Get matched with top residential design pros in Sunland Park, NM

Federal and Colonial architecture are similar in that they both appear mostly utilitarian and symmetrical, but Federal architecture is a bit more ornate. Federal design often includes decorative palladium windows, window lintels, and, sometimes, columns surrounding a more decorative portico. Inside, Federal architecture is set apart by its centrally-located oval room. Additionally, Federal homes tend to have brick facades, whereas Colonial homes more often have wood siding.

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.

Mid-century modern design focused primarily on two things: simple, functional furniture, often with geometric shapes, and specific color palettes that included earth tones and what we’d today call retro colors. Furniture often blended different materials, like teak or oak wood, with vinyl, metal, and glass. Common mid-century modern paint colors included browns, reds, burnt oranges, yellows, aqua greens, and whites.

It depends on the scope of the project and your confidence in your own design capabilities. If you’re simply replacing a few appliances or want to change the cabinetry, you most likely do not need a designer. If you’re doing a full reno, you should bring in a pro unless you have a very strong design sense and want to spend hours laboring over the various technical details.