“Oh, so you’re an interior decorator?” 😑

I see myself as a pretty polite person, but I will always give an internal side-eye when I hear this question. Mainly because this question is usually prefaced by me introducing myself as an interior designer. I recognize that the general public thinks these two things are the same, however, I’m always thrown by the need for people to re-categorize my profession to something other than what I’ve already stated.

The other reason for my internal side-eye is simply because these two things are not the same. A decorator focuses primarily on the aesthetics or decoration of your home, while a designer uses decoration as a part of a much broader process that includes space planning, health and safety considerations, functionality, and overall user wellbeing. What’s more, you typically only see decorators in residential spaces. Designers do residential work and non-residential spaces. They are responsible for that gorgeous new Marriott resort you saw on Pinterest. They are both reputable careers but are, at their core, different professions.

Unfortunately, there will be some time before “designer” sticks in most people’s minds (that is a history that maybe I’ll share one a different day). So I will continue to respond with grace for those who may not know about the differences between the two, and hope for a time when the public has a better understanding of what we do. Until next time, stay positive! 😊