Interior Designer and Interior Decorator,
so what's the difference?
by Ricarda Lopez, RicardaInteriorDesign.com
The demand for professional design for private homes and home
offices is on the rise. It's probably due to the recent popularity of home
improvement TV shows (see Shows below).
Is the project, that seemed so simple in the beginning, just getting too
overwhelming for you?
Are you a homeowner who knows what you want in your dream room but you're not
sure if you can accomplish it within your budget?
It's time
to seek professional help. If you're wishing to spruce up your home office,
kitchen, living room, entertainment room or bedroom, now is the time to understand
who you're hiring.
Designer is to Decorator as Doctor is to Nurse
Designers and decorators deal with the
aesthetics of your space, lighting, furnishings, flooring, finishes, colors,
textures and materials. You can only say, "Everything a decorator does,
an interior designer can do but not necessarily vice versa.” Interior
designers require more strict guidelines for education, work experience,
certification and a move towards licensure. Residential and commercial projects
might require architectural, structural and construction changes (skills not only
focused on aesthetic but also ergonomic improvements). In these cases, your interior
designer will be educated on building and safety codes. Interior designers must have
a total of six years of experience and education leading to a degree. Only after
meeting these qualifications can they take the National Council for Interior
Design Qualification (NCIDQ) test for certification and licensing. A decorator
does not have any regulations.
Take advantage of your interior designer’s knowledge to communicate your requirements
to the architect, contractor, plumber, landscaper and carpenter that will make up your
design team.
6 Things Interior Designers Consider on Design Projects:
1. Space Planning – an assessment of the clients'
existing space and the design to meet their specific special needs and requirements.
Considerations are:
- Ergonomics – a design compatible with the clients' desires abilities
and physical limitations to promote a healthier lifestyle. For example, a kitchen
designed to accommodate the different heights of family members, children, adults,
and a wheel chair for someone with physical limitations
2. Lifestyle Planning – because as you age, your needs
may change.
3. Custom Design for:
- Window coverings – specially designed to work together with the room
and it’s contents. They are also designed to meet specific needs such as:
... Minimal/maximum security/privacy.
... Protection from sunlight.
... To accommodate an unusual/non–standard window size or shape.
Ready–made store bought items may not be able to meet these requirements.
- Bedding – the bed is the focal point in a
bedroom, in–part because it’s the largest piece of furniture in the room.
Secondly, it dictates the main function of the room. Therefore, the bedding should
support the style and/or mood of the room.
- Furniture – the benefits of having custom furniture made are:
... Having a unique piece specifically designed for you or your home.
... Piece of furniture designed to meet the scale and proportional needs of a room.
For example, a smaller scaled sofa to fit in a very small living room.
- Built–in cabinetry – Having something made to meet a design challenge,
were already made products do not resolve the problem.
... For example, custom closets or cabinetry to meet storage needs.
4. Acoustical considerations when there is a need to diffuse any
echoing in the room and eliminate sound that travels to other spaces.
5. Building and safety codes are not being violated.
6. Project administration and management –
the overseeing of schedules and delivery of products and services by each team member.
Get Inspired! Finalize some of your ideas before talking to your Interior Designer
Watch Home Improvement, Interior Design and Home Decorating TV Shows:
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ricarda Design is driven to create personalized spaces that reflect the
clients' needs and wants. Your home project is not about our personal style but your style,
goals and budget. Our goal is to help you create a home that is both functional and reflects your
lifestyle. Helping Chula Vista and San Diego homeowners realize that interior design is within
reach. Ask Ricarda to assess your furniture and space. Learn how you can benefit from
professional interior design advice simply by discussing your project with us. |
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