Interior Design

Interior design

You can adorn a room with lush tapestries and clusters of antique-framed paintings to entice the eye, but for the space to really come alive, functionality must also be considered in its design. From subtle tweaks to complex renovations, when the time comes to makeover your interiors it’s often recommended to call in the professionals – those who know how to merge practicality with aesthetics.

Designing vs decorating

Though often used interchangeably, there are a few key differences between interior design and interior decoration. An interior designer undergoes formal training to learn all the facets of colour theory, fabric and materials, furniture design, computer-aided design, and even architecture. While requirements vary by country and region, most must register with a governing body upon completing training and exams. A qualified designer can help you to build your interior from the ground up, crafting floor plans, planning renovations, and getting every detail just right according to the intended end function.

By contrast, an interior decorator focuses on the aesthetic impact of a space, without the structural planning or architectural element. Like designers, decorators are well-schooled in the arts of layout, furnishings and colour schemes, and can help you create a room with lasting visual impact. They’ll be experts when it comes to finishing details that really tie a room together, whether it’s a bevelled mirror over the mantel or a statement botanical-printed loveseat.

Hiring an interior designer

For surface makeovers and assistance with decorating, an interior decorator will be able to help you choose the most appropriate lighting fixtures or window dressings, for example. Yet if any structural changes are needed, it’s best to hire a designer. A qualified interior designer can help you remove a wall to open up your living room, install new stained glass windows, or rearrange plumbing to construct a contemporary guest bathroom. Designers also help move the project forward by ensuring that it complies with all legal or environmental requirements, liaising with relevant public bodies and contractors. You can read our tips for working with interior designers here, to help you forge a stronger, more productive working relationship.

Planning your space

Naturally, a designer or decorator will work with you to ensure that your own visions are brought to fruition in the final plan. You can help start the conversation by following interior design trends to determine whether you prefer a more forward-thinking or timeless space. A successful design will incorporate texture, pattern, light, space and colour to achieve a harmonious effect, so you’ll need to discuss all of these elements with the designer of your choice. Your interior designer will ask you questions about your lifestyle to determine how the space will be used, in order to formulate a final plan that you’ll be happy with in the long term.

You can gain further home interiors inspiration in this category. Follow the latest interior design trends here, including how to achieve the classic contemporary look and use the principles of soulful architecture.