Is an interior designer and an interior decorator the same?

Anyone who watches some shows on HGTV and gets bored with their life can become a "decorator" by filling out a tax ID form. To be an interior designer, you need to fulfill very specific educational requirements, take a test, and become certified.  more

No, they're not. A decorator chooses color schemes, wall papers, carpeting or flooring, etc. A Designer selects practical and functional furniture, tables, maybe minor equipment, etc. designed for the specific purposes of a space or room. I hope that helps.  more

A decorator can be anyone who has a tiny bit of talent to buy things that go together. A designer must attend schooling and is able to submit blueprints to the planning department for a type 5 single story dwelling, knock down walls, space plan a structure, knows HVAC, electrical, lighting, plumbing and such and building codes. Depending on their schooling, and internship they can take the NCIDQ (and in California the CID exam) and/or the CKD/CBD ( certified kitchen or bath designer) exams. The designer schooling is very heavy on architecture. In California you can not call your self a designer with out fulfilling the requirements.  more