Interior Decorator vs Designer in Canada

If you’ve ever been confused about the difference between an interior decorator and an interior designer, you’re definitely not alone.

In fact, even within the industry, the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, leading to plenty of confusion. Over the years, I’ve spoken with homeowners, clients, and business owners etc. who weren’t quite sure where the line is drawn. So, I decided to dig in and do some research and get clear on the distinctions myself.

This post is here to share what I’ve learned—so the next time someone asks (whether it’s a client or a curious friend), we’ll all have a clear answer.

You might also be wondering whether both interior decorators and interior designers take on your renovation projects. It’s a great question—especially now, when renovating your kitchen or another part of your home is often a smarter, more practical choice than moving.

With rising tariffs, ongoing economic uncertainty, and the high cost of buying a new home, many homeowners are choosing to stay put. Purchasing a new property often involves reworking your mortgage and taking on added financial stress. That’s why more and more people are choosing to invest in upgrading and personalizing the space they already have.

So, if you are considering renovating your kitchen or bath you may be asking, do decorators and designers both handle renovations? The short answer is—yes, it could be either. Read on to find out what I mean.

Difference Between Decorator Designer?

Education

While there is often some overlap in skills, interior decorators and interior designers differ significantly in their training and the types of projects they are qualified to take on.

I became familiar with interior decorating programs in Ontario after graduating from Seneca’s Interior Decorating program. However, I realized I knew less about what kind of education interior designers receive. As I considered going back to school to study interior design, I took a deep dive into some of the local design programs.

What I discovered was eye-opening. Interior designers are trained to design interiors for new builds, commercial spaces such as offices, restaurants, and hotels, as well as residential renovations. Their education includes extensive study of building codes, fire and safety regulations, and technical requirements to ensure compliance with local and national standards. This specialized training qualifies them to work on projects like new home construction and renovating commercial interiors—areas where interior decorators are not typically involved.

However, when it comes to homes that are already built, these technical services that involve building codes are often not required. In those cases, a decorator’s expertise in residential design, space planning, and aesthetic enhancements may be exactly what’s needed.

That said, interior designers are also trained to furnish and renovate residential spaces—just like interior decorators. This is where their roles overlap, and it’s particularly relevant for homeowners like yourself to be aware of.

Should I Hire an Interior Designer or Decorator

If you’re looking to refresh or renovate your existing home, both decorators and designers are capable of helping. However, hiring an interior designer may not always be the most practical choice, especially since their time is often divided between commercial projects, new builds, and residential work- so they may not always develop the same depth of expertise in residential design.

Interior decorators, on the other hand, specialize exclusively in homes that are already built—just like yours. Their focus is solely on residential spaces, which makes them experts in creating beautiful, functional homes. Because of this focused expertise, decorators often provide a more cost-effective, personalized approach to residential renovations and redecorating projects. Our training is tailored specifically to residential work, with interior decorating programs placing strong emphasis on space planning, aesthetics, and updating existing homes. This singular focus allows decorators to become true specialists in home renovations and redecorating projects—bringing both creativity and practicality to every project.

Additionally, since many decorators—like Lynteriors—operate from home studios, we’re able to keep our overhead costs low. Decorating firms are often smaller and sometimes have home studios so the costs are lower. With minimal expenses such as showroom rent, we’re able to pass those savings directly on to you. So, one key difference between designers and decorators is cost – interior decorators typically charge less. So, if your project involves updating or re-imagining your current home or renovating, a decorator may be the perfect fit—bringing both focused expertise and value.

Interior designers work with architects and builders to design and construct new homes, and they also collaborate with contractors and architects on renovations. Similarly, interior decorators—like myself—often work alongside architects, contractors, and other industry professionals to renovate kitchens and bathrooms. These projects can include tearing down walls, re-configuring layouts, or adding extensions.

When structural changes are involved—such as removing a wall or expanding a space—decorators frequently bring in architects to ensure everything is done safely. Architects are trained in building regulations, structural requirements, and are licensed to draw up legal plans for extensions. They can identify which walls are load-bearing and require beams for support, and which can be removed without compromising the home’s structure. This collaboration is essential for safe, effective renovations that meet legal and structural standards.

Furthermore, just like interior designers, decorators are also trained to create functional, efficient, and visually appealing spaces that reflect your needs, preferences, and budget. Both professions are taught how to produce design drawings and plans to support our concepts. Drawings that allow you to see if Lynteriors, for example, has captured your dream space or not.

Interestingly, not all designers are passionate about working with colour—my friend’s daughter, who studied interior design and works for a firm, found that aspect less enjoyable. She prefers creating drawings in order to design rooms. In contrast, many interior decorators thrive on the creative use of colour, texture, and furnishings to bring a space to life.

What Separates a Designer from a Decorator

As you can see in the graph below, both interior designers and interior decorators can assist with residential renovations—including creating design drawings, planning cosmetic updates, supporting wall removal projects, and designing kitchen extensions. The key difference lies in the focus of their training programs and areas of specialization.

Interior decorating programs concentrate specifically on residential spaces, particularly existing homes. In contrast, interior design programs cover a broader scope, including commercial spaces, new builds, and residential projects.

So, if your project involves redecorating or renovating a home that’s already lived in, hiring an interior designer may be more than you need. An interior decorator—who specializes in updating and improving existing residential spaces—can be a more targeted and cost-effective choice. However, if your project involves a commercial space or a new build, an interior designer is the better fit due to their advanced training in construction of new builds and building codes.

Graph: Difference Between Decorator and Designer

Well-Known Interior Decorator:

Shea McGee

I hold an interior decorating accreditation from Seneca College, but it’s worth noting that many successful design studio owners and design consultants do not have formal design degrees. For example, Shea McGee—now a household name in design—doesn’t hold a formal degree in interior design or even an interior decorating accreditation. Despite that, when she was starting out, she designed kitchens and bathrooms for homeowners.

Shea took some online design courses but never completed a formal interior design program. One of her earliest major projects was her mother’s home in Utah, which included a full kitchen renovation—something she tackled independently at the beginning of her career. While she didn’t hold the official title of “interior designer” at the time, she was already creating beautiful, functional spaces without formal credentials.

That said, residential homes—including their kitchens—are being successfully renovated by both accredited decorators and those without formal training. However, hiring an interior decorator with formal education means you’re working with someone who understands core design principles, space planning, and technical skills like drawing and drafting—tools that bring structure and clarity to your project.

If your space is a new build or a commercial property, that’s a different matter entirely. Those projects typically require the involvement of a licensed interior designer who is trained in building codes,and fire regulations which are required for these projects.

You can watch a YouTube video showcasing Shea’s kitchen project outlined above as well as projects by clicking the button below:

An Interior Decorator that Pioneered Decorating/ Design Industry

Elsie De Wolfe and the History

Very few people realize that interior decorating—and the role of the interior decorator—actually came before the profession of interior design. Interior decorating as a profession is just over 100 years old. In that time, what began as an artistic pursuit rooted in aesthetics, form, and function has evolved into a respected discipline.

Elsie de Wolfe is often credited as the first interior decorator to receive a professional commission. She began her career in 1905 and is widely recognized as the “grand dame of modern decorating.” Many consider her the originator of the interior design profession, often referring to her as the “first modern professional decorator.”

At that time, the title of “interior designer” didn’t exist—and there were no formal education programs for residential decorators like Elsie. Despite this, she left a lasting impact on the field and proved that decorators could successfully lead residential renovation projects, including kitchens and bathrooms, based on their talent, vision, and experience.

Today, interior decorators of residential spaces are supported by formal education in design principles, space planning, colour theory, drafting and other decorating techniques. This training equips us to manage a wide range of your home renovation and redecorating projects with confidence and creativity.

The quoted text above is sourced from the following blog. If you’d like to learn more about Elsie de Wolfe and her legacy, click on the button below:

Summary:

In Ontario, interior decorators— or interior design consultants—are specifically trained to renovate and decorate existing homes. While interior designers are ideal for commercial projects or new builds due to their extensive training in building codes, they can be overqualified (and more expensive) for residential renovations though.

If you’re updating an existing space, a skilled interior decorator can deliver results that are just as beautiful and functional—often at a more affordable rate. Professionals like Shea McGee and Elsie de Wolfe prove that decorators can achieve stunning renovation transformations without formal design degrees.

Whether it’s a one-room refresh or a full kitchen renovation, interior decorators offer a refined eye, cost-effective solutions, and the design expertise to help you avoid costly mistakes. Plus, I wanted to add that decorating with furnishings is the finishing touch that adds warmth, personality, and that wow factor to your home—which is why we always plan for it from the very beginning.

As a certified interior decorator, I bring years of education and experience to blend creativity with practical know-how to turn your home into a space you’ll love every day. Whether you’re renovating your kitchen, bath or revamping a single room with new furnishings, paint colour and flooring, Lynteriors brings your vision to life—together. Click the button to contact us today!