Interior Decor And Interior Design: 20+ Differences between

Everybody wants their home Interiors to be very beautiful, but only a few people know the difference between Interior Decor and Interior Design. Interior Decor and Interior Design sound like synonyms and are used interchangeably.

Despite all the similarities, both concepts are very different. The major difference between Interior Decor and Interior Design is that the former is considered designing the interior with movable goods. In contrast, the latter is considered making and designing the immovable property.

Comparison Between Interior Decor And Interior Design

Parameter	Interior Decor	Interior Design
Purpose	The main purpose of Interior Decor is to enhance the looks of an interior space using adding movable goods and various accessories.	The main purpose of Interior Design is to create and make an interior space pleasing to the eye.
Concept	It is a narrower concept than Interior Design as it only includes enhancing the looks of architecture.	It is a broader concept compared with Interior Decor, which includes enhancing an architecture’s look and creating one.
Concerned people	People working in the field of Interior Decor are known as Interior Decorators.	People working in the field of Interior Design are known as Interior Designers.
Types	There are not any types of Interior Decor.	There is a wide variety of Interior Designs. Some of the popular Interior Designs are Mid-Century Modern Design, Shabby Chic Design, Urban Modern Design, Bohemian Design, Nautical Design, Industrial Design, Scandinavian Design, Farmhouse Design, etc.
Education	To excel in the field of Interior Decor, an individual does not have to undergo any degree or training.	To excel in the field of Interior Design, it is mandatory for an individual to undergo a degree and proper training.
License	The National Council of Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) does not require Interior Decorators to have a license.	The NCIDQ makes it necessary for Interior Designers to work only when they have a license.
Skills and Knowledge	The skills and knowledge involved in Interior Decor are less sophisticated than in Interior Design.	The skills and knowledge involved in Interior Design are more sophisticated than those in Interior Decor.
Vice-versa roles	An Interior Decorator can not work as Interior Designer.	An Interior Designer can work as Interior Decorator.
Concerned with	It is concerned with the styling of an architectural space.	It is concerned with the creation and styling of an architectural space.
Accessibility and durability	Accessibility and durability are not the primary focus of Interior Decor.	Accessibility and durability are the primary focus of Interior Design.
Roles and Responsibilities	Choosing wall colors and wallpapers, selecting the right furniture, choosing the right place for selected furniture, finding the right positions for the placements of home appliances and technological items, etc., are some of the major roles and responsibilities involved in Interior Decor.	Creating an accessible interior space layout, ensuring everything included in an interior space are durable, choosing the right colors and wallpapers, using the right accessories and furniture, etc., are some of the significant roles and regulations involved in Interior Design.

Major Differences Between Interior Decor And Interior Design

What exactly is Interior Decor?

The purpose of Interior Decorating is to style an interior. It styles using movable articles such as furniture and beautiful accessories.

It is often confused with Interior Designing, but it is a narrower concept than Interior Designing.

It is concerned with enhancing the looks of a region to make sure it looks pleasing to the eye. To master the art of Interior Decor, one does not have to undergo any degree or training.

Features of Interior Decor

Interior Decor aims to enhance the looks of a region to make it aesthetically pleasing.
It only deals with the styling of an already existing architecture. It works by adding materialistic elements to make sure the primary architecture looks even better.
People aspiring to become Interior Decorators must not undergo any bachelor’s or master’s degree.
According to the National Council of Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ), an Interior Decorator does not need a license to work in this field.
An Interior Decorator can not work as an Interior Designer.
The main duties of an Interior Decorator include selecting the paint and wallpapers of an interior, making sure the furniture is in the right place, adding accessories, choosing the right lighting for an interior, utilizing space for the right purposes, etc.

Key Differences Interior Decor

Interior Decor is concerned with decorating the interior with movable things such as clocks, furniture, technology, etc.
Interior Decor is a narrower concept in comparison with Interior Design.
People who indulge in Interior Decor are known as Interior Decorators.
One must not clear a certain education and training to excel in Interior Decoration.

What exactly is Interior Design?

Interior Design is a broad concept that includes many roles and responsibilities. It is not only concerned with the styling of an interior but is also concerned with making the right accessible and efficient architecture as per the needs of customers.

Unlike Interior Decorating, it demands a proper degree and training to excel in the field of Interior Designing. It also requires a license to work as an Interior Designer.

Features of Interior Design

Interior Design aims to create and style architecture per customers’ needs.
It involves creating architecture with efficiency and accessibility and then styling it in the best way possible.
People aspiring to become Interior Designers have to qualify for the concerned degree and undergo training.
As per the National Council of Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ), it is mandatory for Interior Designers to have an authorized license to keep working in the field.
An Interior Designer is allowed to work as an Interior Decorator.
There are many types of Interior Design, but some of the popular Interior Designs are Mid-Century Modern Design, Shabby Chic Design, Urban Modern Design, Bohemian Design, Nautical Design, etc.
The main duties of an Interior Designer are creating effective and accessible architecture, styling it with correct paint and wallpapers, furniture, accessories, curtains, kitchen styling, etc.

Key Differences Interior Design

Interior Design is concerned with the immovable property of a building. It involves architecture, painting, space, etc.
Interior Design is a wider concept in comparison with Interior Decor.
People who indulge in Interior Design are known as Interior Designers.
To excel in Interior Design, one has to clear a degree and training in the specified field.

The Contrast Between Interior Decor And Interior Design

Meaning and Purpose

Interior Decor – Its sole purpose is to enhance the looks of architecture by adding various accessories and movable goods.

Interior Design – Its main purpose is to create and make architecture pleasing to the eye.

Concept

Interior Decor – Compared to Interior Design, it is a narrower concept.

Interior Design – Compared to Interior Decor, it is a broader concept.

Concerned people

Interior Decor – People working in the field of Interior Decor are known as Interior Decorators.

Interior Design – People working in the field of Interior Design are known as Interior Designers.

Education

Interior Decor – To excel in Interior Decor, one must not undergo any degree or training.

Interior Design – To excel in Interior Design, it is mandatory for an individual to have a bachelor’s degree in the concerned field and proper training.

License

Interior Decor – As per the rules and regulations of NCIDQ, Interior Decorators/designs do not require the existence of an authorized license.

Interior Design – As per the rules and regulations of NCIDQ, it is mandatory for Interior Designers to have an authorized license to continue working in the concerned field.

Types

Interior Decor – There are usually no types of Interior Decor.

Interior Design – There are many types of Interior Designs. Some of the popular designs include Mid-Century Modern Design, Shabby Chic Design, Urban Modern Design, Bohemian Design, Nautical Design, Industrial Design, Scandinavian Design, Farmhouse Design, etc.

Concerned with

Interior Decor – It is largely concerned with the styling of interior space.

Interior Design is largely concerned with creating and styling an interior space.

Vice-Versa roles

Interior Decor – It is not possible for an Interior Decorator to work as an Interior Designer. This is because Interior Design requires more skills and knowledge than Interior Design. Also, Designers have to undergo a degree, while Decorators do not have to. Thus, Decorators are not considered skilled enough to work as Interior Designers.

Interior Design – An Interior Designer can work as an Interior Decorator. This is because the decorating part of Interior Decor is also taught in Interior Design. Thus, Designers are already well aware of Interior Decor. Hence, it would not cause them any problems.

Skills and Knowledge

Interior Decor – The skills and knowledge used in the process of Interior decor are less complex in comparison with Interior Design.

Interior Design – The skills and knowledge used in the process of Interior Design are more complex in comparison to Interior Decor.

Accessibility and Durability

Interior Decor – It may take care of the accessibility and durability of an Interior space. However, it is not the primary focus of Interior Decor.

Interior Design – Accessibility and durability of an Interior space are the primary focus of Interior Design.

Roles and Responsibilities

Interior Decor – The roles and responsibilities involved in Interior Decor are choosing wall colors and wallpapers, selecting the right furniture, choosing the right place for selected furniture, finding the right positions for the placements of home appliances and technological items, etc.

Interior Design – The roles and responsibilities involved in Interior Design are creating an accessible layout of interior space, making sure all the things included in an interior space are durable, choosing the right colors and wallpapers, using of right accessories and furniture, etc.

Roles and Responsibilities of an Interior Decorator

Choosing the appropriate wall colors and wallpapers.
Selecting the right furniture.
Choosing the right place for the selected furniture.
Using accessories in an efficient and effective manner.
Choosing the right position to place the technological items on, etc.

Roles and Responsibilities of an Interior Designer

Coming up with the blueprint of the architecture.
Creating an accessible interior space.
Make sure all the items are durable.
Choosing wallpapers, curtains, furniture, etc., for the interior space.
Making good use of various accessories, etc.

Interior Designer And Interior Decorator

Conclusion

Interior Decor and Interior Design are two of the most important elements of architecture. Both concepts are very similar in nature and often confuse people.

The major difference between Interior Decor and Interior Design is that the former is a narrower concept while the latter is a broader concept.

Another significant difference between the two is that Interior Decor is concerned with the styling of architecture, while Interior Design is concerned with creating and styling architecture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What are the differences between Interior Designers and Interior Decorators?

The significant difference between Interior Designers and Interior Decorators are as follows:
1. Interior Designers are the experts who work in the field of Interior Design, whereas Interior Decors are the experts who work in the field of Interior Decor.
2. Interior Designers have to undergo a degree and proper training to work, but Interior Decors do not have to.
3. Interior Designers’ roles and responsibilities are more than Interior Decorators’ roles and responsibilities.

Q2. Why is Interior Design a broader concept than Interior Decor?

Interior Decor is concerned with the styling of an architectural space. On the other hand, Interior Design is concerned with creating and styling an architectural space. Creating an interior space requires a great deal of knowledge and skills. Thus, Interior Design is considered a broader concept than Interior Decor.

Q3. What are the major differences between Interior Decor and Interior Design?

The major differences between Interior Decor and Interior Design are as follows.
1. The former is concerned with the styling of an architectural space, while the latter is concerned with creating and styling an architectural space.
2. People who work in Interior Decor are known as Interior Decorators, whereas those who work in Interior Design are known as Interior Designers.
3. The skills and knowledge involved in Interior Decor are less complex than those in Interior Design.
4. The primary focus of Interior Decor is styling, while the primary focus of Interior Design is accessibility and durability.

Q4. What do Interior Decorators and Designers do?

Following are the various roles and responsibilities that Interior Decorators and Designers do altogether:
1. Creating an accessible architectural space.
2. Deciding the color and wallpapers of the walls.
3. Place the furniture in the right places.
4. Deciding the color of the furniture.
5. Adding accessories at right angles to enhance the complete look.
6. Select the light’s tone, whether cold or warm.
7. Finding the right positions to fix the technological items such as TV, Chimneys, Fireplace, Washing machine, etc.