Many people use the terms "interior designer" and "interior decorator" interchangeably, however there is a difference. Anyone can wake up in the morning and call themselves an interior decorator, just as they could call themselves an artist. In order to be an interior designer, as defined by most states, a person must have education, experience, and have passed a lengthy examination. In practice, an interior designer is more of a mix between an interior decorator and an architect. Interior designers are knowledgeable about building codes, construction methods, space planning, color selections, remodeling, universal design, decorative finishes, and problem solving among other things. Interior designers might work in the residential or commercial aspect of interiors. Interior decorators are more focused on the aesthetics of a room, such as paint colors, draperies, furniture selections, and accessories. Interior decorators usually work only in the residential aspect of interiors. See the steps below to learn how to become an interior designer.