INTERIOR…WHAT??
Going to college for Interior Design, our classmates and us were always terribly offended when someone referred to us as “Interior Decorators”. The tension would rise, our faces trying to politely hide our frustration as we kindly shared the differences between designing and decorating - or we would just ignore it completely and rant about it later.
One word difference - who cares?
Ahem… well we did. To us, Interior Design was the more important element to architectural spaces. The architects focused on the shell and exterior of the building, and the interior floor plan, lighting, and finishes was our world. The term Interior Decorator felt like pillow selection, and the late nights of drafting floor plans, working on an axonometric, practicing hand lettering, and bubble diagrams felt much more important.
It wasn’t until one of our professors explained that there are differences but also extreme value to each of the professions of Interior Architecture, Interior Design, and Interior Decorating that it finally clicked for me. Let’s dive in:
Interior Architecture: A mix between architecture and interior design. An interior architect focuses on the floor plan of a space, and has a greater understanding of the detail and technical aspects of the building systems of the space including wall details, plumbing, and structure.
Interior Design: A multi-faceted profession that focuses on the health, safety, and welfare of the inhabitants of the space. Generally includes the design and selection of the permanent items to a space, including finishes, installed millwork and light fixtures.
Interior Decorating: A focus on colors, furniture, and decorations within a space. Interior Decorating includes incorporating movable items within the built environment that further enhance the end user experience.
Interior Stylist: A detailed approach to the placement of new or existing accessories to an interior space. Typically focuses on re-arranging existing items or bringing in small details to create a hospitable environment for the end users.
After having experience in the field, it is so clear that there is value to all of these professions. If we didn’t have the full range of super technical detailed to the glamorous finishing touches, interior spaces could not be as well-rounded and cohesive as they can be with all of these elements.
Here at Space Stylists & Co., we make the variety and differences easy to navigate as our team can provide full services including Interior Styling, Interior Decorating, and Interior Design. If we need an Interior Architect or simply a building Architect we will find the contact needed for a finished project that exceeds expectations.
Have a project idea in mind? We would love to help.
Cheers!
