Interior Stylist vs. Interior Designer

Our client Drew Michael Scott of Lone Fox's Kitchen

Why You Should Hire an Interior Stylist for your Next Photo Shoot

First and foremost, and interior stylist is generally brought on a project to focus on how a space is presented for photography, print, or digital media. Their goal is to make a space look visually appealing for a specific purpose, such as magazine features, advertisements, or online content. An interior designer focuses on the overall functionality, aesthetics, and comfort of a space from a broader perspective. Their work involves designing and planning interior spaces to meet the needs and preferences of their clients. While some interior designers really understand how to style for editorial, we almost always recommend that our clients bring in a new perspective.

I interviewed esteemed interior stylist Frances Bailey recently for the members of our service called Library Card. I wanted to give you a summary of that interview in the hopes it helps you gain a new understanding of what magazines are looking for when it comes to how your projects are styled. That, along with amazing photography, will help up your chances of getting published!

The New Cool: Artful Messes

Remember when interiors had to look like the decorator just left the room—perfectly pristine and meticulously arranged? Well, say goodbye to that era, and hello to the artful mess! It’s all about creating spaces that feel like they’ve been lived in and collected over time. T Magazine is leading the charge with their delightfully undone look, with books piled high and collections abound.

The trick? It’s not about chaos for chaos’s sake but about crafting a space that feels effortlessly cool and curated. Think of it as leaving the door open to spontaneity and personality. But beware, not every magazine is on board with this trend—some still love their interiors buttoned-up and chic. So, if you have a particular magazine in mind, make sure you articulate that goal to your stylist.

How Styling Has Changed

Gone are the days when magazines were the sole clients for stylists. As publications cut back and rarely reshoot projects, designers are stepping up and hiring interior stylists for their own projects. This shift means designers now get to control how their work is showcased, turning those styled images into social media gold, website highlights, and more.

Frances Bailey suggests investing smartly in photography. Think of it as a tiered approach to your projects: good, better, and best. Splurge on a top-notch photographer for those projects that truly shine. It’s a game-changer!

Why Interior Stylists Are Your Secret Weapon

Designers might wonder if they can style their own projects. The answer? Yes, but a stylist can bring a fresh, exciting perspective. After years of working on a project, you might only see what you deem as the flaws. Maybe your client didn’t choose the fabric you loved or maybe they wouldn’t splurge on the better sofa. That’s where a stylist swoops in with a fresh pair of eyes and a whole lot of enthusiasm. Frances describes this as adding a touch of magic to your space—one that makes everyone go, “Wow!”

Styling for the Right Publication: It’s All About the Match

When it’s time for a shoot, Frances doesn’t just show up with a bag of tricks—she comes with a strategy. Different magazines have different tastes. Elle Decor might be all about minimalist vibes, while others might be more into maximalist extravagance. Knowing what each publication likes means you can style with those publications in mind.

Always ask yourself, “What’s the top goal for this shoot?” Whether it’s landing in print, using for social media, or the hero on your website, having a clear goal helps everyone to be on the same page.

Trends and Tired Tropes: Keeping It Fresh

Styling trends come and go, and some things have definitely had their moment. High heels in front of vanities? Been there, done that. All white beds? So boring. To keep things fresh, Frances advises mixing it up. Swap out branches for something sculptural or low and unexpected. Dive into the world of ceramics, which are having a huge moment. Get creative with bedding and towels—skip the plain white and go for something with a fun scallop detail. Pump soap is out for powder rooms—editors all want bar soap now.

Strategic Styling: Less Is More

In the realm of styling, it’s not just about filling a room with pretty things. It’s about making choices that align with your long-term goals. Frances suggests focusing on the spaces that matter most. If you want to be known for amazing kitchens or bathrooms, give those areas extra love and attention. If you want to make it into a color issue, you need to style with that lens.

Flowers can make or break a shoot, so play with scale and height. Avoid overwhelming spaces with too many or too few. And remember, less can be more—fewer, but better arrangements often make a bigger impact.