Interior Decorator or Designer

One of the questions I am frequently asked is, “What is the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator?”

Interior designers are professionally trained in the functionality, efficiency, and safety of a space, as well as the aesthetics or “look” of a room. This is different from an interior decorator, who works with surface decoration, such as color, texture, and pattern.

Before hiring a decorator or designer, ask yourself these questions:

• For whom is the space being designed?
• What activities will take place there?
• How long do I plan to live here?
• What is my time frame?
• What is my budget?

Answering these questions should help you decide whether to hire a decorator or designer–or do it yourself!

2 days & $2,000

Unrealistic, contradictions and false expectations - caused by some extremely popular reality home-improvement shows.

Designed to Sell
Designed to Sell shows how to turn a tired house into a showpiece by giving sellers a $2,000 budget and a team of experts to transform their house into the hottest property on the block.

This happens to be one of my favorite shows. I know that it isn’t truly possible to spend less than 2 days and under $2,000 to completly remake a room, let alone an entire house!

These shows do provide viewers with a tremendous wealth of information and terrific ideas for renovating rooms. Many of the ideas are simple and can be done in a weekend. That is one item and area at a time. If you’re considering a new look to a bedroom through the addition of some interesting new paint colors, new window coverings, some moldings, the revamping of some existing furniture and maybe building a simple bookshelf, it is indeed possible to do in two days with $2,000- however not by everyone, especially the average homeowner.

These shows are done by professionals. You have the host, designer and few key contractors – then there is a slew of personnel behind the scenes that you do not see. Additionally, everything is completely organized and planned thoroughly, all materials are preordered and delivered prior to filming.

Most times in exchange for having their company names mentioned on air the materials and products are provided at cost or at designer discounts plus the labor is provided free by the show – therefore $2,000 goes a bit further.

These reality home-improvement shows are great, but as a viewer you must realize that this is not reality.

Therefore enjoy these shows for their entertainment value, and for the information they provide. But don’t take these shows as the truth, and don’t expect that you can get a contractor to perform the same feats of magic without a very extensive and very expensive infrastructure to back you up.