Get matched with top interior designers and decorators in Parsippany, NJ

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.

Before hiring an interior designer, ask a few questions to better understand how they work, what’s expected of you, and what they promise to deliver.

• How long will the project take to complete?

• What type of services do you offer?

• Can you provide a project estimate?

• Do you work with subcontractors?

• Are you licensed or certified in this state?

• Do you have a portfolio of previous work I can review?

• May I contact your customer references?

• How do you handle change orders?

• How do you handle payment?

While the Arts and Crafts movement inspired many architectural elements, the primary styles from the time include Craftsman, Tudor Revivals, bungalows, and Mission homes. You'll see elements of these styles in homes, churches, museums, and schools—particularly Country Day schools from the era.

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.