Not sure whether you need to hire an interior designer or an interior decorator?
These terms are often used interchangeably. As a result, many clients believe they need interior design services in Toronto when they actually need interior decoration services or vice versa.
While there can be some overlap between the two professions, there are also some clear differences. Knowing these differences can help you determine which services you might need for your home or business.
Let’s look at a few of the biggest differences between an interior designer and an interior decorator—from their roles and everyday duties to their education and credential requirements!
Role
Simply put, the role of interior designers is to plan, design, and renovate space. They are primarily concerned with making sure that home and business spaces are functional and that they improve the quality of life of those who use them. As they are often involved with design on a structural level, they must understand and meet local building codes and regulations.
The role of interior decorators, on the other hand, is to help the client with a space’s aesthetics—including room layouts, furniture arrangements, wall décor, colour palettes, and more. They usually become involved once the space has already been designed, built, or renovated.
While these roles are distinct, there are times when an interior designer may also take on the duties of an interior decorator.
Clients
Interior designers will sometimes work directly with homeowners and property managers; but more often than not, they coordinate with architects and other contractors in developing plans for the project.
Interior decorators typically work with homeowners, business managers, and property managers directly. They may coordinate with vendors—such as furniture and paint companies—when decorating a space.
Education
Interior designers and interior decorators have very different educational requirements. To become an interior designer, one will typically need to earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, or their equivalent. Coursework should include subjects such as colour theory, materials and applications, computer-aided design (CAD), and more.
To become an interior decorator, however, formal training is not typically required. With that said, a degree in a relevant field may prove helpful—both for landing a job as an interior decorator and for performing the job itself.
Credentials
While there are no credential requirements at the federal level in Canada or the United States, certain provinces and states require interior designers to be licensed and registered. This will typically involve passing an exam, and subsequently, earning a certificate through the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ).
As for interior decorators, there are no credential requirements at the federal, provincial, or state levels. With that said, there are organizations—namely, Certified Interior Decorators (C.I.D.)—that offer all types of courses, programs, and certifications for interior decorating.
Direct Interiors – Elevating Thornhill Interiors
Thornhill is a community rich with culture and growth, and your home should reflect that same spirit. With Direct Interiors, you get more than furniture—you get a partner dedicated to creating spaces that feel uniquely yours.
👉 Start your design journey today and discover the difference Direct Interiors can make for your Thornhill home.
TESTIMONIALS
“Rob and I just wanted to let you know how HAPPY HAPPY we are with Miriam. She is absolutely amazing – she truly knows what she is talking about and her EXPERT advise helps with the decisions and what pieces we want to order. She does care about her customers and making them have a very nice look in their home. Simply something that I thought would be nice to share.”
– Julie
“My wife and I have been working with Kevin for over 3 years. He is attentive to every detail and has helped bring our vision into a reality. He also helped us select items for our office. Highly recommend him for his interior design services.”
– Karnjit
“Absolutely love my experience at Direct Interiors. From the day I walked in, to the delivery of the furniture, everything went smoothly! I’ve been working with DeeDee. Her attention to details is second to none. I’ve had many ideas and pictures for my furniture and lighting selections. She was able to source pretty much every piece at unbeatable prices.”
– Yulia
“Excellent patient sales people full of knowledge and not pushy see Dee Dee she was great and got me exactly what I wanted and showed me spending more money is better long term having a piece that is a statement and built solid so you will have it in 20 years.”
– Jeff
“Best place for high quality furniture. Vanessa decorated my entire house, I couldn’t be more pleased!”
– Niusha
“Excellent prices and quality designer assistance. Bring several pics of the room and any samples of colours you can (eg wall paint, flooring, etc) … Many of the items come in a variety of wood types and stain colours so this is essential to help you chose.”
– Shelley
“Vanessa and her team are fantastic, their service and design expertise are phenomenal. “
– Rocky
“Great customer service, timely delivery, excellent quality”
– Nataile Froom
“Excellent service with Mani! Very helpful and pleasant”
– Anita B
“My salesperson, Lina, is the soul of patience. I am a decorator, and frequently bring my clients to Direct Interiors because of their wide and beautiful selection. For my most recent shopping excursion, Lina readily provided multiple quotes while my clients weighed all options. She researched alternatives for pieces that weren’t available. She was a fantastic resource as usual.
I have always found the sales and support staff at Direct to be very accommodating and service oriented. I highly recommend Direct Interiors to design professionals and anyone who is interested in creating a beautiful home.”
– Mary Bannet
“I worked directly with Kevin Chiu who is a great designer. He has excellent product knowledge and knows all the options available through various different brands and manufacturers. Kevin is very attentive, provides excellent customer service, and my experience from start to end was fantastic! I am very pleased with all the items we selected and I would highly recommend!!! “
– Anita Pastor
“Thanks so much for helping redecorate our home! Worked closely with Vanessa, Tessa and Katie who were all fantastic throughout the entire process. Very highly recommended!”
– Mike Gareri
As we reflect on the year behind us, we’re filled with gratitude.
Every space we helped shape, every detail chosen, and every home made more meaningful reminds us why we do what we do.
Thank you for trusting us with your homes, your stories, and your vision. It’s an honour to be part of the places where memories are made and comfort lives.
Wishing you a holiday season filled with warmth, peace, and moments that matter most.
We look forward to creating even more beauty together in the year ahead.
Happy Holidays from all of us at Direct Interiors.
#DirectInteriors #CompletedProjects #InteriorDesignCanada #GratefulHeart #HolidayMessage #HomeStories #DesignedWithCare #TimelessInteriors #HomeInspiration #DesignCommunity
Introducing the SuperNova — a media console that knows how to make an entrance.
Straw-inlaid doors, a reflective Cosmos black finish, a black stone top, and refined gold accents come together in a piece that balances opulence with everyday function.
Thoughtful storage and built-in wire management make it as practical as it is striking.
✨ On sale for $6,000
And yes — it’s included in our Boxing Week Sale, starting in just two days.
If statement pieces are your weakness, consider yourself warned.
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📲 (905)-791-9660
📧 info@directinteriors.com
📍 2005 Clark Blvd, Brampton, ON
#DirectInteriors #BoxingWeekSale #BoxingWeekPreview #StatementFurniture #LuxuryInteriors #MediaConsole #ModernLuxury #InteriorDesignCanada #DesignDetails
And don’t forget — it’s not just furniture.
Our accessories are included in the Boxing Week Sale too, from mirrors to framed prints.
This mirror happens to be a showroom favourite — flattering angles included.
✨ $40 off $1,400, starting Boxing Week.
If accessories are the finishing touch you’ve been waiting for, consider this your reminder.
Come see us.
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📲 (905)-791-9660
📧 info@directinteriors.com
📍 2005 Clark Blvd, Brampton, ON
#DirectInteriors #BoxingWeekSale #BoxingWeekPreview #HomeAccessories #StatementMirror #InteriorDesignCanada #DesignDetails #LuxuryHomeDecor
A formal living room moment worth waiting for.
This beautifully tailored sofa and chair set brings softness, sheen, and thoughtful detailing together in a way that feels timeless and composed.
✨ Included in our Boxing Week Sale
If you’ve been searching for a statement set that elevates without overpowering, this one is worth noting.
More favourites coming soon.
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📲 (905)-791-9660
📧 info@directinteriors.com
📍 2005 Clark Blvd, Brampton, ON
#DirectInteriors #BoxingWeekSale #BoxingWeekPreview #FormalLivingRoom
We’re calling it: sculptural accents are the statement of the season.
Would you style yours with art, greenery, or something unexpected?
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📲 (905)-791-9660
📧 info@directinteriors.com
📍 2005 Clark Blvd, Brampton, ON
#DirectInteriors #ModernDesign #LuxuryHomeDecor #InteriorInspiration #TorontoInteriors #DesignDetails
If a bedroom refresh is on your list, this one deserves your attention.
A beautifully detailed king-size bed with matching nightstands — timeless, balanced, and designed to feel effortlessly finished.
✨ Boxing Week pricing starts December 27
Bedroom set on sale for $6,600.
Consider this your early look.
More favourites to come.
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📲 (905)-791-9660
📧 info@directinteriors.com
📍 2005 Clark Blvd, Brampton, ON
#DirectInteriors #BoxingWeekSale #BoxingWeekPreview #BedroomInspiration #LuxuryFurniture #InteriorDesignCanada #BedroomDesign #FurnitureSale #HomeRefresh
Sweet dreams start here — sleek lines, soft finishes, and a crib that grows with them.
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📲 (905)-791-9660
📧 info@directinteriors.com
📍 2005 Clark Blvd, Brampton, ON
#NurseryGoals #BjornIsland #TulipJuvenile #DirectInteriors #ModernNursery #BabyFurniture
One of the things we love most about Caracole is their storytelling — every piece has a name, and every name has character.
This accent chair says it all: “In One Fell Swoop.”
It’s sculptural, refined, and absolutely waiting for the right home.
Originally $1,695, and we’re taking it one step further — on sale for $1,350 starting December 27.
A true statement piece with personality and presence.
If you’ve been looking for that something special, this might be it.
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📲 (905)-791-9660
📧 info@directinteriors.com
📍 2005 Clark Blvd, Brampton, ON
#DirectInteriors #Caracole #AccentChair #BoxingWeekSale #LuxuryFurniture #StatementSeating #InteriorDesignCanada #DesignDetails #FurnitureFind
Gorgeous by design. With its sculptural silhouette and swivel base, the Alana chair turns every angle into an angle of style.
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📲 (905)-791-9660
📧 info@directinteriors.com
📍 2005 Clark Blvd, Brampton, ON
#DirectInteriors #BernhardtFurniture #AlanaChair #InteriorDesign #SculpturalSeating #FurnitureDesign #ModernInteriors #LuxuryHomeDecor #DesignStatement #TorontoInteriors
A little preview of what’s coming for Boxing Week.
This sofa is one of our favourites — timeless, warm, and perfectly aligned with the return of neutrals and natural tones we’re seeing everywhere right now.
From the rich fabric to the mink-toned pillows and wood detailing, it’s the kind of piece that quietly elevates a space. And yes — the coffee table is included too.
✨ Boxing Week pricing begins December 27
• Sofa: $3,000
• Cocktail table: $2,000
If this is on your wish list, consider this your heads-up.
More favourites coming soon.
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📲 (905)-791-9660
📧 info@directinteriors.com
📍 2005 Clark Blvd, Brampton, ON
#DirectInteriors #BoxingWeekSale #BoxingWeekPreview #LuxuryFurniture #NeutralInteriors #NaturalTones #SofaStyle #LivingRoomDesign #InteriorDesignCanada #FurnitureSale
Twenty-five years means loyalty, dedication, adaptability, and a great sense of humour — because let’s be honest, you don’t last this long without one. We are so grateful for everything you’ve each brought to this company and for the countless ways you’ve helped shape who we are today.
Thank you, Silvana, Rosemary, Lina, and Rani — here’s to 25 amazing years and many more!
Celebrating milestones like these alongside our Christmas party made the moment even more special — a reminder that it’s the people behind the scenes who truly make this season meaningful.
#WorkAnniversary #25YearsStrong #TeamCelebration #CompanyMilestones #GratefulTeam #ChristmasParty #HolidayCelebration #DirectInteriors #TeamAppreciation #WorkFamily
Winter interiors should feel like an embrace — soft neutrals, tactile textures, and light that lingers just long enough.
Here’s to creating calm in every corner.
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📲 (905)-791-9660
📧 info@directinteriors.com
📍 2005 Clark Blvd, Brampton, ON
#DirectInteriors #InteriorDesign #WinterDecor #BedroomGoals #LuxuryInteriors #DesignDetails #FurnitureDesign
