachelor’s degree that is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) program. You’ll find more of the requirements to become a licensed interior designer here.
That means décor is just one part of design. Interior design involves shaping how a space functions by adjusting furniture layouts, cabinetry, and even the structure itself. It’s about comfort, safety, and usability as much as it is about aesthetics.
In many countries, interior design is called interior architecture because it requires additional education, knowledge of building codes, and drafting skills. Designers can’t simply declare themselves as such—education and experience are required.
By contrast, interior decorators don’t need a degree to start their careers. While training and certifications exist, they aren’t required.
Décor is the soft layer—the artful finishing touch that completes a space. It includes accessories, art, furniture, lighting, throws, pillows, linens, and rugs. These are often items you could take with you to another home, though some finishes, like paint and wallpaper, stay behind.
Interior decoration is an art and a skill. It requires a good eye for colour, texture, proportion, and mood.
However, decorators typically don’t move walls or design kitchens and bathrooms. They may collaborate with kitchen designers or contractors to select finishes and fixtures, but they won’t create full construction drawings.
If your project includes altering walls, adding millwork, or reconfiguring a kitchen or bathroom for additional functionality, it’s time to bring in an interior designer.
Absolutely. A well-designed space isn’t complete without décor.
Some clients hire KHD to design the structural elements first—layout, cabinetry, lighting, and finishes—and come back later for furniture and accessories once they’ve lived in the space for a while. Others want the full package, from drawings to final styling, all at once.
Whether your project includes décor depends on your goals. Some designers focus on large-scale renovations and new builds (like KHD), while others love the finishing stages. It’s always worth asking where your designer’s expertise and passion lie.
At KHD, our design-build team manages both the technical and the aesthetic. We often complete large-scale renovations, new builds, and major remodels that include structural layout, cabinetry, and custom details. But we also design furniture layouts, window coverings, and décor schemes when the project calls for it.
Interior Designers
Interior designers typically have a 4-year degree in interior design OR a 2-year diploma with advanced certification such as NCIDQ (which takes a minimum of 2 years of experience to qualify to test). May or may not be Licensed Interior Designers (LID) accredited by the Alberta Association of Architects.
Can complete structural and layout designs for your home with an engineer's sign-off, if required.
Building codes and safety standards are part of their education, and they are required to follow them.
Are trained in CAD drafting, digital media, special and some graphic design to express ideas in multiple ways.
May coordinate and schedule construction projects and work directly with trades, answering technical construction questions about the design.
Can assist with furniture, window coverings, and décor and often have access to trade-only suppliers and high-quality materials.
May specialize in different project types—renovations, new builds, or décor-focused work.
You’ll find them working in design firms, with builders, renovators, or as independent professionals.
Interior Decorators / Home Stagers
Don’t require formal education, though some have certifications.
Can complete basic room layouts, but they rarely produce construction drawings.
Don’t typically know building code regulations.
May use digital tools like CAD or traditional sketches and mood boards.
Don’t typically manage large construction projects, but may coordinate small updates or staging efforts.
Often have relationships with high-end furniture or décor suppliers.
Can help with paint colours, wall coverings, and both hard and soft finishes in a home.
You’ll find them working independently, with realtors, or within retail furniture settings.
If you’re refreshing your furniture, need help pulling a room together, or want to prepare your home for sale with a flooring or backsplash update, a decorator or stylist might be the right fit. Their hourly rate is often lower, and they can help you achieve a cohesive look without structural or functional improvements.
If you’re planning a renovation or new build, need to move walls, rework a kitchen or bathroom, or design custom millwork, an interior designer is essential. Designers look at how your home functions, not just how it looks. They’ll guide you through layouts, materials, lighting, and details that make everyday life more comfortable.
Designers also help prevent expensive mistakes by coordinating trades and understanding construction implications before work begins. The investment in design services often saves time, stress, and money over the life of your home.
Always check credentials and review portfolios to see the kinds of projects your professional has completed. And whether you choose a licensed interior designer, an interior designer or a decorator, ensure they’re insured and qualified to do the work.
If it turns out you need a design team that specializes in full-service renovations and new builds, the team at KHD is ready to help you fall in love with your home—whether you’re building new or transforming what you already have.
