Decorators Are Not Necessarily Designers

QUESTION: What is the difference between a decorator and an interior designer?

ANSWER: There is still confusion about the roles of decorators versus interior designers because the terms have been used interchangeably for a long time.

To decorate, according to Webster, is “to furnish with something ornamental.” To design is to devise for a specific function, sketch, draw, construct, to conceive out of the mind. . . . “

These meanings clarify distinct functions of people who work with interior environments. It is probably accurate to say that most people calling themselves “interior designers” can decorate. But can people who call themselves “decorators” design? What can they design? And how well?

When Edith Wharton published “The Decoration of Houses” in 1897, she, and others like her who pioneered this new line of work, were proud to be called “decorators”--even though their solutions involved design.

In these early days, professional interior decoration was available mostly to the rich and famous. Since then, the awareness of interior design has increased. People in all walks of life desire attractive homes and offices, and the field of interior design has grown into a profession that demands extensive knowledge, experience and skills--in addition to a talent for decorating.

Today’s professional interior designers deal with a staggering array of new problems, products and technologies. They must be educated in art, history, architecture, psychology and business, as well as principles of design. Because design decisions frequently affect the health, safety and welfare of others, they must understand law, contracts, construction principles and building codes.

They are called on to analyze, identify, research and creatively resolve problems of lighting, color and space planning. Continuing education is required for specialties, such as kitchen and bath design, remodeling, and designing facilities for the handicapped, ill or elderly.

To establish high standards of competence and credibility, many professional interior designers align themselves with organizations like the American Society of Interior Designers, The Institute of Business Designers and the International Society of Interior Designers.

Each group requires various levels of accredited education, work experience and testing, such as the difficult National Council for Interior Design Qualification test. Professional design organizations maintain national and local governing boards and provide information and referrals to consumers.

In 1986, the nation’s first interior design practice act was passed by the District of Columbia. This bill prohibits the use of the title “interior designer” by individuals not meeting specific requirements of education, experience and examination. Other states have passed similar bills, and legislation for certification of interior designers is pending in the California state Legislature.

However, until that bill is passed, any person may call himself or herself an interior designer. And, the fact that many individuals and businesses offer “interior decorating or design” services makes the issue more confusing.

Because the titles and functions of designers and decorators overlap, prospective clients and consumers should request and review credentials. Find out what skills are needed for the job at hand. Then make sure the person you choose is qualified to produce the aesthetic result in a cost-efficient, timely and professional manner.

Jane Bade, ASID

Architectural Accents on a Limited Budgets

Q: We have recently purchased our first home, a 1950 tract house with little character. I need suggestions on architectural interests. Budget is limited.

A: Contrasted crown moldings with pointed walls can give you the most impact for your dollar when working with a limited budget. Changing door casements and base molding or installing chair railing can add needed detail also.

Another of my favorite treatments is to create architectural interest with window cornice applications. This can include upholstered casing framing the entire window or part of the window. The use of small scale geometric patterns in jewell tones can accent this treatment dramatically.

If you are contemplating a contemporary or Southwestern interior, the use of heavy textured stucco walls creates added interest to a bland room. The inclusion of straw to the stucco will make the impact even more dramatic. You might consider rounding the corners for further enhancement.

Other considerations might be to add circular or arched windows or skylights. Plate mirror used in the proper place can create terrific visual drama.

Another opportunity to enhance architectural interest is created with lighting. Track lighting can be inexpensive and very effective. The addition of small canister lights directed to the ceiling and placed behind a plant will create wonderful shadow effects.

If you are handy with the tools, many of these ideas can be accomplished without depleting your budget on labor costs.

Michael D. Temple, ISID

President, San Diego Chapter

Avoid a ‘Look’ When Designing Interiors

Q: I have collected some authentic Indian rugs and pottery, and I love the Southwest look. But since it has been popularized so much, will my home soon look outdated? How do I prevent that?

A: Our firm has recently worked with two clients who collected folk art; one collected Japanese and South American folk art, while the other collected all types, including American folk art and crafts.

It is important to avoid a “look” of any kind when doing interior designs, particularly Southwest, which has reached its peak. Collecting good examples of anything will never be out of style. However, how it is presented is critical. One should present their collection against a simple background and not try to cutesy up the residence to match the collection.

Neutral colors, clean lines, architectural interest and simplicity are the key elements of a successful installation using folk art and rugs. There is nothing more stunning than white stuccoed or plastered walls with recessed architectural niches that are properly illuminated to show off a collection.

A Turkish kilim or an Indian rug is a show piece against a clean wood or tile floor, particularly a lighter stained floor. Terra-cotta tile is very appropriate as is bleached wood or white stained oak or ash for the floors.

All this does not necessarily entail a large budget, since well-placed recessed or track low-voltage lights can create small miracles.

Avoid overdoing the collection or showing a large collection all at the same time. It is a better idea to rotate your collection and keep some in storage if you have large quantities unless your house is very large and can handle it.

Other ways to display the work would be above doorways, in recessed niches or architecturally creating a home for these pieces with plant platforms above doors, built-ins, etc.

At all costs, avoid buying Southwest-style furniture to blend with your collection. It would be much wiser to buy simpler contemporary furniture that will provide an uncomplicated counterpoint to your collection, thereby allowing your collection to shine.

Window treatments should consist of translucent shading, such as pleated shades, woven shades and paper shades with neutral colors, such as pale beiges and off-whites. Stay with white walls or shade towards beige and terra-cotta rather than cool colors, such as grays, greens or blues.

Furniture should be simple and classically timeless. Some suggestions would be fully upholstered square-arm sofas in leather, such as a camel or luggage colored leather, cotton upholstered furniture in simple plain colors, occasional large throw pillows in vibrant colors would be fine.

Large green interior plantings would add color and needed texture against the plain stuccoed or painted walls. Avoid all wall coverings except the very simplest when showing your folk collection. Your house will have an appropriate look without the stamp of southwest if you follow these simple suggestions.

Richard Kaleh, ISID

La Jolla