theconnectionsnj.com HOME & DESIGN PAGE 51 lthough people of all cultures and nationalities have adorned their homes in some form or another for centuries~the oldest known cave art is over 400,000 years old~the actual profession of interior design began in the early 1900s. Early decorators had no specific credentials but possessed a combination of style, good taste, and talent. Initially charged with “beautifying” rooms, decorators worked with affluent families to showcase their wealth and add prestige to their homes. Elsie de Wolfe is credited as America’s first decorator. She was paid a commission for her work at the Colony Club in New York in 1905. Eight years later, in 1913, she wrote The House in Good Taste, the first book published on interior design. Dorothy Draper established her firm in 1923, becoming the first documented commercial decorator. By the 1930s, design schools recognized the work of designers along with that of architects and engineers, and “decorators” became known as “designers”. Over time, the two professions have grown farther apart. Interior decorators are experts in aesthetics~selecting furniture, rugs, carpeting, window treatments, wall coverings, and accessories to refresh or coordinate a room or a home. They work with clients to achieve their vision, usually with a strong sense of style, proportion, and color. Many decorators are immensely talented without having had formal training or obtaining a degree in design. An interior designer, however, holds a college degree in the principles of design. Most common is a Bachelor of Interior Design, but sometimes they hold a degree in a related field such as Interior Architecture, Design Tech, Fine Arts, or Theater Design. Some designers graduate with Applied Arts or Associate degrees. These courses of study will include space planning, drafting, drawing, color theory, history of furniture and art, textiles, sustainable design, codes, and computer-aided design (CAD). Interior designers are typically proficient in assessing client needs and the function of space, traffic flow, and how space can be used most efficiently. They should also have a basic knowledge of electrical, plumbing, and lighting requirements, necessary permits and inspections, as well as egress and occupancy codes in commercial work. In the field, an interior designer will work with architects, contractors, and tradespeople, read architectural plans, coordinate services and help manage projects. Designers handle renovations and new builds including kitchens, bathrooms, and multi-function spaces. An interior designer also has the capabilities of a decorator~ selecting and specifying furniture and finishes, window treatments, architectural details, flooring, and color-coordinating and completing a room or a home aesthetically. Both established decorators and interior designers bring something else of tremendous value to any project- their contacts. Navigating decisions such as which tile to purchase, which painter to contract, or which workroom is proficient to make custom window treatments is infinitely easier with the recommendation of an experienced design professional. Speaking for myself, I recommend professionals to clients that I have worked with for up to 25 years. I know the quality of their work and guarantee that level of excellence to my clients. The bottom line is that all interior designers can decorate, but not all decorators can design! Gail Bicknell Owner & Interior Designer Fair Street Interiors fairstreetinteriors.squarespace.com 908-334-1953 HINTS HOME FOR THE Decorator or Designer: What’s the Difference? By Gail Bicknell, ASID, CAPS A Fair Street Interiors Elsie de Wolfe Fair Street Interiors Fair Street Interiors fairstreetinteriors.squarespace.com 908-334-1953 Gail Bicknell, ASID, CAPS
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