Styling vs interior design: what’s the difference?
As an interior stylist, I get this question all the time and I’ve noticed most people use a blanket term of ‘interior design’ when looking for help or someone to hire, no matter the scope of their project.
I’ve found that using a little cake analogy is the easiest way to illustrate the difference, helping potential clients figure out whether it’s the services of an interior stylist, interior designer, or interior decorator they require.
Interior Designers
An interior designer typically works on ‘baking’ the structure of the ‘cake’, from selecting all fixtures and finishes, an overarching material colour palette, creating hardwired lighting plans, joinery design and detailing, to working with an architect or builder to finesse interior layouts.
You’ll want to ensure your interior designer of choice has qualifications or, at the very least, has plenty of proven experience related to what you are hiring them to do. A solid understanding of the Australian Standards is important, to ensure everything is designed safely and to code.
Most interior designers will offer both interior design and interior styling/decoration within their core services, going from baking to then icing, however they may prefer to hand this final styling work over or to work closely with a dedicated interior stylist or interior decorator upon completion of the interior design stage of the project.
Interior Stylists
The interior stylist (or interior decorator) then ‘ices the cake’, building on the existing design and materials palette. Their aim is to make everything even more beautiful, practical and cohesive with the selection and layout of furniture, rugs, artwork, lighting and other decorative elements.
They typically will not be qualified to do the work of an interior designer, however you could always check, depending on what you need help with. For example, I studied and received qualifications in both interior design and decoration, however I’m choosing to only offer interior styling services at this stage. I’ve created conceptual joinery designs and offered advice on finishes selections for a few clients though, so I’m definitely open to discussing the level of interior design help you need and deciding if I might be the right fit or referring you to an interior designer.
Then, there are also interior stylists who work singularly in an editorial capacity and are booked for commercial, residential or retail photoshoots. They will source decorative items and arrange them on the day, working with the photographer or brand to achieve that perfect shot.
Interior Decorators
To go even further into the differences; an interior decorator (vs interior stylist) would typically be more involved with decorative applications like specific paint finishes and wallpaper selections, any custom upholstery design work, window treatment design and fabric selection. You could also check whether they include the selection of other hard finishes in their service offering, like tiles etc.
There will often be crossover among the three and this is by no means an exhaustive and definitive explanation, but I hope it gets you closer to understanding and figuring out who will be the best fit for your needs.
In case the cake analogy didn’t quite cut it (couldn’t help myself!) here’s a handy little list of example projects and the relevant hire to help you differentiate…
Who should you hire?
New kitchen: interior designer
Improved existing kitchen: - interior stylist or decorator
Custom-made curtains designed: interior decorator
Store-bought/manufactured curtain suggestions: interior stylist
Layout of joinery, doors/windows, fixtures, hardwired lighting (and potentially furniture): interior designer
Layout and selection of furniture, rugs, art, ambient lighting: interior stylist or decorator
Tiles chosen: Interior designer
Sofa chosen: Interior stylist or decorator
In-built shelving drawn up for manufacture: interior designer
How to beautifully fill the shelves: interior stylist or interior decorator
Retail space designed for your brand: interior designer
Styled photoshoot for your homewares/furniture brand: interior stylist
Want to work together?
If you you would really love to work with me but are still not sure if my interior styling services will suit your project, please do reach out and I’d be happy to talk through it with you.
Happy icing, err, STYLING!
Fiona 🌞