You have a project that will need an home interior designing professional, but who do you hire? A common mistake is to refer to them all as Interior Designers, when in fact they may specialize in decorating, room redesign or home staging.
Interior Designers are licensed professionals, that by way of accredited education (certificate, 2 or 4 year degree) and experience, have been granted the title of designer. Some specific skills include applying creative and technical solutions to a space, according to the specifications of the clients' needs. This may include manipulating a room's shell or construction, according to required building codes. Interior Designers also often use decorating skills to adorn the space they are designing.
Interior Decorators are home decor designing professionals that by way of internships, education and optional certifications have achieved adequate creative and business experience. Decorators typically use their creative skills to recommend and apply proper aesthetics to the space. Consultations and several proposals are often drafted for the client, the end product resulting in a unique and professionally decorated space.
Home Redesign and Staging are relatively new additions to this category of professionals. Redesign essentially means to use existing furniture and decor to redesign a room for clients needing a less expensive alternative. Furniture and accessory placement methods as well as home organizing options are used extensively to make a more functional and appealing space. Home Staging is very much like redesign, but is geared more toward clients that are listing their house for sale and need a new design solution. It is a very effective way to get the most money for their home.
Rates differ for all of the home design and decor professionals. Interior Designers often have a higher price point than do Decorators, Redesigner and Stagers. However, prices are reflective of the geographic location that you live in as well. New York City Decorators and Redesigners, for example, typically charge a far higher rate than does an Interior Designer in the mid west. A good measuring tool for this is researching the cost of living for a particular area. Higher cost of living equals higher rates and vice versa. Education, work experience and reputation also have an major impact on project rates. A new design student just out of college without much work experience, will generally have a lower rate than a seasoned professional with excellent client testimonials.
