If you have ever asked yourself, “What is an interior decorator?” you are not alone. Many homeowners confuse the role of a decorator with that of a designer, and while both are professionals who enhance living spaces, their work is very different.
An interior decorator is someone who focuses purely on the aesthetics of a home – the colours, furniture, lighting, textures, and finishing touches that give a room its personality. Unlike designers, decorators do not make structural changes; instead, they breathe new life into existing spaces with creative ideas and an eye for style.
At Carlo Picasso Decorators, we often meet clients in Bury, Bolton, and the surrounding areas who want to update the look of their home without undergoing a full renovation. This is where an interior decorator shines: transforming a tired room into a fresh, welcoming space that reflects your lifestyle and personality.
Key Facts About Interior Decorators
| Feature | Details |
| Job Title | Interior Decorator |
| Primary Focus | Aesthetic enhancement of existing spaces |
| Education Needed | No formal degree required (training or courses can be beneficial) |
| Core Skills | Creativity, eye for colour, furniture placement, accessorising |
Interior Decorator vs. Interior Designer
One of the most common points of confusion is the distinction between decorators and designers. An interior designer is typically trained and certified, with the skills to make architectural changes, plan layouts, and ensure that spaces are both functional and beautiful. They might redesign a kitchen, move walls, or alter plumbing and electrical layouts.
On the other hand, an interior decorator is someone who steps in once the structure is already in place. Their expertise is purely in the surface details – wall finishes, soft furnishings, furniture, and decorative elements. To put it simply, if a designer sets the stage, the decorator dresses it.
Comparison Table: Decorator vs. Designer
| Aspect | Interior Decorator | Interior Designer |
| Primary Role | Enhances the aesthetics of existing spaces | Plans layouts, structural changes, and aesthetics |
| Education | No formal degree required (optional training helps) | Degree or certification is often required |
| Scope of Work | Colours, furnishings, accessories, styling | Architecture, layouts, technical design |
| When to Hire | To refresh a finished space | To remodel or redesign structure + function |
In our work across Greater Manchester, we often collaborate with homeowners who already have a finished space but want it to feel warmer, more inviting, or better aligned with their personal style. That’s when a decorator becomes the perfect professional to call.
For more information about roles in decoration, check out What Do Painters and Decorators Do?
What Does an Interior Decorator Do?
Answering the question, “What does an interior decorator do on a daily basis?” gives you a clearer idea of the profession. A typical project begins with a consultation in the client’s home. The decorator listens carefully, asking about your preferences, lifestyle, and the goals you have for the space. They then take measurements, photographs, and notes to form the foundation of their design plan.
Next comes the creative stage. A decorator might develop mood boards, source fabrics and finishes, or suggest a new layout for furniture. They consider light, flow, and scale to ensure everything feels balanced. Once ideas are approved, the decorator coordinates the changes, from painting walls to arranging accessories, until the room feels transformed.
Importantly, decorators collaborate closely with clients throughout. This ensures the final result is not just visually appealing but also deeply personal. Many homeowners in Bury and Bolton are surprised by how much impact a professional decorator can have, even without major renovations.
Why Personalisation Is So Important
At the heart of interior decorating is personalisation. A home is more than a collection of rooms; it is a reflection of the people who live there. Skilled decorators understand this and strive to incorporate your story into the design. That might mean reupholstering a much-loved armchair, blending in family heirlooms, or sourcing artwork that resonates with you personally.
When these personal touches are combined with professional design expertise, the result is a space that feels both stylish and uniquely yours. Many of our clients say this is the most valuable part of working with a decorator: the ability to see themselves reflected in every corner of their home.
For more on personalisation, check out How to Choose the Right House Decorator for You.
The Challenges Interior Decorators Navigate
Like any profession, interior decorating comes with its challenges. Managing expectations is often at the top of the list. Clients may have big dreams that don’t align with their budget, or they may feel emotionally attached to furniture that no longer fits the vision for the space. A good decorator handles these situations with sensitivity, suggesting creative compromises that respect both sentiment and style.
Another challenge lies in keeping up with ever-changing design trends. While decorators need to stay current, they also have to ensure the spaces they create won’t feel outdated in a year. Striking this balance between timeless design and modern flair is one of the reasons hiring a professional is so valuable.
Job Prospects and Career Path of Interior Decorators
If you are considering the profession yourself, it’s worth knowing that decorators often come from varied backgrounds. Unlike designers, they don’t need a formal degree, though many take courses to strengthen their skills. What matters most is creativity, a strong sense of style, and the ability to work well with clients.
Demand for decorators is growing steadily. Since the pandemic, homeowners have placed greater importance on the look and feel of their homes, leading to increased opportunities in this field. Many decorators work independently, while others join decorating firms or collaborate with tradespeople such as painters, upholsterers, and carpenters.
How to Find an Interior Decorator
If you’re ready to transform your home, you may be wondering how to find an interior decorator who’s right for you. The best starting point is word of mouth. Ask friends and family if they have worked with anyone they would recommend. Online searches and social media can also give you inspiration as you explore portfolios of local decorators.
When reviewing potential decorators, look for consistency in their past projects and a style that resonates with you. Arrange a consultation to see if they understand your vision and if communication feels easy. The relationship is an important part of the process – you want someone you trust to bring your ideas to life.
At Carlo Picasso Decorators, we pride ourselves on offering a friendly, professional service to clients across Bury, Bolton, and the surrounding areas. Our portfolio includes everything from modern feature walls to timeless, elegant finishes. We combine craftsmanship with an eye for detail to ensure every project is completed to the highest standard.
For more insights on hiring decorators, visit Finding a Residential Interior Decorator.
So, What Is an Interior Decorator?
Quite simply, they are professionals dedicated to making your home more beautiful through thoughtful choices in colour, furniture, and accessories. They don’t change structures or layouts — instead, they enhance what already exists, creating spaces that are visually stunning and deeply personal.
If you have been asking, “What does an interior decorator do?”, the answer is that they take your vision and transform it into reality, turning ordinary rooms into extraordinary reflections of your style.
If you live in Bury, Bolton, or nearby areas, Carlo Picasso Decorators can help you achieve exactly that. Our team combines years of experience with a passion for customer satisfaction, ensuring every client feels proud of their home.
Ready to transform your space? Contact us today to book your consultation, and let’s create a home that truly feels like yours.
