Understanding the Differences: Colour Stylists, Interior Decorators, and Interior Designers

Colour Stylists vs Interior Decorators vs Interior Designers

When it comes to transforming a space, there are many professionals with different expertise to help achieve the desired look and functionality. While terms like interior designer, interior decorator, colour stylist, home stager, and property stylist are often used interchangeably, they refer to distinct roles with unique skills and objectives. Understanding the differences can help you choose the right expert for your needs.

Colour Stylists: The Colour Experts

Colour stylists specialize in selecting colour palettes for interiors and exteriors, ensuring harmony, mood, and balance. They understand how lighting, materials, and space influence colour perception.

Key Responsibilities:

• Choosing paint colours for walls, trims, and ceilings

• Coordinating colour schemes for furniture, fabrics, and accessories

• Advising on how natural and artificial lighting affects colour choices

• Ensuring a home’s colours complement its architecture and surroundings

When to Hire:

• If you are repainting your home and need expert guidance

• If you struggle to find a cohesive colour scheme

• If you need to match new colours with existing furniture and décor

Interior Decorators: The Stylists of Finished Spaces

 Interior decorators focus on the aesthetics of a space rather than its structure. They work with furniture, textiles, artwork, accessories, and colour schemes to create a cohesive and stylish look.

Key Responsibilities:

• Creating colour schemes, mood boards and styling concepts

• Selecting furniture, lighting, and décor

• Arranging accessories, artwork, and soft furnishings

• Enhancing an existing space without structural changes

When to Hire:

• If you want to refresh your home’s look without construction

• If you need help curating furniture and décor that matches your style

• If you want to improve the ambiance of a room
  

Interior Designers: The Architects of Interior Spaces

Interior designers focus on the overall functionality, structure, and aesthetic of a space. They work on space planning, materials, finishes, lighting, and furniture selection, often collaborating with architects and builders to ensure a space is both visually appealing and practical.

Key Responsibilities:

• Space planning and layout design

• Creating colour schemes, mood boards and styling concepts

• Selecting furniture, lighting, décor, materials and finishes

• Coordinating with contractors and architects

• Ensuring functionality, safety, and compliance with building codes

• Designing for accessibility, sustainability, and ergonomics

When to Hire:

• If you are building, renovating, or remodelling a space

• If structural changes, like knocking down walls or repositioning plumbing, are needed

• If you want a comprehensive design plan that integrates function and style

At 360 Design Studio, we are qualified Interior Designers and members of the Design Institute of Australia.

Call us to see how we can help transform your space !