So what do decorators actually do?!

If you’re planning a home makeover or renovation, you may wonder, What do decorators do? Decorators are professionals who bring together design, creativity, and practicality to enhance the look and feel of your home or commercial space. Their work goes beyond just applying paint or hanging wallpaper; decorators ensure that every element of a room complements each other, creating a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing environment. In this blog, we’ll explore the various tasks decorators perform, the services they offer, and why hiring a professional decorator is worth it.

What Are the Main Responsibilities of a Decorator?

A decorator is responsible for transforming spaces through various methods, including painting, wallpapering, and adding design elements that bring out the beauty of a room. Let’s break down their core responsibilities:

1. Colour Consultation and Design Planning

One of the key roles of a decorator is helping clients choose the right colours, patterns, and finishes that best suit their space. This involves assessing the existing décor, understanding the client’s vision, and offering suggestions that enhance the overall look.

• Colour Schemes: Decorators provide advice on complementary colours and design styles, ensuring harmony between walls, furnishings, and accessories.
• Finish Selection: They help select the right finishes, such as matte, satin, or gloss, depending on the space and the desired look.
• Style Guidance: Whether it’s modern, traditional, or something more eclectic, decorators offer guidance on how to achieve the right aesthetic for your home.

2. Surface Preparation and Repairs

Before applying paint or wallpaper, decorators ensure that surfaces are well-prepared for a flawless finish. Proper preparation is critical for long-lasting results, and professional decorators excel at this step.

• Cleaning and Sanding: Walls and surfaces are cleaned to remove dirt or debris. Sanding ensures a smooth base for paint or wallpaper.
• Filling Holes and Cracks: Decorators fill any gaps, cracks, or holes to ensure an even surface, preventing imperfections from showing through the final finish.
• Priming: A coat of primer is often applied to improve the adhesion of the final layer, especially on new or repaired surfaces.

3. Painting and Wallpapering

A significant part of a decorator’s job is applying paint and wallpaper with precision and skill. These tasks require more than just basic application; decorators ensure even coverage, straight lines, and a professional finish.

• Painting: Decorators apply paint to walls, ceilings, trim, and other surfaces. They use brushes, rollers, and spray equipment to achieve smooth, streak-free results.
• Wallpapering: Hanging wallpaper requires skill and precision to ensure patterns align and seams are invisible. Professional decorators take the time to measure, cut, and apply wallpaper perfectly.

4. Decorative Finishes and Custom Features

In addition to basic painting and wallpapering, decorators often offer specialised services like creating decorative finishes that add texture or interest to walls.

• Textured Paints: Some decorators apply textured finishes to create visual interest in a room.
• Stencilling and Mural Work: Custom designs, stencils, or murals can be added to create a unique focal point in a space.
• Feature Walls: Decorators often create standout feature walls with bold colours or designs, adding depth and personality to a room.

What Additional Services Do Decorators Offer?

Beyond their primary tasks, decorators often provide additional services to help clients create a well-rounded and polished space. These services may include:

1. Soft Furnishing Selection

Decorators don’t just work on walls and surfaces; they also help select soft furnishings, such as curtains, cushions, and upholstery, that complement the overall design.

• Curtains and Blinds: Decorators recommend window treatments that enhance the room’s colour scheme and lighting.
• Textiles: They suggest fabrics and textiles that match the room’s style, offering both beauty and functionality.

2. Furniture Arrangement and Accessories

Decorators can assist with arranging furniture to maximise space and flow within a room. They also help choose and position accessories like artwork, lamps, and rugs to complete the look.

• Furniture Placement: Correct placement of furniture ensures that the room is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
• Accessory Selection: Decorators can source accessories that add to the theme, pulling the room together with subtle design elements.

3. Project Management

Many decorators also take on project management roles, overseeing the entire decorating process from start to finish. They coordinate with other trades, such as electricians, carpenters, and painters, to ensure everything is done according to plan.

• Scheduling: Decorators manage timelines to make sure that all elements of the project are completed on time and in the correct order.
• Quality Control: They ensure that all work meets high standards and that the client’s vision is fully realised.

Why Hire a Professional Decorator?

While it may be tempting to tackle decorating as a DIY project, hiring a professional decorator offers several advantages. Here’s why it’s worth considering a professional for your next project:

1. Expertise and Attention to Detail

Decorators have the training and experience needed to deliver exceptional results. They know how to avoid common pitfalls, such as uneven paint coverage, poorly aligned wallpaper, or mismatched colour schemes.

• Precision: Professional decorators have the skills to ensure that all aspects of the job, from surface prep to the final coat, are completed to the highest standard.
• Creative Vision: Decorators bring a trained eye to design, offering suggestions and ideas you might not have considered.

2. Time and Effort Saved

Decorating can be time-consuming, especially for larger or more complex projects. Hiring a decorator means the job gets done quickly and efficiently, saving you both time and effort.

• Efficient Process: Professionals complete the job faster than most DIYers, with fewer mistakes or delays.
• No Clean-Up: They take care of all the clean-up, so you can enjoy your refreshed space without the hassle of tidying up after a project.

3. Access to Quality Materials and Tools

Professional decorators have access to high-quality paints, wallpapers, and tools that aren’t always available to the general public. This means better results and a longer-lasting finish.

• High-Quality Materials: Decorators use premium products that offer better durability, colour retention, and coverage.
• Specialist Tools: Whether it’s scaffolding for high ceilings or specialised brushes for intricate work, professionals have the right tools for the job.

How to Choose the Right Decorator

Finding the right decorator for your project can be challenging, but following a few simple steps will help ensure you make the best choice:

1. Look for Experience and Credentials

Check that the decorator you’re considering has relevant experience and, ideally, certifications from trade associations like the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA).

2. Review Their Portfolio

Ask to see a portfolio of their past work to ensure their style aligns with your vision. A reputable decorator will have examples of projects similar to yours.

3. Get Multiple Quotes

Always compare quotes from different decorators to ensure you’re getting the best value. Look for detailed quotes that break down costs for labour, materials, and time.

Conclusion

So, what do decorators do? They are skilled professionals who transform spaces through expert colour selection, surface preparation, painting, wallpapering, and finishing touches. By hiring a professional decorator, you benefit from their expertise, creativity, and attention to detail, ensuring a beautiful, cohesive space that reflects your style and vision.

At A-Z Decorators, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional decorating services tailored to your needs. Whether it’s a small room refresh or a complete home transformation, our team is ready to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services and get a free quote. For more tips, check out our blog on How do I find a local decorator? and read about what does a painter and decorator do.