Today I'm diving into one of my most asked questions - do I need Interior Design or Styling, and what the heck is the difference?!

As any homeowner knows, there is a lot that goes into making a house a home. From choosing the right furniture to selecting the perfect paint colour, the process of creating a stylish and inviting space can be daunting. Fortunately, there are professionals (aka - us!!) who specialise in helping people navigate the world of home design. But what exactly is the difference between an interior designer and stylist?

At its most basic core, an interior designer is someone who helps to plan and execute the overall vision for a space. This can include everything from layout and lighting to choosing furniture and accessories. Stylists, on the other hand, focus primarily on the aesthetic aspects of design. This might involve sourcing and arranging furniture, selecting window treatments and wall coverings, or even something as simple as hanging pictures.  In addition to helping with overall concept and layout, they often have a keen eye for detail and can help with things like accessorising and styling rooms for sale, photoshoots or special events.

So, which professional is right for you? The answer may depend on the scope of your project, so let's dive a little deeper together!

A well-designed space should be both functional and stylish, and achieving this balance is not always easy. That's where interior designers come in. We have a deep understanding of how people interact with their surroundings, and use this knowledge to create spaces that are both beautiful and functional.

Just as all squares are rectangles but not all rectangles are squares, all interior designers are interior stylists but not all interior stylists are interior designers. Confusing - I know! The main difference between the two is that interior designers often work closely with architects or builders to create interior designs and space planning ideas that go beyond helping our clients select a piece of furniture.
As Interior designers, we are responsible for making sure that a space functions well and meets the needs of the people who will be using it. The role of an interior designer is much more complex than that of a stylist, it is our job is to consider all aspects of the interior structure, not just how a room is decorated or how it looks in the end. More often than not, the work of an interior designer should begin at the same moment that the build plan is in process. We love collaborating closely with contractors or architects to bring the end result to life.

What does a Stylist do?

A well-styled room is like a perfectly curated outfit: It all comes together to create something greater than the sum of its parts. But what exactly is interior styling? To put it simply, it's the art of enhancing the aesthetics and functionality of a space without altering its core structure. That means as stylists, we must be skilled in both the creative and practical aspects of design. We are able to visualize a space and see its potential, as well as have the organisational chops to execute their vision.

From small details like accessories and colour schemes to big-picture concepts like furniture layout and traffic flow, everything must be taken into consideration when creating a stylish and functional interior.  It takes a trained eye (and maybe a little help from an interior stylist) to create something truly special.

In A Nutshell

Interior designers and stylists both have their strengths when it comes to sprucing up a room. If you need help with making significant changes to the structure of your space, then an interior designer is the better choice. We can work directly with architects and builders to make your vision a reality. On the other hand, if you just need help picking out some new furniture or window treatments, then an experienced stylist (like us!) will probably do the trick. Stylists know how to put together different elements to create a cohesive and stylish look. So, depending on your needs, either an interior designer or stylist can help you achieve the results you want.

Our Process

Our Interior Design service is perfect for those who want us to handle everything from start to finish. We will take care of everything from concept development and space planning to furnishings and accessories. On the other hand, our Styling service is ideal for those who already have a vision for their space but need a little help bringing it to life. We can provide advise on everything from colour schemes and layout to sourcing the perfect furniture and accessories. So whether you need a little help or a lot, we are here for you!

If you're feeling stuck and uncertain of where to begin when it comes to your home, never fear!

Reach out to us for a complimentary discovery call. We have years of experience in helping people get the most out of their space - no matter how big or small, and no matter how challenging. Let's work together to create a home that is exactly what you need and want it to be.

We love what we do and we are here to help - if you would like to find out more about our Interior Design Service click here and to explore our Styling service click here.

Until next time,

xx Katy