Interior Designer, ​​Contractor, or Home Stylist: What’s the Difference?

If you're seeking assistance in transforming your dream home into a reality, there are a few professionals you can consider. One option is to consult interior designers, who can offer valuable advice on design choices. Another alternative is to collaborate with contractors or home stylists, which can help you reduce expenses. If you're unsure about whom to reach out to, keep reading for more information.

Interior Designer

When people think about renovating their homes, interior designers often come to mind as the go-to professionals. This is because interior designers offer a wide range of design and renovation services.

If you're looking for someone to bounce ideas off of and get expert advice on the design of your home, an interior designer would be a great choice. They're especially helpful if you lack the know-how or availability to oversee the renovation yourself, as they can collaborate with contractors and handle the entire renovation process.

Contractor

A contractor's main expertise lies in carrying out renovation work rather than providing design advice, unlike an interior designer. Depending on the project's extent, contractors may also hire sub-contractors such as electricians, plumbers, and painters.

If you have a clear vision for your home or some background in architecture and design, you could choose to work directly with contractors. This could potentially result in cost savings since you wouldn't have to pay for design services.

However, it also means you'll need to manage the budget and monitor the progress on your own or ensure that the main contractor can handle these responsibilities. Since each vendor specializes in different areas, they won't have an overall view of the renovation process. Therefore, you'll need to be familiar with the sequence of work, such as understanding that carpentry can only begin after wiring and piping work is completed, to avoid the need for rework.

Considering hiring contractors without an interior designer's assistance? Take some advice from Tampines residents Geoffrey and Sian Ching, who opted for the do-it-yourself approach for their BTO flat.

Home Stylist

Photo: Home Tours: A Modern, Idyllic Paradise

You may have also come across another choice - home stylists, sometimes known as interior stylists. While they share similarities with interior designers, their focus differs slightly. Interior designers oversee the overall vision, timeline, and significant renovation tasks. In contrast, home stylists have a keen eye for details. They offer advice on colors, textures, furnishings, and decor changes to personalize your space.

If you're a homeowner seeking to refresh your home, whether it's the entire place or just a couple of rooms, without undertaking major renovations, a home stylist could be a cost-effective option for you.

TL;DR Who should I hire?

• If you need design guidance and assistance throughout the renovation process, an interior designer is a good choice.
• If you have some design background and feel confident managing the project on your own, consider working directly with contractors to potentially save costs.
• If you want to upgrade your space without extensive renovations, reach out to a home or interior stylist. Regardless of the path you choose, make sure to read our Guide to Renovating Your HDB Flat first to familiarize yourself with the process and ensure a smooth renovation journey.

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg