The word decoration is often used to refer to the work of interior design and even architecture. Although they are areas which often work together, these areas are quite distinct. Each professional has their own specifications.
To help you distinguish between the two areas, we've prepared an article in which we explain what an interior designer and a decorator do, as well as the main differences between these two areas.
Interior design relates the interior environment to the functionality of everyday life. In other words, it creates and develops spaces considering the aesthetics and comfort of use.
In other words, an interior designer captures the client's needs and makes them concrete through projects, which follow technical standards of ergonomics, acoustics, thermal and lighting.
To create these functional spaces, the professional must take advantage of the architectural features of the building, reformulating the existing space. With interior design the typology of the building is not altered or enlarged. However, the designer can assist the architect during the development of the project, ensuring greater quality to the work.
After understanding what interior design is, it is still important to know the functions of a professional in this area.
Briefly, an interior designer is responsible for
- conducting a preliminary study that includes the needs and tastes of the client, as well as the characteristics of the property;
- developing a 3D project of the interior, which includes the creation of photorealistic images of the project with details of lighting, textiles, furniture and decorative pieces
- designing exclusive furniture;
- budgeting the project, namely decoration and furniture;
- and, if a turnkey project is delivered, the designer must also hire specialised labour to carry out the works.
In corporate projects, interior designers may also draw up layout plans. That is, distribute the division of spaces according to the needs of each client, to ensure the best positioning of environments, such as meeting rooms, pantry and offices.
While interior design seeks to create functional and pleasant spaces, decoration focuses on the aesthetic aspect. The aim is to enrich the spaces by creating a harmonious visual composition in order to suppress the client's needs.
Therefore, their function is essentially to carry out a study of colours for the environment and to choose materials, coverings, finishes, furniture, decorative pieces, plants, etc. In other words, he or she is responsible for all aesthetic production, without changing the layout or typology of the environment.
At the same time, the interior decorator is also responsible for managing the decoration process, such as the budget, the purchases and the implementation of the project.
Normally, decoration is a job to be done at the end of a project or in spaces that have already been built, which do not need structural remodelling.
The two areas are easily confused because both act exclusively on the interior. However, the similarities between interior design and decoration end there.
Design has a wider scope, focusing not only on aesthetics, but also on functionality, comfort and safety of the environments. The decorator, on the other hand, has more restricted attributions, to the extent that he or she cannot interfere in the environment or in the detail of the furniture. These are tasks reserved for designers.
So, in summary, interior design can be understood as an area focused on planning environments, with the aim of creating harmonious spaces that solve the client's needs, without leaving aside aesthetic and functional standards.
If you still have questions about the work of interior design, see the projects developed by Angelourenzzo and know in detail our work.
