Renovate vs. Decorate: What's the Difference?

Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 6, 2023

Renovate means to restore or improve a structure to a good state of repair, while decorate involves adorning or adding ornamental elements to a space.

Key Differences

Renovate and decorate are terms often used in the context of homes or buildings but imply different processes. To renovate is to restore something to a good state of repair or to make it new again, which often involves more substantial changes like structural alterations, updates, or extensive repairs. This could involve processes such as redoing flooring, upgrading plumbing or electrical systems, or modifying layouts. On the other hand, to decorate is to adorn a space with beautiful or fashionable ornaments, colors, etc. It involves enhancing the aesthetic appeal of a space, usually without altering the structure itself.

Sep 25, 2023

Decoration focuses more on aesthetics and the embellishment of a space or object, often involving the addition of decorative elements, artwork, color schemes, and furnishings. The goal of decorating is to create a certain look or feel, often to reflect personal style or taste. Renovation, in contrast, goes deeper into the functionality and structure of a space, often involving more complex and extensive work, aimed at improving or updating the utility and often the value of a space.

Sep 25, 2023

Renovate is a term that implies an improvement or restoration to a former better state, often involving considerable effort, time, and financial investment. It’s usually more extensive and might require professional help like contractors or architects. Decorating, however, is generally more surface-level and can be as simple or elaborate as one wishes. It can be done by anyone and can be as temporary or permanent as desired, typically focusing on enhancing the visual appeal of a space through the arrangement, style, and color.

Sep 25, 2023

When considering both renovation and decoration, it’s essential to recognize that while decoration can be a part of renovation, they serve different purposes. Renovation is usually undertaken to address wear and tear, outdated structures, or to improve functionality and efficiency, whereas decoration is primarily concerned with aesthetics and personal expression. Both are significant in maintaining and personalizing a living or working space but operate on different levels of alteration and intention.

Sep 25, 2023

Renovation and decoration, while differing in depth and purpose, together contribute to the overall enhancement of spaces. Renovation addresses the structural and functional aspects, ensuring that the space is in good condition and meets the current needs and standards, while decoration adds a personal touch, making the space visually pleasing and reflective of individual style and preferences. A well-renovated and decorated space can offer a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics.

Sep 25, 2023

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Comparison Chart

Purpose

To restore or improve structure and functionality.

To adorn a space with ornamental elements.

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Focus

Structural and functional aspects.

Aesthetic aspects.

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Level of Alteration

Extensive, may involve structural changes.

Surface-level, mainly involves adding elements.

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Professional Help

Often required for extensive renovations.

Can be done by anyone; designers can be consulted for professional advice.

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Investment

Usually requires more time, effort, and money.

Can be less extensive and less expensive.

Sep 25, 2023

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Renovate and Decorate Definitions

Renovate

To rejuvenate or refresh through repair and remodeling.

They decided to renovate their kitchen to improve its functionality.

Sep 25, 2023

Decorate

To adorn a space with ornamental or artistic elements.

She decided to decorate her room with posters and fairy lights.

Sep 25, 2023

Renovate

To restore to a good state of repair.

They plan to renovate the old house completely.

Sep 25, 2023

Decorate

To enhance the appearance of something by adding decorative elements.

They decorate their house with lights and ornaments during the holidays.

Sep 25, 2023

Renovate

To upgrade existing structures or features.

The city will renovate the park to include new playground equipment.

Sep 25, 2023

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Decorate

To arrange aesthetically pleasing elements in a space.

He loves to decorate the living room with fresh flowers.

Sep 25, 2023

Renovate

To make something look new or fresh again by repairing and updating.

The museum will close temporarily to renovate its exhibits.

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Decorate

To embellish something with attractive and complementary features.

The baker will decorate the cake with edible flowers and fruits.

Sep 25, 2023

Renovate

To revitalize or revamp a previously existing entity.

The company decided to renovate its brand image to stay relevant.

Sep 25, 2023

Decorate

To add color, texture, or other design elements to enhance visual appeal.

She hired an interior designer to decorate her new apartment.

Sep 25, 2023

Renovate

To return to a condition of newness, as by repairing or remodeling.

Apr 03, 2023

Decorate

To furnish, provide, or adorn with something ornamental; embellish.

Apr 03, 2023

Renovate

To impart new vigor to; revive.

Apr 03, 2023

Decorate

To confer a medal or other honor on

Was decorated for bravery.

Apr 03, 2023

Renovate

(transitive) To renew; to revamp something to make it look new again.

This house is shabby: it needs renovating.

Apr 03, 2023

Decorate

(transitive) To furnish with decorations.

We decorated the Christmas tree with tinsel and baubles.

Apr 03, 2023

Renovate

(transitive) To restore to freshness or vigor.

Apr 03, 2023

Decorate

(transitive) To improve the appearance of an interior of, as a house, room, or office.

There's some paint left over from when we decorated the guest bedroom.

Apr 03, 2023

Renovate

To make over again; to restore to freshness or vigor; to renew.

All nature feels the reniovating forceOf winter.

Apr 03, 2023

Decorate

(intransitive) To decorate an interior space, as a house, room, or office.

People tend to decorate for the holidays or special events.

Apr 03, 2023

Renovate

Restore to a previous or better condition;

They renovated the ceiling of the Sixtine Chapel

Apr 03, 2023

Decorate

(transitive) To honor by providing a medal, ribbon, or other adornment.

He was a decorated soldier who served in three wars.

Apr 03, 2023

Renovate

Make brighter and prettier;

We refurbished the guest wing

My wife wants us to renovate

Apr 03, 2023

Decorate

To extend a method, etc. by attaching some further code item.

It makes sure that the field name argument is not empty, and that the field specified there is an actual existing field in the class which declares the method decorated with this attribute.

Apr 03, 2023

Renovate

Give new life or energy to;

A hot soup will revive me

This will renovate my spirits

This treatment repaired my health

Apr 03, 2023

Decorate

To deck with that which is becoming, ornamental, or honorary; to adorn; to beautify; to embellish; as, to decorate the person; to decorate an edifice; to decorate a lawn with flowers; to decorate the mind with moral beauties; to decorate a hero with honors.

Her fat neck was ornamented with jewels, rich bracelets decorated her arms.

Apr 03, 2023

Decorate

Make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.;

Decorate the room for the party

Beautify yourself for the special day

Apr 03, 2023

Decorate

Be beautiful to look at;

Flowers adorned the tables everywhere

Apr 03, 2023

Decorate

Award a mark of honor, as a medal, to

Apr 03, 2023

Decorate

Provide with decoration;

Dress the windows

Apr 03, 2023

FAQs

Can renovate include decorating?

Yes, renovation can include decorating as part of improving a space.

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Is decorate limited to adding ornaments?

No, decorating can include arranging, styling, and adding various design elements to enhance visual appeal.

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Can anyone decorate their space?

Yes, anyone can decorate their space, and it can be done to personal taste and preference.

Sep 25, 2023

Is renovating generally more expensive than decorating?

Generally, yes, as renovation may involve more extensive changes and professional help.

Sep 25, 2023

Does renovate always involve structural changes?

Not always, renovation can also include updating and improving without altering the structure.

Sep 25, 2023

Can renovation be done by the homeowners themselves?

Some renovations can be DIY, but extensive ones often require professional help.

Sep 25, 2023

Does decorating involve choosing color schemes?

Yes, choosing color schemes is a significant part of decorating a space.

Sep 25, 2023

Can decorating increase the value of a property?

While decorating can enhance the visual appeal, it typically does not increase property value like renovations can.

Sep 25, 2023

Is decorating only about visual appeal?

Primarily, yes, decorating focuses on aesthetics and creating a visually pleasing environment.

Sep 25, 2023

Can renovation also refer to rejuvenating a business or service?

Yes, renovate can metaphorically refer to making substantial improvements or updates to a business or service.

Sep 25, 2023

Is it necessary to renovate before decorating?

It is advisable to address any structural or functional issues through renovation before focusing on aesthetics through decorating.

Sep 25, 2023

Can renovating a space also improve its energy efficiency?

Absolutely, renovating often includes updating systems and structures for improved energy efficiency.

Sep 25, 2023

Is renovating a long-term investment?

Typically, yes, renovating is considered a long-term investment in the functionality and value of a space.

Sep 25, 2023

Can decorate refer to adding awards or accolades?

Yes, decorate can also mean to confer a distinction upon, as in a person being decorated with honors.

Sep 25, 2023

Is decorating subjective?

Yes, decorating is subjective and depends on individual taste and preference.

Sep 25, 2023

About Author

Written by

Sawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.

Edited by

Sumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.