Designer, Decorator, or Stylist? Who You Gonna Call?

It’s a question I get all the time: “What do you actually do?”

If you’re confused about whether you need an interior designer, decorator, or stylist in Brisbane! don’t worry—you’re not alone. Deciding who to call for your home can feel a bit like a scene from Ghostbusters:

Do you need a full-on renovation? Call an interior designer.
Someone to actually paint your walls? That’s a decorator.
Someone to make it all look amazing and actually feel like home? That’s me, your interior stylist!

Let’s dive in (no proton packs required) and figure out exactly who you need for your space.

And I already know that Ghostbusters song is playing in your head right!

Step 1: Ask Yourself What Needs Fixing

Are you dealing with structural chaos or just some style confusion? Ask yourself: what’s haunting your space right now?

Structural Problems: If your living room layout is as functional as a haunted house, call an interior designer. They’re the experts who’ll knock down walls, redo floor plans, and work with architects to create a completely new vision.
Blank Walls or Floors: If your walls are crying out for some color or your floors need fresh tiling, call a decorator. They’re the painters, wallpaper installers, and finishers who’ll get the job done.
Style and Personality: If your home just doesn’t feel “done” (you’ve got the furniture but no cohesion), that’s where I come in. As an interior stylist, I help with everything from choosing paint colors and finishes to styling bookshelves, arranging furniture, and accessorising your space.

Ghosts rattling around your attic? Sorry, still Ghostbusters.

Step 2: Think About Your Timeline

How quickly do you need this done?

Interior Designers: Designers work on long-term projects. Big changes take time, so be prepared for a years and months-long timeline.
Interior Decorators & Stylists: Decorators & Stylists take on both mid-length projects, typically lasting a few weeks to a couple of months ro can often deliver results quickly— subject to what you require.

If you’re short on time and want instant results (like a home that doesn’t look like you just moved in, even though you’ve been there for two years), a stylist might be your best bet.

Step 3: Check Your Budget

Do you want a masterpiece or a makeover?

Interior Designers: The big guns. They handle custom designs, renovations, and high-budget projects.
Interior Decorators & Stylists: This budget varies depending on the scope, but they tend to fall in the mid-range—think new furniture, rugs, and lighting.

If you’re hoping to elevate your home without dipping into your retirement fund, call a stylist (me).

Step 4: Identify the Scale of the Project

Are we talking “total overhaul” or “just make it look nice”?

Major Renovations: For structural changes and reworking layouts, you’ll need an interior designer.
Big Makeovers: If you want a brand-new look but don’t need to touch the walls, or need help purchasing and styling furniture, styling your shelves, or adding personality to your home? That’s where an interior stylist or interior decorator shines.

Think of it this way: designers lay the foundation and build the walls, and stylists hang the art, plump the cushions, and make it feel like home.

Step 5: Know What Sparks Joy

What’s your ultimate goal?

Interior Designers: They’re practical magicians. Their designs are functional, smart, and beautiful, but they may not dive deep into the emotional layers of your space.
Interior Decorators & Stylists: They’ll give you a cohesive, stylish home. Stylists specialise in creating spaces that feel like you. We’ll dig through your favorite pieces, curate what works, and make sure your space tells your story—not just a trend.

If you want your home to feel personal and full of character, a stylist is your person.

Still Confused? Here’s the Cheat Sheet

Still unsure? Let’s make it fun:

If Your Walls Are Crooked: Call a designer (and maybe an architect).
If Your Walls Are Boring: Call a decorator (and maybe me to help pick the paint!).
If Your Walls Are Already Perfect but the Room Feels Empty: Call me, your friendly interior stylist!

As a stylist, I bring the room together. I’ll help you pick colors, finishes, furniture, and accessories, and style it all to look effortlessly chic. And no, I won’t bring a paint roller (but I will make sure your painter gets it just right).

And if you’ve got ghosts… well, I’d recommend Ghostbusters again, but hey, if they need help styling the ectoplasm, I’m happy to assist.

Ready to Style Your Space? Let’s Chat!

You don’t need to know all the answers—just the right person to call. Book a free 10-minute consultation with me, and I’ll help you figure out exactly what you need (and no, I won’t show up with a paint roller).

Let’s clear it up, Ghostbusters style:

Interior Designers: Handle big structural problems. Think layouts, renovations, and custom builds.
Interior Decorators: Apply the finishes—paint, wallpaper, tiles, and so on.
Interior Stylists (like me): Style your home to perfection. I guide you through color choices, finishes, furniture, and accessories to make your space feel personal and cohesive.