Get matched with top interior designers and decorators in Homer, AK

Deciding to hire an interior designer or an interior decorator is entirely dependent on what you’re looking for out of your project and your budget. Interior decorators typically cost less than interior designers, both in hourly rates and overall project costs. 

If you want to add furnishings to your home but it’s otherwise set with permanent fixtures, an interior decorator would be best for you. However, if you are looking to remodel your home or are building a new home and would like help with permanent structures like cabinets, showers, and overall layouts, an interior designer is best.  

British architect John Nash is credited with creating the Italianate style of architecture. The style was further popularized in the U.S. by landscape architect Andrew Jackson Downing and architect Calvert Vaux. The style spread across the U.S. due to Downing’s popular book on the style and the availability of plans and materials due to the mass production of the Industrial Revolution.

With structural home styles, it's difficult to build based on design trends, as they are constantly changing. While this style is popular in 2023, consider which home decor style you're aiming for as you plan your project. If you prefer modern or contemporary interior designs, rounded corners are the way to go to help you achieve a soft minimalist aesthetic.

While the terms 'interior designer' and 'interior decorator' are often used interchangeably, they represent distinct professions with some overlapping work. The primary difference lies in the scope of their projects.

An interior decorator focuses on the aesthetics of a space, making less permanent decisions about decor. Their work involves selecting colors, fabrics, furniture, wall art, paint, and other finishes to 'dress' a room and enhance its style.

An interior designer has a broader scope that includes a decorator's aesthetic focus but also extends to the structural and functional aspects of a space. Designers are qualified to plan layouts, make structural changes, and manage overall functionality. They handle permanent decisions regarding fixtures like cabinets and bathtubs, establish floor plans, and may hire contractors.

Due to the technical skills required, interior designers typically have formal education, certification, and may hold a license, which can result in higher fees. As a general rule, it is best to hire an interior designer for major remodeling projects and an interior decorator for projects focused on establishing or refreshing a home's interior style.