Interior Decorator vs. Interior Designer: What’s the Difference
Ever wondered whether you should hire an interior decorator or an interior designer? You’re not the only one! The terms often get used interchangeably, but the truth is, they aren’t the same thing. Both can completely transform your space, but the expertise they bring and the scope of services they offer are very different.
At HSH Collective, we’ve spent more than 25 years helping clients across Anna Maria Island and Sarasota in their design journey. So, grab your coffee or (if you’re like us) a glass of champagne ;) And let’s break it down so you confidently decide what’s right for your project.
What Does an Interior Decorator Do?
Think of an interior decorator as your home’s stylist. Their focus is on finishes, furnishings, and accessories to a space that’s already complete. A decorator may help with:
Furniture & Décor: sofas, rugs, artwork, and pillows
Color palettes & finishes: paint, fabrics, wallpapers, lighting
Styling: arranging furniture and accessorizing
Decorators shine when you’re refreshing a living room, giving a guest suite a new look, or adding seasonal touches. Their strength is curation and style, not structural or architectural changes.
What Does an Interior Designer Do?
An interior designer goes far beyond styling. At HSH Collective, our interior design team how the structure of your home supports your lifestyle.We work hand-in-hand with architects, contractors, and trades to ensure every detail (from floorplans to fixtures) is intentional.
Space planning & floorplans: rethinking layouts for flow and functionality.
Construction & remodel input: working with contractors, architects, and trades.
Technical knowledge: lighting plans, cabinetry design, and even structural adjustments.
Holistic design: ensuring each room feels connected and livable long-term.
Design isn’t just about “what you see.” It’s about how your home works. We consider natural light, sightlines, storage, and the everyday moments that make your space uniquely yours.
Why Choosing a Designer Matters
Depth of Services: If your dream involves moving walls, building new, or opening up your kitchen, you need a designer. A decorator is perfect for adding polish, but not for tackling structure.
Investment: Designers can actually save you money (umm yesss!) by preventing costly mistakes like like poor lighting placement, the wrong sofa scale, or layouts that don’t function long-term.
Impact on Daily Living: Decorators add style. Designers create transformation. With the right designer, your home feels like it was built just for you.
Do You Need a Decorator or a Designer?
Here’s the easiest way to think about it:
Big changes like remodeling or building new? You need a designer. We handle layouts, lighting, cabinetry, and work directly with contractors.
Just want a refresh? A decorator can help, but a designer takes it further making sure new pieces actually fit your home and don’t feel random. At HSH, we love doing refreshes too, but we always think about the bigger picture so your home feels cohesive.
Want both stylish and practical? That’s where a designer shines. We make sure your home not only looks beautiful, but functions for the way you actually live.
The HSH Collective Difference
At HSH Collective, our team blurs the line between designer and decorator. We bring the expertise of licensed design with the eye for styling that makes a house feel like home.
Whether you’re dreaming of moody elegance in your primary suite or a bright, coastal-inspired living room, our team ensures your home is more than just decorated, that it’s thoughtfully designed for the way you live today and for decades to come.
Dreaming of a space that’s both timeless and livable? Let’s start designing it together.
