Get matched with top interior designers and decorators in Johnston, IA

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.  

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.

Balancing aesthetics with functionality amidst space planning is important. To do so, you could consider consulting both an interior designer and an architect to fulfill both these needs. Or you can tackle it on your own by prioritizing personal touches amidst space planning that add to the look but don't take away from the livability of the space.

If you need help with your holiday decorating, the first step is determining your lighting and decor needs to narrow down your pro options. For example, if you want a custom outdoor light display with all of the bells and whistles, you’ll likely need to hire a local holiday light installer who specializes in that service. But if you only need to hang some lights inside in hard-to-reach places, consider hiring a handyperson or an interior decorator instead. It’s best to contact at least three different companies for quotes and to find out what services they offer.