Designers vs. Decorators-What's in a Name?

I often struggle with what to call myself and worry that I may upset those that have actually earned a degree in interior design. So what's the difference in a designer and a decorator? This article featured on HGTV's blog, pretty much sums it up. Brian Patrick Flynn interviewed several interior designers and decorators to get their views on the D-words. You can read it here.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the article.

I believe that decorating is a word that means to create beautiful things and spaces. -Michael Habachy, Interior Designer

I would guess that most people associate designers with formal training and a degree. However, in my opinion, nothing beats learning by doing. Bottom line — you either have it, or you don’t. Some things you can’t learn in school; style is one of them. -Ronda Carman, Blogger

Technically, I’m considered the four-syllable D-word since (a) I’m self-taught, (b) I care more about tailoring, upholstery and objects than repositioning doors and windows and (c) I possess the drawing skills of a kindergartner. But I fully embrace it, reserving “designer” for those who are formally-trained, with tens of thousands of dollars in student loans to prove it. -Brian Patrick Flynn, Interior Decorator

P.S. The design genius that is Martha Stewart will be on Oprah today! Don't miss it!
post signature

Comments

New Coffee Table

After more than a year of debate, I've finally decided on and ordered us a new coffee table! As mentioned here , there were several styles I was considering. However, in the end the tufted ottoman came out on top. Not only was it versatile, so it can be used for years to come, but it also will be good for when we have kiddos down the road. I can't tell you how many people I know who have had to either remove their coffee tables for the safety of their kids' noggins or have had to add those tacky corner protectors. I did not want to invest in a new piece only to have to stow it away down the road. So this seemed to be the perfect solution. And thanks to my Joss & Main membership, it turned out to be the perfect price too. I was all set to order a tufted ottoman from Ballard Designs. I had already received a swatch sample of the fabric I selected and everything. But a few days later, I got a notification from Joss & Main of a sale event called The Tufted C

Our Living Room Mood Board

Our living room is slowly but surely coming together. The biggest To Do's are ordering a new media console, painting the room (which is unfortunately open to the dining room, kitchen, office and breakfast area which means lots of painting to be done!), order a few lamps and a console for the long wall behind the couch. I realize I haven't shared any pictures of our "new" house (we moved in at the end of last October) with you guys. So here's a glimpse of the living room before we moved in. This is what you see when you walk in the front door. The dining room is on the left, the living room is straight ahead and the office on the right. A closer look at the living room. Florida loves their plant ledges...I do not. You win some. You lose some. I also want to replace the tile around the fireplace. A view from the back of the living room looking toward the front corner of the house. The room behind the half green wall is the office sans the Fr

A Heart

Lately, baby prep has been on the forefront of my mind. Getting the nursery ready, packing the hospital bag, washing all of her clothes, setting up a pediatrician and the list goes on. Sometimes I have to step away from it all (literally and mentally) so as not to get overwhelmed. I put this pressure on myself to get it all done and done right. I tell myself that all of these things are so necessary for her to be a good place upon her entrance to the world. Sure cute, clean outfits and a nice room are nice things for your child to have, but how lost I can get in the worldly things. More than anything else, I know that the best thing I can give my daughter is a great example of a good heart. A heart that empathizes and serves. A heart that loves the Lord and longs for his relationship. A heart that is thankful and joyful even on the worst days. It's a frightening thing to ask myself "Will she learn this from you? Will you be able to be that example?" That carr

House of Hydrangeas

Search This Blog