Interior Design Vs Interior Decorating: What's the Difference?

education & career

The distinction between interior design and interior decorating is one of the most frequently misunderstood aspects of the interiors industry in the UK. Many people assume these are two separate professions with clearly defined boundaries, but the reality in Britain is quite different from what you might expect.

This confusion largely stems from American terminology and regulations that simply don't apply to the British market. Understanding the actual landscape here in the UK can help clarify what these roles really involve, whether you're looking to hire a professional or considering an interior design career yourself.

Why the Confusion Exists

Much of the confusion around interior design versus interior decorating comes from across the pond. In the United States, 'interior designer' is actually a protected term in many states¹. This means that unless you have specific qualifications, licences, or certifications, you legally cannot call yourself an interior designer. The distinction there is quite rigid – interior designers handle the technical, structural aspects of interior spaces, whilst interior decorators focus solely on the aesthetic elements like furnishings and accessories.

The American system evolved this way for important reasons. Interior designers in the US often need to understand complex building codes, fire safety regulations, and structural requirements that can impact public safety. In some states, they're even required to carry professional liability insurance and maintain continuing education credits, similar to other licensed professions.

What many people don't realise is that in the UK, we don't have this same legal distinction. The term 'interior designer' isn't protected here, which means the rigid American definition simply doesn't apply to the British market². Our regulatory framework developed differently, with professional standards maintained through industry bodies rather than government licensing.

This American influence has crept into our understanding through social media, online content, and international design shows, creating confusion about roles that don't actually exist in the same way in the UK. Popular home improvement programmes and design influencers often use American terminology without explaining the context, leading many people to assume these distinctions apply everywhere. It's a classic case of importing terminology without importing the context!

The UK Reality: What Interior Designers Actually Do

In Britain, interior designers are generally involved in both the technical and aesthetic aspects of interior spaces. A qualified interior designer here typically handles:

Technical Elements:

Space planning and layout design

Technical drawing and CAD work

Specifying materials and surface finishes

Designing bespoke joinery and cabinetry

Understanding building regulations and planning requirements

Project management and contractor coordination

Aesthetic Elements:

Colour schemes and mood creation

Furniture selection and procurement

Soft furnishings specification (curtains, cushions, rugs)

Lighting design

Art and accessory selection

The British Institute of Interior Design recognises this comprehensive approach, defining interior design as "the art and science of enhancing interiors to achieve a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing environment"³. Notice how this encompasses both the technical ('science') and creative ('art') aspects.

The Roles That Do Exist in the UK

Whilst we don't have the American interior designer/decorator split, we do have some related roles that focus more heavily on the styling aspects:

Interior Stylists

Interior stylists often work on the 'prettier' side of things – what the Americans might call decorating. They specialise in:

Selecting and arranging furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E)

Creating visual compositions for photography

Styling properties for sale or rent

Magazine and media styling work

Home Stagers

This is a growing field in the UK property market. Home stagers use styling skills to present properties in their best light for potential buyers, often working with estate agents and property developers⁴.

Spatial Designers

Some professionals focus more heavily on the technical, architectural side of interior work, often collaborating closely with architects and structural engineers.

Making Sense of the Terminology

So when you see someone in the UK calling themselves an 'interior decorator,' they're often either:

Using American terminology they've picked up from online content
Specifically positioning themselves as focusing on the styling/aesthetic aspects
Simply using the term they think sounds right to their target market

The reality is that most qualified interior designers in the UK can and do handle both the technical design work and the decorative styling. The scope of what they take on often depends more on the project brief, client budget, and their own business model than on rigid professional boundaries.

Which Path Is Right for You?

If you're considering an interior design career, think about what aspects excite you most:

Love the technical challenge? You might enjoy space planning, understanding building regulations, creating technical drawings, and project managing renovations from start to finish.

Drawn to the styling side? You might prefer focusing on furniture selection, colour coordination, accessorising, and creating beautiful visual compositions.

Want to do it all? Most interior designers in the UK do exactly that – they handle projects from initial space planning right through to the final styling touches.

The good news is that with proper interior designer training, you can develop skills across all these areas. Many successful interior designers start with one strength and build expertise in other areas as their careers develop.

What Qualifications Do I Need to Become an Interior Designer?

If you're serious about pursuing interior design as a career, proper qualification is crucial. Whilst the term isn't legally protected, clients increasingly expect their interior designers to have formal training and recognised qualifications.

The landscape of interior design education in the UK is quite diverse. Universities offer everything from foundation degrees to full honours degrees and even postgraduate qualifications in interior design. Many institutions also provide part-time and distance learning options, making professional training accessible to career changers and those with existing commitments.

Look for courses that cover both the technical and creative aspects of interior design. A comprehensive qualification should include modules on space planning, technical drawing, building regulations, project management, as well as colour theory, furniture history, and styling principles⁵. The best programmes also incorporate real-world experience through industry placements or live project work with actual clients.

Professional bodies like the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) and the Society of British and International Interior Design (SBID) recognise certain qualifications and offer pathways to professional membership. This recognition can be particularly valuable when establishing credibility with potential clients and collaborating with architects and other construction professionals.

The industry recognises various qualification levels, from foundation courses right through to degree-level programmes. The key is ensuring your chosen course is recognised by relevant professional bodies and provides practical, applicable skills for the current UK market. Some courses also include business modules, which can be invaluable given that many interior designers eventually run their own practices.

It's worth noting that continuing professional development doesn't stop after initial qualification. The interior design industry evolves constantly, with new materials, technologies, and sustainability requirements emerging regularly. Many successful designers commit to ongoing learning throughout their careers.

The Bottom Line

Don't get caught up in the American-imported distinction between interior design and interior decorating. In the UK, we have a much more fluid approach where interior designers typically handle both technical design work and aesthetic styling, depending on the project requirements.

Whether you're looking to hire a professional or considering this as a career path, focus on finding someone with the right skills and qualifications for your specific needs, rather than getting hung up on job titles that don't really apply to the British market anyway.

The interior design industry in the UK is thriving, with plenty of room for professionals who can blend technical expertise with creative flair. After all, the best interiors happen when form and function work together seamlessly – and that's exactly what good interior design is all about.

Ready to Start Your Interior Design Journey?

If you're interested in becoming qualified as an interior designer in the UK, you can sign up for our prospectus to find out more information about studying for a UK government accredited qualification. We'll help you understand exactly what's involved in professional interior design training and how to build a successful career in this exciting industry.

For those looking to develop their business skills alongside their design expertise, our Hub Insiders membership programme provides ongoing mentorship and resources for growing your interior design practice.

About the Author

Kate Hatherell is the founder of The Interior Designers Hub and a qualified interior design professional with extensive experience in the industry. She has helped hundreds of students transition into successful interior design careers through The Interior Designers Hub's UK government accredited Level 3 Diploma in Professional Interior Design and the Hub Insiders business membership programme. Kate is also a consultant and professional advisor to AIM Qualifications & Assessment Group, providing industry insights to the development of new interior design qualifications in the UK. Kate also runs SketchUp training courses, which are used by students across the world. She is committed to providing practical, industry-relevant education that prepares students for real-world interior design careers.

References

National Council for Interior Design Qualification (2023) State Regulations for Interior Design Practice, NCIDQ, Washington DC
Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (2024) Professional Services Regulation in the UK, HMSO, London
British Institute of Interior Design (2024) About Interior Design, BIID Professional Guidelines, London
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (2023) UK Residential Property Market Survey, RICS, London
Quality Assurance Agency (2024) Subject Benchmark Statement: Art and Design, QAA, Gloucester