INTERIOR DESIGN

The Best Interior Designers in Washington, D.C.

Discover the very best Interior Designers and Interior Decorators in Washington, D.C.

 INTERIOR DESIGN

What is an Interior Designer?

When one thinks of the art of home, the Interior Designer is close by. Certified by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), Interior Designers are strategic partners that collaborate with Residential Architects and Custom Home Builders to create spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Like other Home Service specialists, an Interior Designer may offer other specialty services, and often operates at the intersection of decorative arts and technical design.

INTERIOR DESIGN

Featured Washington, D.C. Interior Designers

Explore a curated selection of Interior Designers and Interior Decorators in Washington, D.C., including members of our Partner Network

Elegance in Edgemoor of Bethesda, Maryland. Image courtesy of Francesco Lagnese.

WASHINGTON, D.C. · PARTNER NETWORK

Mary Douglas Drysdale

Mary Douglas Drysdale is an Interior Decorator in Washington, D.C.

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Bradley Village Colonial of Bethesda, Maryland. Image courtesy of Jennifer Hughes.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Paul Corrie Interiors

Paul Corrie Interiors is an Interior Design Firm in Washington, D.C.

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Soapstone Valley Modern of Forest Hills, Washington, D.C. Image courtesy of Stacy Zarin Goldberg.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

M.S. Vicas Interiors

M.S. Vicas Interiors is an Interior Design Firm in Washington, D.C.

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The Homes of Washington, D.C.

Explore a curated collection of Washington, D.C.’s most iconic homes

INTERIOR DESIGN

Power Rankings

Explore the most popular Interior Designers and Interior Decorators in Washington, D.C.












INTERIOR DESIGN

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore common questions and best practices about working with Interior Designers and Interior Decorators in Washington, D.C., including common fee structures, services, and more.

WHAT IS THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF INTERIOR DESIGNERS (ASID)?

Established in 1975, the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) is the premier trade association for Interior Designers throughout the United States

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO FIND A REPUTABLE INTERIOR DESIGNER IN WASHINGTON, D.C.?

The best way to find a good Interior Designer in Washington, D.C. is to ask friends for recommendations. Once you have a list of Interior Designers, conduct interviews with each candidate and ask to review an example of their completed work. Finally, ensure your Interior Designer is registered with the The District of Columbia Board of Architecture, Interior Design, and Landscape Architecture, which regulates the practice of interior design to protect consumers by upholding Interior Design license law in Washington, D.C. Finally, as is the case with many homes in Washington, D.C., adherance to specific historic guidelines and restoration practices may need to be applied, so ensure your Interior Designer has adequate experience navigating historic easements and standards.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO HIRE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER IN WASHINGTON, D.C.?

Across the practice of Interior Design, there are a few different cost structures to consider, each of which based on the scope of work requested by the client. At the highest level, Interior Designers typically charge by one of the following frameworks: total project cost, an hourly rate, or by square foot of the project area. Since projects often require additional decorative elements or structural enhancements, Interior Designers may also charge a fee to procure items such as furniture and accessories, as well as a fee to procure specialty contractors. Depending on the project scope and size, the cost to hire an Interior Designer may vary.

DO INTERIOR DESIGNERS IN WASHINGTON, D.C. HAVE TO BE LICENSED?

Yes. All Interior Designers in Washington, D.C. must be licensed the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA), which oversees The District of Columbia Board of Architecture, Interior Design, and Landscape Architecture.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN INTERIOR DESIGNER AND A DECORATOR?

The difference between an Interior Designer and a Decorator typically comes down to a scope of practice. While both an Interior Designer and a Decorator can help with various design related projects — like a kitchen renovation or designing a new custom home — only an Interior Designer can supervise structural work and hire subcontractors. As a result, an Interior Designer typically command a higher rate as their scope of practice requires more expertise and incurs more liability than that of a Decorator.

WHAT ARE COMMON SERVICES OFFERED BY INTERIOR DESIGNERS?

Interior Designers offer a range of services to help enhance and transform living spaces. One primary service is space planning, which involves carefully assessing the layout and functionality of a room to optimize its potential. Additionally, Interior Designers offer guidance in selecting and sourcing appropriate furniture, fixtures, and decorative elements that align with their clients' preferences and aesthetic vision. Interior Designers can also create color schemes and suggest suitable materials to enhance the overall ambiance of a space as well as assist with lighting design — ensuring proper illumination and creating the desired mood. Interior Designers with the appropriate licensing requirements may also collaborate with contractors and architects to oversee renovations or create custom designs. Overall, Interior Designers offer comprehensive expertise and personalized solutions to create functional, visually appealing, and harmonious interiors for their clients.

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