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Homes & Gardens
Homes & Gardens
Abby Wilson

Interior designers vs. decorators – what's the difference, and who does what?

Three rooms designed by House of Funk: an entryway, dining room, and mudroom.

Navigating the world of interior design for the first time can feel quite overwhelming. Although there's a wide array of professionals available to make the job more manageable, not knowing the difference between contractors, architects, interior designers, and decorators can bring the process to a screeching halt – often before it's even begun.

If your home is already built, or if you've successfully completed an addition or remodel, but don't have the design scheme finalized, you've likely narrowed down your search to interior designers and decorators. But what exactly is the difference between a decorator and a designer? Will you need to hire both? Are some home design projects better suited to one than the other? Is there a significant difference in price? What are some questions to ask before hiring an expert?

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