Interior designer vs. interior decorator: what's the difference?

The terms are used interchangeably, but they describe different scopes of work. Here’s a plain-language guide for Edmonton homeowners.

Interior designers

Trained (and in some provinces, regulated) to work on the architecture of a space: floor plans, structural decisions, kitchen and bath design, millwork, lighting plans, and code-related work. You want a designer when walls are moving.

Interior decorators

Focus on the surface and styling layers: paint, finishes, furniture, lighting, art, and accessories. You want a decorator when the bones are good and the rooms need to come together.

How to choose

• Renovating, adding on, or building? Start with a designer.
• Moving into a finished home? A decorator is usually the right fit.
• Many Edmonton studios (ours included) offer both under one roof.