Difference Between Interior Designer and Interior Decorator
With the economic boom in India, everybody dreams of a home that is functional and cosy at the same time. Given such demands are increasing day by day, designers who can give the home a refined touch are in high demand. Many people are of the notion that interior decorators and interior designers are the same. However, both are different professions, but they work along the same lines. This article discusses the difference between interior design and interior decoration, skills of an interior decorator and a designer, degrees required and career in both.
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Also See: Top B.Des colleges in India
Interior Designer vs Interior Decorator
The difference between interior design and interior decoration can be best understood by understanding what kind of job they do.
What Is Interior Designer?
Interior designers are those people who bring ambience and functionality to the same space within our home or office. They help us to reflect our personalities on our walls, furniture, and decor. A skilled interior designer has an eye for detail, an understanding mind that can bring the clients desires into their lifestyles.
What Is Interior Decorator?
An interior decorator is a person who decorates an already existing place in terms of colour and design. They help one enhance the place by making it look more pleasing through changing the texture, furniture or colour of a house, office, or shop. They select the various decorative elements given under a client’s budget. They focus more on the visual aesthetic than the spatial aspect of a place.
Difference Between Interior Designer and Decorator - Highlights
The table summarises the difference between interior designer and decorator.
Difference between interior design and interior decoration
Particulars | Interior Designers | Interior Decorators |
Job | To make an indoor space functional and visually and pleasing | To enhance the looks of an already existing space |
Education | Requires Formal Education like BID, BDes, MDes or diploma degrees | No requirement of formal education |
Skillset | Spatial knowledge, 3D Modelling, knowledge of materials | Colour Theory and Texture knowledge |
Salary | 4-9 LPA | 2-3 LPA |
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Interior Decorator vs Interior Designer: Qualification
Education Required by an Interior Designer
To become an interior designer, one needs to have a degree in interior designing. One can acquire Interior Designing Degree in at different stages of life through various courses available. The courses can be opted based on one’s education level, age and financial aspect. But don’t worry Careers 360 has you covered up with a list of degrees one can opt for in order to start a career in designing.
Interior Designing Degree
Degree | Details |
Bachelor of Interior Design (BID) | BID is an undergraduate degree for Interior designing aspirants. The duration of the course is four years. This course offers a basic knowledge of interior design, encompassing spatial design, aesthetics, functionality, and safety considerations. The program comprises eight semesters, combining practical and theoretical sessions to provide a comprehensive education in interior design. |
Bachelor of Design (B.Des) | B.Des is a four year course that many colleges offer across various specializations. One can choose to specialize in B.Des in Interior Designing. The course teaches you basics in design and then trains students for specialization in interior designing. |
Master of Design | Similar to B.Des students can opt for a degree specialised in interior designing after graduation. |
Diploma in Interior Designing | There are several types of diploma courses in India that one can pursue in order to start a career in interior designing. The courses include Diploma courses and Advanced Diploma Courses. These courses can be helpful to those who want to change their career or want to pursue interior designing after 10th or have financial or time constraints. |
Education Required by an Interior Decorator
Interior Decorators require no formal level of education to start their profession. They may or may not belong to the design field. However, experience counts a lot in becoming successful in interior decoration.
Difference Between Interior Designer and Decorator: Skills
Interior designers and Interior decorators require different skills as their works differ.
Skills Required by an Interior Designer
Difference between designer and decorator can be best understood when one understands the skills these professionals have. Interior designers need to have skills like 3D Modelling, knowledge of various materials and textures and be aware of the spatial aspect of design. They need to make a physical space appealing.
Skills Required by an Interior Decorator
The major difference between designer and decorator in terms of skillset is that instead of spatial knowledge that required by an interior designer, decorators need more of colour theory and knowledge of what will look good. They need to shop and curate pieces from shops and catalogues to fit the client’s taste and budget.
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Interior Designer vs Interior Decorator Salary and Career Scope
Interior Designing career have a lot of scope – one can become an Interior Designer, a consultant, a teacher, or a product designer. One can also choose to work freelance and get their own clients. Interior designer vs interior decorator salary can also vary significantly based on the scope of projects undertaken and client expectations. The salary of all these profiles vary according to experience and position. They can range from somewhere around Rs.4,00,000 per annum to 9,00,000 per annum. On the other hand, interior decorators can work for their clients and build a profile. The average salary in India for an interior decorator is Rs. 19,878 per month which may turn out to be 2-3 LPA. With experience and type of projects, the pay might significantly increase.
The interior designer vs interior decorator salary can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and specialization. Interior designers, who typically require formal education and often work on more complex projects involving structural changes and space planning, tend to earn higher salaries. On the other hand, interior decorators, who focus on aesthetic elements like furnishings, color schemes, and accessories, may earn comparatively lower salaries. Both professions offer opportunities for growth and higher earnings with experience and expertise in the field.
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What Is Interior Decoration?
Interior decoration refers to the art and science of enhancing the interior of a space to create a more aesthetically pleasing and functional environment. It involves the selection and arrangement of furniture, color schemes, lighting, textures, and decorative elements to transform an interior space into a cohesive and visually appealing setting. Interior decorators consider the client's preferences, functional needs, and the architectural features of the space to create harmonious and balanced interiors. They utilize their expertise in design principles, spatial planning, and creativity to achieve a desired ambiance that reflects the personality and lifestyle of the occupants. Interior decoration focuses on creating attractive and comfortable spaces that enhance the quality of life and well-being of the inhabitants.
How are Interior Decorators and Designers Paid?
Interior decorators and designers can be paid in various ways depending on the type of project and the agreement with the client. Here are some common methods of payment:
- Many interior decorators and designers charge an hourly rate for their services. This rate can vary widely based on the designer's experience, location, and the complexity of the project.
- Some decorators and designers may offer a flat fee or package fee for specific services or entire projects. This payment structure is agreed upon upfront and covers all aspects of the design process, from initial consultations to final installations.
- In a cost-plus arrangement, the interior decorator or designer charges for their services based on the cost of materials, furnishings, and other goods purchased for the project, plus an additional percentage (often around 15-30%) as their fee. This method is transparent but requires trust between the designer and client regarding budget management.
- For projects where furnishings, artwork, or other items are sourced through the designer, they may earn a commission from the vendors on the items purchased. The client pays for the goods at retail price, and the designer receives a commission, generally negotiated beforehand.
- Some decorators and designers may charge a percentage of the total project cost as their fee. This percentage can vary but commonly falls between 10% to 30%, depending on the scope and complexity of the project. This method aligns the designer's payment with the project's scale and budget.
- In some cases, interior decorators and designers may require a retainer fee upfront before starting work on a project. This fee ensures commitment from both parties and may be deducted from the final total fee or used to cover initial expenses.
The payment structure and terms are typically outlined in a contract or agreement between the decorator/designer and the client before the project begins. It's essential for both parties to communicate clearly about expectations, scope of work, budget, and payment schedule to ensure a successful collaboration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Depends on personal choice. Interior designing is a more formal career with education and more scope. However, a person can become an interior designer and still earn decent money with experience.
Interior Design includes creating space that will suit to the client’s lifestyle and interior decorator makes the place aesthetically pleasing.
A interior designer can make a place visually aesthetic and take up the role of an interior decorator. But an interior decorator cannot work as an interior designer because the latter requires a formal degree.
An interior decorator chooses colours, objects and furniture for a given space to enhance its looks.
An interior designer modifies the structure and works on the layout and interior decorator just adds or removes objects from the existing space.
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List of B.Des colleges
Browse Design Colleges by State
Questions related to B.Des
Hello Nandita,
If you're looking to pursue a Bachelor of Design (B.Des) in Fashion Communication or a design program without an entrance exam and at an affordable private college, here are some options that offer such programs:
1. Unitedworld Institute of Design (UID), Ahmedabad
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Program Offered:
B.Des in Fashion Design and other design disciplines.
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Admission:
You can apply directly, and sometimes an interview or portfolio review may be needed.
- Reputation: Known for quality design education.
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Affordability:
Moderately priced compared to other top design institutes.
2. Pearl Academy
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Program Offered:
B.Des in Fashion Communication, Fashion Design, and other design courses.
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Admission:
Pearl Academy has its own entrance test, but it’s generally considered easier compared to NIFT.
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Reputation:
It’s one of the reputed design colleges with good industry connections.
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Affordability:
Offers scholarships and various fee structures.
3. Amity School of Fashion Technology, Noida
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Program Offered:
B.Des in Fashion Design and other fashion-related programs.
- Admission: Direct admission or based on an interview/portfolio.
- Reputation: A well-known private institution with decent placements.
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Affordability:
Generally more affordable than top-tier design schools.
4. Lovely Professional University (LPU), Punjab
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Program Offered:
B.Des in Fashion Design.
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Admission:
LPU has its own entrance exam (LPUNEST), but you can get direct admission based on your 12th grade marks.
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Reputation:
Known for offering a wide range of programs with modern infrastructure.
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Affordability:
Offers scholarships to make the course more affordable.
5. JD Institute of Fashion Technology
- Program Offered: B.Des in Fashion Communication, Fashion Design.
- Admission: Offers direct admission without any entrance exam.
- Reputation: Well-established design institute with decent industry links.
-
Affordability:
Comparatively affordable.
Conclusion:
These colleges offer direct or easier admission routes without the pressure of national-level entrance exams like NIFT. You should also check their scholarship opportunities, which can make your education more affordable. Choose a college that aligns with your interests, budget, and long-term career goals in design.
I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.
Hello aspirant,
Here below I am providing you with the name of some of the colleges:
- National Institute of Design, Andhra Pradesh
- National Institute of Design, Haryana
- National Institute of Design, Madhya Pradesh
- National Institute of Design, Assam
For more information, you can visit the following link:
https://design.careers360.com/articles/list-of-nids-in-india
Thank you
Hi,
The admission process for a B.Design (Bachelor of Design) program typically involves the following steps, which can vary slightly depending on the institute:
1. Entrance Exam: Many institutes conduct an entrance exam specifically for admission to their B.Design program. Some popular entrance exams for B.Design include:
- NID Entrance Exam (National Institute of Design)
- UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Exam for Design)
- CEED (Common Entrance Exam for Design)
- NIFT Entrance Exam (National Institute of Fashion Technology)
2. Application Form: Candidates need to fill out the application form for the entrance exam conducted by the respective institute or organization. The application forms are usually available online on the official website of the conducting body.
3. Admit Card: After successfully submitting the application form and paying the required fees, candidates receive their admit cards for the entrance exam. This admit card is necessary for appearing in the exam.
4. Entrance Exam: Candidates appear for the entrance exam on the scheduled date and time. The exam typically tests the candidate's aptitude, creativity, design skills, visual perception, and analytical ability.
5. Result Declaration: After the exam, institutes declare the results based on the performance of candidates. The results may include scores or ranks, depending on the exam.
6. Counselling and Seat Allocation: Qualified candidates are called for counselling, where they may have to participate in a portfolio review, studio test, and/or personal interview. Based on the overall performance in the entrance exam and counselling rounds, seats are allocated to candidates.
7. Final Admission: Candidates who successfully clear all rounds of counselling and meet the eligibility criteria are offered admission into the B.Design program.
Hope it helps !
BDes in Fashion Technology, NIFT Bhubaneswar is generally considered a better choice than FDDI Hyderabad as NIFT gives you good exposure and has wide scope. While FDDI has a strong reputation for leather design has limited scope but it is good specifically in leather design and footwear design due to its specialized programs in those areas so if your interested you can go for it.
NIFT Bhubaneswar is widely recognized as a premier institute for fashion design with a comprehensive curriculum in the field.
Hello,
MIT Institutes of Design BDes Highlights 2024. Maharashtra Institute of Technology Institute of Design offers three years BDes programme across eleven specialisation. BDes is the flagship course of the Institution Candidates are required to appear in the MIT DAT to get into BDes programme.
Hope this helps you,
Thank you
https://www.careers360.com/colleges/manipal-institute-of-technology-manipal
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