Interior Stylist vs Interior Designer – Who should you hire for your home?

Interior stylist vs interior designer

Are you confused between an interior stylist vs interior designer? With the interior design industry constantly evolving, there has been an influx of new roles like interior stylists, decorators, and designers. However, do you know what each role entails and how they can help with your home?

In this post, I will share with you everything I’ve discovered about an interior stylist vs interior designer. Read on to find out more about:

  • What is an interior stylist, interior designer and interior decorator?
  • When to hire each role
  • Tips for choosing the right role for your home

Related to interior stylist vs interior designer: Pros and Cons of Hiring An Interior Designer (10 Things You Need To Know!)

Interior stylist vs interior designer - who should you hire for your home

What is an interior stylist?

An interior stylist is someone who transforms a house or office into an aesthetically pleasing space.

They can either focus on a specific area or style the entire space. Ultimately, their end goal is to ensure the space looks beautiful.

Their role includes:

  • Working together with the client to understand the client’s vision and goals
  • Sourcing furniture, soft furnishings, art, accessories, etc.
  • Decorating the space and prioritizing aesthetics
  • Working with a photographer on-site to ensure the space looks amazing in photos

Since interior stylists do not need formal education, training, or a registered license, they cannot provide advice on structural alterations or renovation.

They do however need creativity and good taste to get the job done.

What is an interior designer?

On the other hand, an interior designer is someone who provides practical and functional design for a space. They should have knowledge and experience with space and layout planning, general construction, and electrical plans in addition to decorating.

Besides providing the necessary drawings and 3D renderings, interior designers are usually involved in the renovation process. They often work alongside contractors and suppliers on both residential and commercial projects.

Unlike an interior stylist, an interior designer must have a formal degree and training. Depending on the location, they may also need to have a registered license.

An interior designer’s role includes:

  • Interpreting the client’s brief into a design that meets the client’s budget
  • Negotiating project fees and working to budgets
  • Presenting mood, material and sample boards
  • Space planning and designing the layout
  • Designing custom furniture, finishes, and upholstery items
  • Sourcing and supplying furniture, fittings, finishes, etc.
  • Creating and advising on lighting and electrical plans
  • Managing the entire project from start to finish
  • Decorating the space according to the client’s vision (yes, they can decorate too!)

Types of interior designers

Full-service interior designer

Traditionally, interior designers used to only offer full-service design.

This means that they manage the renovation project from start to finish. They handle everything from the initial design, to project management, and decorating the final space. They also oversee the timeline and budget.

In short, the renovation process is taken off the homeowners’ hands.

Interior designers sometimes refer to this process as a turn-key interior design. Why? Because all the homeowner has to do after renovation is to turn the key and walk into their dream space!

E-design interior designer

These days, more interior designers are offering online interior design services. This is a great alternative for people with smaller budgets who want to have complete control over their renovation timeline.

An interior designer who offers this service will still provide the same design drawings as a full-service interior designer. But, they will not manage any execution – the client is fully responsible for overseeing installation.

What is an interior decorator?

An interior decorator is very similar to an interior stylist. Both roles do not require formal education, training, or a registered license. This is because both roles do not advise on structural changes in a building.

Similar to an interior stylist, an interior decorator’s job is to make a space look beautiful.

An interior decorator’s role includes:

  • Interpreting a client’s brief into a vision/design for them
  • Creating mood, materials and/or samples boards
  • Designing the overall look and feel of rooms with furniture and decorative items
  • Advising on different interior styles while helping the client to define their personal interior style
  • Sourcing and supplying furniture, soft furnishings, decorative items, and small accessories

An interior stylist may move some things around for the sake of photos. But, an interior decorator will not. He or she is someone who can achieve the desired look for your home without compromising function or lifestyle.

Interior decorators use paint, furniture, fabrics, window treatments, and small accessories to makeover a home.

Tips on choosing interior stylist vs interior designer

When should you hire an interior stylist, interior designer, or interior decorator?

Hire an interior stylist if you are…

  • Looking to photograph your home for a magazine or website feature
  • Looking to photograph your home to sell it
  • Having an event like a birthday or wedding in your home

Hire an interior designer if you are…

  • Building a new house
  • Renovating your house

Hire an interior decorator if you are…

  • Looking to makeover your home (or certain areas within your home) without renovating
  • Looking to change the style of your home but unsure where to start
How to choose between an interior stylist vs interior designer

Tips for choosing the right person

Now that you know what each role does, how do you find the right person for the job?

1. Identify what you REALLY want

Before you start your search, you need to identify what you want. Do you want to renovate your home? Or are you looking to style it for a specific event?

Whatever your purpose is, make up your mind first. This will help to narrow your options and ensure you get the right person for the job.

2. Conduct extensive research

Research is key! Social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are great for inspiration. Save the photos of spaces you like so you can check if the person/firm you’re considering has a similar portfolio.

Consider browsing magazines and online sites too for more resources. If you see showhouses that you like in your local area, you can also reach out to the realtor for their interior design contacts.

Don’t forget to check in with family and friends for recommendations too! A referral is a great way to find reliable and trustworthy services.

3. Talk to a few options

Once you’ve selected your favorites, it’s important to schedule physical or virtual meetings to talk to them.

You’ll need to see if this person understands your style and what you want. Find out more by asking them the right questions.

Besides that, you should be upfront about the budget to avoid wasting time. Some designers may not take on smaller projects/budgets. Some may work with a smaller budget, but they may have certain limitations.

You should also be able to tell what their communication style is like from the conversation. If they know what you want and you are comfortable with them right off the bat, you’re on to a good start!

I hope this post has taught you everything you need to know about an interior stylist vs an interior designer so you can hire the right people for your home!

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