What’s the Difference Between an Interior Decorator and an Interior Stylist? Let’s Clear It Up!
The other day, I answered the phone to a potential client, ready to dive into a conversation about their home’s transformation.
“Hi there! I need someone to paint my living room,” she said, her tone cheery and confident.
“Oh, I think you might be looking for a painter!” I replied.
“Oh, aren’t you one of those? I mean… you’re an interior decorator, right? Same thing, isn’t it?”
And there it was—the age-old confusion between interior decorators, interior stylists, and apparently… painters.
So, if you’ve ever wondered about the difference (and whether I’ll show up with a paint roller in hand), let me explain. Spoiler alert: I’m a stylist, not a painter, decorator, or builder—though I know amazing people who are!
Interior Decorator vs. Interior Stylist: Let’s Break It Down
The confusion is understandable. Decorators, stylists, designers—there are a lot of overlapping terms, but we all specialise in slightly different things. Let me walk you through it.
Interior Decorator: The Room Makeover ProThink of an interior decorator as your go-to for creating cohesive, beautiful spaces. They’ll help you choose paint colors (though they might not apply the paint themselves), select furniture, and transform your home into something Instagram-worthy.
Decorators often tackle big-picture projects. If you’ve just moved into a new home or are undergoing renovations, they’ll work closely with you to create a design plan from scratch, selecting everything from flooring to lighting to the final throw pillow.
In short: A decorator is like a project manager for your home’s aesthetic overhaul.
Interior Stylist: The Detail-Oriented Storyteller
An interior stylist, on the other hand, focuses on the finer details and how they all come together to tell your story. I specialize in creating homes that feel personal and lived-in—not showroom-perfect.
Styling is all about layering: arranging bookshelves, fluffing cushions, picking the right art for your walls, and even finding the perfect vase for that sideboard you love. It’s about creating an atmosphere and personality within a space, often using what you already have (with a few new additions to tie it all together).
In short: A stylist makes your home feel like “you.”
So… What About Painters?
Painters are the unsung heroes of home transformations. They’re the ones who physically roll up their sleeves (and your walls) to bring your vision to life. While I’ll happily help you choose the perfect shade of Not Quite White or Ocean Breeze, I’ll leave the actual painting to the professionals. Trust me—you don’t want me holding a paintbrush.
Why Interior Stylists Are Worth the Call
Here’s the beauty of what I do as a stylist: I bridge the gap between your dreams and reality. Many of my clients know what they like but don’t know how to pull it all together. That’s where I come in.
You don’t need to buy all-new furniture or start from scratch. Styling is about working with what you have, adding key pieces where needed, and arranging it all in a way that feels fresh, cohesive, and uniquely yours.
And unlike decorators, who might oversee large renovations, I’m here to work on those smaller-scale, finishing-touch transformations that make your house feel like home.
Why I’m Not a Decorator or a Designer (and Why That’s a Good Thing)
I love collaborating with decorators and designers, but my role is more specialized. While they handle the big stuff—like layout changes, renovations, or full-room redesigns—I step in to focus on the magic of styling:
- Arranging that gallery wall you’ve always dreamed of.
- Styling your coffee table so it looks straight out of a magazine (but still functional for your actual coffee).
- Making your home feel cozy, cohesive, and completely you.
Think of me as the cherry on top of the home design sundae.
The Call Continues: A Little Humor Never Hurts
Back to my phone call.
“Oh,” she said, a little disappointed. “So you can’t paint my living room?”
“Nope,” I laughed, “but I can make it look amazing once the paint dries!”
We both laughed, and by the end of the conversation, she was thrilled to have someone to help style her space once the walls were freshly painted.
The takeaway? It’s okay to mix up the terminology—just know that when you need someone to add the final, personal touches to your home, I’m your stylist.
Ready to Style Your Space? Let’s Chat!
Whether you need help choosing a paint color (but not applying it) or styling a room to perfection, I’d love to help. Book a free 10-minute consultation, and let’s bring your vision to life—no paint roller required.
