Unraveling the Mystery of Designer Cred

The initials after a designer or decorator's name have always been a mystery to me. What's the difference between a designer, decorator, and stylist?

-Sally F. from Old Lyme

The best quote that defines the three categories comes from New York City interior designer Scott Salvator.

The culinary analogy goes like this: "The decorator is someone for whom the cake is made. The designer makes the cake, and the stylist places the cake on the table."

Thinking back to my very first class in design school, my professor said, "Anyone can be a decorator; you are studying to become designers."

What she was referring to was the three years of education that included learning about perspective, scale drawing, lighting, color theory, and the history of furniture and design.

After graduation, designers must work a few years in the field before they take the NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification) exam. These are the qualifications to become an ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) designer.

If you hire someone with these credentials, it ensures, for example, that he or she has the skills required to create an accurate floor plan so that when your new sofa is delivered it will actually fit through the door and look fabulous in the space.

With no design schooling, my own mother could call herself a decorator and set up shop. Luckily, she stuck with teaching.

On the other hand, just because a decorator is not specifically schooled, does not mean all decorators are unskilled. There are many with innate talent and experience.

Look for someone who embraces your aesthetic. Getting references and viewing prior projects are the best ways to decide with whom to work.

If their web-portfolio looks over-the-top traditional and you love a sleek contemporary style, ask them if they've done other jobs that they may not have photographed. Let's face it-we all don't spend tons of time sprucing up websites as day-to-day work takes up our time.

Some people call themselves stylists, which requires cleaning and "staging" a house that's going on the market to appeal to the broadest segment of home-buyers. Certification for stylists can be a five-day course and a chunk of money. What does "I am a certified stylist" mean? Again, look at the person's past work and track record. You'll find many seasoned real estate agents with great styling skills ready to help the average homeowner.

The value in hiring a big staging company is the ability to show off a home with accessories and furniture that the stagers bring to the property and set up-and make the potential buyers fantasize about a wonderful lifestyle. That comes in very handy when the real estate is big and costly. This isn't an inexpensive proposition, but the results could be a deal-maker.

Finally, I looked online to see the range of titles and initials that define the design business. There are 22 organizations related to interior design, and good ole California has four of its very own design groups.

To clarify accreditation requirements for interior designers here in Connecticut, I contacted the state registration department. Qualifications to register had been quite clear for more 20 years: one had to pass a version of the NCIDQ exam (the ASID affiliate) or be a registered architect. But recently, a lawsuit brought by "housewife" decorators who wanted to be called designers erased all of the state-mandated qualifications-with no opposition.

Back to the cake analogy, when you're creating a cake from scratch a really good designer or decorator will help you re-think the recipe. There are few better resources for making your personal style come to life than a design professional.

Jennifer Walker is a professional member of the American Society of Interior Designers. Her design/consultation business is located in Stony Creek (call 203-488-6856 or visit www.walkerinteriors.com). Email your design dilemmas and questions to jennifer.walker@snet.net for publication in the column.