Understanding the Role of Professionals in the World of Interiors:
Interior Stylist
Date: 24th August 2023
Welcome to our series titled Understanding the Role of Professionals in the World of Interiors. Throughout these articles, we’ll shed light on the roles of the Interior Designer, Interior Architect, Interior Stylist, Interior Decorator, and Interior Stager.
If the distinctions between these professionals seem blurry, whether you’re within the industry or a curious client, this series is tailored for you. We’ll delve deep into each role, and by the end of our journey, we aim for you to distinguish each profession with clarity. And if ever in doubt, this series will always be here for reference, ready for you or anyone else seeking insights.
In today’s installment, we’ll explore the role of an Interior Stylist.
The terms ‘interior stylist’ and ‘interior designer’ are often used interchangeably, leading to some confusion. While there is some overlap, with professionals sometimes transitioning between roles, the essence of each profession is distinct.
Both interior designers and stylists aim to achieve a flawless finish, but their paths diverge in approach. An interior stylist zeroes in on the final presentation, the polished look of a space. Meanwhile, for an interior designer, this aesthetic conclusion is the culmination of a deeper process; it’s like adding the cherry on top after baking the entire cake. This means that the designer’s journey encompasses extensive groundwork and transformation before the styling phase.
The realm of an interior stylist is diverse. They might grace the pages of glossy magazines, working on editorial spreads, or operate independently as freelancers. Their canvas can be commercial, retail, or domestic spaces. Often, they collaborate with a “Styling Team” to highlight products – from furniture and artworks to any conceivable decor element. Additionally, many stylists partner with real estate developers to accentuate a property’s appeal pre-sale, setting the stage to entice potential buyers, though this should not be conflated with the role of an interior stager.
While both professions dabble in the art of space aesthetics, their focal points and processes differentiate them.
When someone dons the title of an “interior stylist,” what does that entail? Let’s dive into the primary responsibilities that define this dynamic role:
- Marketing Maven: They decipher client briefs, primarily aiming to promote a product or service for marketing endeavors.
- Magazine Collaborator: Interior stylists frequently collaborate with magazines, curating spaces for photoshoots that spotlight specific products or themes.
- Photographer’s Right Hand: They often partner with photographers, ensuring that the ambiance and details of a photoshoot are impeccable.
- Sourcing Specialist: Depending on the project’s scope, they’ll scout for the ideal furniture, props, sets, and even the perfect location.
- Decorative Touch: While their main focus isn’t always on decoration, they might occasionally be tasked with adorning a space.
- Creative Leadership: Based on the brief, they might step into the shoes of a creative director, orchestrating the entire visual narrative.
- Design and Styling: While they might have a say in space design prior to a shoot, their prime objective revolves around ensuring that the photos or events precisely mirror the desired aesthetic.
- Editorial Experts: They’re a staple in the magazine world, frequently working on editorial assignments that require their signature touch.
- Showcase Stylists: From show homes to exhibit areas, they craft spaces that beautifully highlight products.
- Vignette Visionaries: Using a mix of props and accessories, they specialize in creating captivating vignettes that tell a story.
To resume, an interior stylist breathes life into spaces, ensuring every corner, every prop, and every colour sings in harmony to create a cohesive and captivating narrative.
