Best interior designers and decorators near North Plainfield, NJ

Whether you should mix cabinet pulls and knobs comes down to personal preference and the space you're decorating. Choosing matching cabinet hardware creates a more cohesive look, but it's not as distinct and eye-catching as a mix-and-match design. Smaller spaces benefit most from matching hardware since too many styles can visually crowd or overwhelm a small room.

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.

Universal design is a design concept that states that products, spaces, and general environments are designed to be used by everyone, with an emphasis on accessibility for those with limited mobility or other special needs.

It is usually worth it to hire an interior decorator, especially if you want your home to have cohesiveness and look like it belongs in a catalog. Interior decorators can be quite expensive, but decorating isn’t an ongoing cost, so you can expect to pay once for the service rather than on an ongoing basis. Interior decorating can be especially worthwhile if you’re selling your home, as house staging can make your property feel more welcoming and help buyers envision themselves living in the space.