Interior Design vs Interior Decoration: Processes, Costs and Outcomes
Chippendale Terrace living room
The terms interior design and interior decoration are often used interchangeably, but they describe very different services. For homeowners, misunderstanding the difference can lead to costly mistakes. Whether it’s hiring the wrong professional for your project or expecting planning approval on decorative work that never required it, the mix-up can waste time and money.
If you’re considering a renovation or planning to furnish a new build, knowing which service you need is essential.
This guide clears it up once and for all.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Interior Design | Interior Decoration |
|---|---|
| Spatial planning, custom joinery, material specification, lighting design, builder coordination | Furniture selection, soft furnishings, colour palettes, artwork and styling |
| Requires formal qualifications and insurance | No formal qualification required (though many decorators are trained in design or styling) |
| Fees typically based on percentage of build cost or fixed-fee stages | Often charged hourly or as a flat fee per room |
Process Timeline
Full-Service Interior Design (Kaiko Design Process)
Concept design and space planning
Design development and material selections
Detailed drawings, documentation and schedules
Tendering and builder coordination
Site visits and installation oversight
Final styling and handover
Interior Decoration / Styling
Initial consultation and brief
Furniture sourcing and procurement
Colour palette and finishes consultation
Minor customisation of furnishings
Delivery coordination
Final styling and install
Cost Comparison (Sydney, 2025)
Interior design and decoration services are typically priced differently, depending on scope and delivery.
At Kaiko Design, we structure our fees according to the stage and complexity of your project. For renovation and construction work (what we call hard renovation), we offer a fixed fee per design stage, which covers planning, documentation and builder coordination.
For furniture, artwork and styling, we charge a service fee based on the trade cost of decorative items. This approach allows us to curate furnishings that align seamlessly with your interior architecture, while maintaining transparency and control over your total spend.
Which One Do I Need?
At Kaiko Design, our focus is on interior design and renovation – the spatial planning, joinery, finishes and builder documentation that ensure your home functions beautifully. But the decoration phase is just as critical.
We see furniture, lighting, colour and artwork not as an afterthought, but as part of the entire fantasy we deliver. When we’re involved in both design and decoration, the result is cohesive, expressive and truly reflective of how you want to live.
Here are three typical Sydney scenarios:
Scenario 1: Renovating a Federation home in Mosman
You’re reconfiguring the layout, updating wet areas and coordinating trades.
Our recommendation: Engage us for full-service interior design, and let us also guide the furnishings for a complete transformation.
Scenario 2: Furnishing a new apartment in Barangaroo
You love the existing layout but want high-impact furnishings and styling.
Our recommendation: We can support you with decoration services, particularly if you want custom pieces, art sourcing or styling with intent.
Scenario 3: Updating a family home in Paddington
The bones are strong, but you want to layer warmth, character and better function through furniture, lighting and window treatments.
Our recommendation: This is where our hybrid approach shines – we’ll assess what needs architectural attention, and what can be resolved through decoration.
Still unsure? send us an enquiry or
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a decorator help with kitchen or bathroom renovations?
Not typically. Structural changes, plumbing layouts and joinery design fall under the domain of an interior designer. A decorator may assist with finishes, lighting or styling once the major works are complete.
2. Will I need council approval for decoration work?
No. Decoration is cosmetic. However, if you’re altering layouts, windows or facades, an interior designer can guide you through the DA or CDC process.
3. Is it cheaper to hire a decorator instead of a designer?
Not always. While hourly rates may be lower, poor coordination or lack of technical detailing can lead to costly delays. Designers offer greater long-term value when construction is involved.
4. What if I want both decoration and design?
Many full-service designers, including Kaiko Design, offer styling as the final step in a renovation. This ensures the furnishings align with the architectural and material choices.
Conclusion
Understanding the distinction between design and decoration helps you hire the right professional and avoid expensive missteps. If your project involves spatial change, coordination or technical documentation, an interior designer is essential. For surface updates and furniture styling, decoration may be all you need.
Explore our residential portfolio to see how thoughtful design transforms spaces beyond the surface.