Who’s Who in the World of Interiors?

Architect, Interior Designer, Decorator, Stylist – Differences Worth Understanding

Andreja Gungl | Studio Habitat | 25 October 2025

When planning a home renovation, redesigning your interior, or developing a commercial space, one key question often arises: who should you trust with your vision and execution? Titles such as architect, interior designer, decorator, and stylist are often used interchangeably in everyday language, yet behind each lies a distinct approach, set of responsibilities, and goals that shape every project. Understanding these differences is essential for a smooth process, a clear focus, and a result that stays true to your vision.

An architect understands a space from the ground up. Their perspective goes beyond interior layout – it includes spatial volumes, structural solutions, legal requirements, and the planning of light and flow at the architectural level. Whether you’re building anew or making structural changes to an existing property, the architect defines the framework within which the space evolves. Their work is a dialogue between structure, sustainability, and responsiveness to the environment.

The interior designer takes over within that framework. Their focus lies in the experience of the space – how it’s used, how people move through it, how materials, colors, light, and proportions create a sense of comfort or professional order. The decision about where to place a table is never random but the result of understanding ergonomics, visual balance, and everyday needs. A good interior designer translates the client’s vision into a spatial solution that functions both practically and aesthetically.

A decorator enters once the main layout is complete. Their world is made of textures, fabrics, art, lighting, and objects that give a space its personality. Without altering the structure, the decorator adds warmth and atmosphere, connecting all elements into a cohesive whole. Through thoughtful selection of pieces and color relationships, a skilled decorator creates a space that feels both harmonious and personal.

The stylist, on the other hand, works in the moment. Their role is often tied to a specific occasion, photo shoot, or real estate presentation. Using existing elements – often without permanent changes – they create an atmosphere that instantly captures attention and evokes emotion. Though their involvement is temporary, it requires an exceptional eye for composition, light, and the narrative a space conveys.

In practice, these roles often overlap. At Studio Habitat, we see them as different stages of the same story – from the initial structure to the final detail. A successful project is born from a solid concept, develops through thoughtful spatial design, gains character through the selection of pieces, and comes to life through subtle accents that make it unique. We often act as consultants, designers, and curators at once, believing that true results emerge only when all professional perspectives are seamlessly integrated.

It’s important to know what you need – but even more important to have a team that listens, understands your way of living, and guides you through the process with clarity and care. When you seek balance between vision and execution, between aesthetics and functionality, our role is to create that connection – ensuring your space serves you today and for years to come.