Get matched with top residential design pros in Williston, SC

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.  

The main difference between a home stager and an interior designer is that the former creates temporary, generally appealing spaces, while the latter creates personalized design choices for your permanent home. A home stager seeks to depersonalize your home while also showing off the best features of the home to potential buyers. An interior designer works with you to infuse your personal style into the decor in your home. You’ll typically only hire a local home stager when selling your home.

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.

It’s often worth hiring a closet designer, even though the process can be expensive. Custom closets drastically improve the usability and convenience of your living space, but they also tend to improve your home value. Not only will your custom closet improve your living experience, but you’ll likely see more than a 50% return on your investment when you sell your home.