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.

Sawaira Riaz
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.

Sawaira Riaz
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.

Sawaira Riaz
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 Renovation is usually undertaken to address wear and tear, outdated structures, or to improve functionality and efficiency, whereas decoration is primarily concerned with aesthetics and personal expression.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.

Sawaira Riaz
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.

Harlon Moss
Sep 25, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
To restore or improve structure and functionality.
To adorn a space with ornamental elements.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Level of Alteration
Extensive, may involve structural changes.
Surface-level, mainly involves adding elements.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Professional Help
Often required for extensive renovations.
Can be done by anyone; designers can be consulted for professional advice.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Investment
Usually requires more time, effort, and money.
Can be less extensive and less expensive.

Harlon Moss
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Decorate
To adorn a space with ornamental or artistic elements.
She decided to decorate her room with posters and fairy lights.

Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Renovate
To restore to a good state of repair.
They plan to renovate the old house completely.

Janet White
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Renovate
To upgrade existing structures or features.
The city will renovate the park to include new playground equipment.

Aimie Carlson
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.

Sawaira Riaz
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.

Aimie Carlson
Sep 25, 2023
Decorate
To embellish something with attractive and complementary features.
The baker will decorate the cake with edible flowers and fruits.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Renovate
To revitalize or revamp a previously existing entity.
The company decided to renovate its brand image to stay relevant.

Harlon Moss
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Renovate
(transitive) To renew; to revamp something to make it look new again.
This house is shabby: it needs renovating.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023
Decorate
(transitive) To furnish with decorations.
We decorated the Christmas tree with tinsel and baubles.

Sawaira Riaz
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023
Renovate
To make over again; to restore to freshness or vigor; to renew.
All nature feels the reniovating forceOf winter.

Sawaira Riaz
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023
Renovate
Restore to a previous or better condition;
They renovated the ceiling of the Sixtine Chapel

Sawaira Riaz
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023
Renovate
Make brighter and prettier;
We refurbished the guest wing
My wife wants us to renovate

Sawaira Riaz
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.

Sawaira Riaz
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

Sawaira Riaz
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023
Decorate
Make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.;
Decorate the room for the party
Beautify yourself for the special day

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023
FAQs
Can renovate include decorating?
Yes, renovation can include decorating as part of improving a space.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Is decorate limited to adding ornaments?
No, decorating can include arranging, styling, and adding various design elements to enhance visual appeal.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Can anyone decorate their space?
Yes, anyone can decorate their space, and it can be done to personal taste and preference.

Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Is renovating generally more expensive than decorating?
Generally, yes, as renovation may involve more extensive changes and professional help.

Aimie Carlson
Sep 25, 2023
Does renovate always involve structural changes?
Not always, renovation can also include updating and improving without altering the structure.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Can renovation be done by the homeowners themselves?
Some renovations can be DIY, but extensive ones often require professional help.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Does decorating involve choosing color schemes?
Yes, choosing color schemes is a significant part of decorating a space.

Sawaira Riaz
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.

Aimie Carlson
Sep 25, 2023
Is decorating only about visual appeal?
Primarily, yes, decorating focuses on aesthetics and creating a visually pleasing environment.

Harlon Moss
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.

Aimie Carlson
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Can renovating a space also improve its energy efficiency?
Absolutely, renovating often includes updating systems and structures for improved energy efficiency.

Sara Rehman
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.

Aimie Carlson
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.

Aimie Carlson
Sep 25, 2023
Is decorating subjective?
Yes, decorating is subjective and depends on individual taste and preference.

Janet White
Sep 25, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira 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 SaeedSumera 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.
