Differences Between Interior Decorating & Interior Design
Although the terms are used synomously, interior decorating and interior design signify different professions. The main difference is in the actual training of the professional doing the designing or decorating. Decorating is defined as adding ornamentation to an existing object or space. Designing is creating or constructing new objects or spaces. Does this Spark an idea?
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Interior Decorator
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Decoration is the process of dressing a room in finishes, including paint, trim, wallpaper, flooring and fabric. Interior decorators add ornamentation to rooms after construction is complete. However, they may consult with homeowners and designers during the design phase if the look they have in mind requires specific wood finishes or other such materials that must be installed during construction.
There are various online and continuing education courses and certification programs that will give creditials to these creative individuals. But certification is not required to do business as an interior decorator.
Interior Designer
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An interior designer is a professional that has a degree from an accredited institution; has worked as an apprentice for another interior designer; and has passed a proficiency exam. After taking this three-day exam, a designer receives a license to practice interior design within the state in which they are located. The degree program includes such subjects as color theory and space planning, and more in-depth subjects as accessibility (handicap or ADA) and building codes, building structure and construction, plumbing, and mechanical and electrical issues that pertain to residential, commerical and retail design. Interior designing will not only encompass the surface applications such as fabrics and finishes, but will also include structural changes required by the scope of the project.
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NCIDQ
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The exam that professional interior designers must take to receive their licenses is the National Council for Interior Design Qualification or NCIDQ. In order to sit for the exam, an individual must have a combination of six years of education and work experience. For a four-year degree, a person must have two years of experience. For a two-year degree, four years of experience is required. Unaccredited designers may work in many different jobs in residential, commerical, health care or hospitality design, but only an individual that has passed the NCIDQ exam can legally use the title Interior Designer.
Architects
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While an interior designer is a state-licensed profession, there are still limitations to what she can do. If the scope of work for a project has structural changes that will require a permit, an architect must sign off on the changes in order for the designer to receive the work permit.
Considerations
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Obtaining a four-year or even two-year degree is a committment that not everyone has the time or energy to complete. If you have been decorating your home and the homes of friends and family, take photos and set up a website. You can supplement your inherent talent with certificate programs that teach about color, types of fabrics and flooring. Word of mouth is often an interior decorator's best source of work, so you don't have to join an association or decorating firm to test your abilities. If you want to work in commercial interior design, however, know that those positions will require a degree.
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