Incorporating historic & geographic references adds so much depth to design (and/or decor), so I’m glad to have happened upon you here! I too like the decorating because it enables the expression of beauty after the strategic work is done! But for me it’s the process of helping people uncover and claim their personal aesthetic preferences that is most rewarding.

@Erica-

I’m so with you on this issue of “stuff”. I’m also overwhelmed & put off by the excess sometimes, which is why I’m so fascinated with what people already have and by what can be rescued from the past. I’m a firm believer that what is old can be brought forward into a more contemporary context, without being too cliche.

Anyway, thanks again for your thoughtfulness & candour!

This sounds familiar:

I too roll my eyes when I’m referred to as a “decorator”. I have had to correct a client before to introduce me as a “designer”. Not many people even know the difference.

I have no idea why my ego is so out of control that being called a decorator stings – after all, a large part of what I do IS TO DECORATE. Perhaps I want more credit for the painstaking education? Perhaps I feel that not everyone is capable of design, whereas anyone with an opinion can be a decorator (albeit not a good one).

Ah, yes. I’ve corrected this once or twice myself. And I find this rather ironic, as most of the satisfaction of a project comes as a result of the ‘decorating’, rather than the oftentimes, unglamorous nuts and bolts of ‘design’. While I can’t speak for other creatives/artists, I’m pretty sure this is a common issue for many.

Funny how a simple word can stir up so many conflicting emotions…

Sorceress of Space?

Erm, maybe not.

This is just it. I’m frequently emotionally caught between ooo-ing and ahh-ing over the latest new ‘thing’ and have no qualms admitting I’m a magazine junkie. But I know my limits, and I’m more interested in ensuring my personal space is a timeless representation of my inner self (personal growth and subsequent aesthetic evolution aside) than I am in making sure I’m up-to-date or will receive the approval of my designer/decorator friends.

Also, environmental concerns have a major stake in this game for me… what is the global effect of all this ‘decorating’? Who is buying all this stuff? Where is their existing stuff going? An endless cycle of buy and purge, buy and purge… surely there must be a better way.

Great points Katharine.

PS – I quite like ‘Home Philosopher’.

To this day I find it impossible to blog about the latest and greatest…probably a reason why my travel-based design blog doesn’t see as many comments from fellow design-decorating-loving bloggers. I see design and decorating differently (in my case, with a worldly lens that goes beyond the big sale at Homesense). And while I enjoy scrolling through a select few decorating and design blogs with images of pretty interiors and shiney new light fixtures, I, myself, cannot reproduce these types of posts.

Let’s go back for a minute here…

Years ago I found myself faced with a decision about my future career. I couldn’t see where my fine arts background was taking me, and yet I didn’t feel as though I wanted ‘out’ of such a creative field.

After much contemplation, I decided to look into interior decorating, but all the school descriptions of post-secondary courses sounded as though something was missing. I decided interior design was where I was headed, and I could decide the amount of decorating to include in the future. Design offered an opportunity to truly manipulate a space moreso than decorating. I always see decorating as an opportunity to “make the best of what you have” but implementing distractions that will either enhance or disguise certain design decsisions that were made by others.

Whereas in design, the decisions are left up to ME (for the most part, anyway).

As of now, I TRULY love the decorating aspect of my job. I love the space-planning and the design process, but the finishes and fittings really get me going. I like creating an ambiance that is not always possible with spatial planning alone. I like “choosing” my own accessories and deciding where they are placed, just like you’ve expressed.

In fact, having recently moved to a furnished rental, I am struggling with feeling comfortable in a space where the accessories and decor was chosen for me. I ended up stripping the house of ugly wall art and kitschy belongings (all stuffed in a closet) and chose a few select pieces from the store that spoke to me. I also bought giant batiks and covered the ugly upholstery. It looks messy but at least the finishes and patterns are more pleasing to me. Is this a design solution? Not really, but it’s a budget-friendly option for now.

The conclusion?
Designers are sensitive to their environments – and sometimes the missing link between a great space and an uncomfortable space is accessories…decorating! Even if it means one giant piece of abstract art…it’s still a form of “decoration” that takes the space to a new level.

I too roll my eyes when I’m referred to as a “decorator”. I have had to correct a client before to introduce me as a “designer”. Not many people even know the difference.

I have no idea why my ego is so out of control that being called a decorator stings – after all, a large part of what I do IS TO DECORATE. Perhaps I want more credit for the painstaking education? Perhaps I feel that not everyone is capable of design, whereas anyone with an opinion can be a decorator (albeit not a good one).

Blah blah blah, I’ve lost my train of thought, but I think I’m trying to say that I agree with you…though I don’t know WHY. It shouldn’t be offensive to be referred to as a decorator. And you shouldn’t feel weak for wanting to “beautify” a space without the use of gypsum and recessed lighting…sometimes a little decorating goes a long way.

Thanks for making me think about this

*Tania @ Passport2Design.com