When most people think about interior design, they picture beautiful furnishings, carefully selected fabrics, and perfectly coordinated color palettes. These elements certainly contribute to a stunning home but good design begins with thoughtful space planning.

Many people use the terms interior decorating and interior design interchangeably, but they are not quite the same. While both focus on creating beautiful homes, interior design goes beyond selecting colors, furniture, and accessories. Understanding the difference can help you decide what level of professional guidance is right for your project. So what is the difference?