What does an interior decorator do? Living room with stone brick fireplace and wood walls decorated with furniture and decor

If you’ve ever scrolled through Pinterest or Instagram and wondered how someone made their living room look like a magazine cover, there’s a good chance an interior decorator had something to do with it. So, what does an interior decorator do? Simply put, they make spaces look beautiful, functional, and personalized. But there’s a lot more that goes into it than picking out throw pillows. Let’s break it down.

What Does an Interior Decorator Do? Benefits of Hiring One

A consultation is where the magic begins. It’s your chance to share your ideas, your vibe, your lifestyle, and your budget. A decorator will walk through your space—either virtually or in person—and talk about what’s working, what’s not, and what could be improved. It’s a creative brainstorming session that kicks off the entire project.

Make the Most of Your Floor Layout

Open-concept floor layout living room and dining room decorated with wood decor, leather chairs, and mirrors

You don’t need to tear down walls to make a big impact. Interior decorators know how to arrange furniture and define spaces in a way that feels natural and flows well. They’ll help you figure out the best way to use your layout—even if it’s a bit tricky.

Turn Tiny Rooms into Functional Spaces

Small spaces don’t mean small potential. Decorators are pros at maximizing tight quarters using smart furniture choices, clever storage solutions, and visual tricks that make a space feel more open. Whether it’s a condo, basement, or loft, they know how to make every square foot count.

Design for Businesses and Workspaces

Interior decorators also work on commercial projects—everything from cafés and salons to offices and retail spaces. They help create spaces that reflect your brand and keep customers and employees feeling comfortable and inspired. It’s all about functionality, aesthetics, and atmosphere.

Create the Perfect Lighting Mood

Dining room with black and white marble walls and integrated lighting with fireplace burning next to wood dining table and chairs

Lighting changes everything. Decorators understand how to balance natural light with the right combination of ceiling fixtures, table lamps, wall sconces, and accent lighting. They’ll help you create a warm, inviting glow or a bright, energetic space, depending on what you need.

Style Walls with Personality

Blank walls are just missed opportunities. Decorators use wall art, mirrors, gallery frames, or large-scale prints to bring personality and depth into a room. They know how to make art feel intentional, not random, and how to scale it properly so it fits your space.

Finish the Look with Accessories

Accessories are the icing on the cake. A decorator will layer in pillows, throws, candles, trays, and greenery to make your space feel polished and lived-in. These details might seem small, but they make a big difference in how the whole room feels.

Style a Brand New Build

Living room with white fur furniture and gold accents

Starting from scratch can feel overwhelming, but decorators thrive in blank spaces. They’ll help you pick out everything from cabinet finishes and paint colours to lighting and window treatments. Their job is to make your new house feel like home right away.

Work Within Your Budget (Without Sacrificing Style)

Interior decorating doesn’t have to break the bank. A good decorator knows where to splurge, where to save, and how to stretch your dollars. They’ll guide you through sourcing budget-friendly pieces that still look high-end and elevate your space.

Get Design Help Online

You don’t always need to meet in person to get professional help. Many decorators now offer online e-design services. With just a few photos, room measurements, and style notes, they can send you a full plan with links to shop and a layout to follow.

Collaborate During Home Renovations

Decorators often work alongside renovation teams to help make sure everything looks great once the work is done. They may not be swinging hammers, but they’re definitely picking tile, paint, and finishes that work together beautifully.

Define Open-Concept Living Spaces

Open-concept living and dining area with segrated areas defined by wood furniture and other decor

Open-concept layouts are beautiful, but without some help, they can feel a little chaotic. Decorators know how to define each “zone” in a way that flows and feels balanced. From placing rugs to selecting pendant lighting, they’ll help separate your spaces without building walls.

Make a Rental Feel Like Home

Just because you rent doesn’t mean you can’t decorate. Decorators know all the tricks—like peel-and-stick wallpaper, furniture swaps, layered rugs, and removable fixtures—to help you love your space without upsetting your landlord.

Style for the Holidays (Without Overdoing It)

Decorators know how to make your home feel festive and elegant for the holidays without turning it into a cheesy holiday aisle. Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or fall season, they’ll bring in just the right amount of seasonal flair to match your home’s vibe.

Mix Textures for Depth and Warmth

Texture is everything when it comes to interior decorating. From soft velvets and chunky knits to sleek metals and raw wood, interior decorators blend textures to create interest and warmth. It’s a design secret that makes neutral spaces feel cozy—not boring.

Team Up with Contractors

Even though interior decorators don’t handle construction, they often work closely with contractors. They’ll guide things like built-in shelves, fireplace finishes, or custom cabinetry design, so everything stays visually cohesive from start to finish.

Embrace Eco-Friendly Decorating

Foyer with sustainable stone bench and green houseplant in large vase

More interior decorators are going green by recommending sustainable materials, vintage finds, and low-VOC paints. If you want a beautiful space that’s also good for the planet, they’ll help you design with intention—and eco-awareness.

Transform Bedrooms into Personal Retreats

An interior decorator can turn your basic bedroom into a dreamy escape. From cozy bedding and blackout curtains to colour palettes that promote rest, they’ll make your bedroom feel like a five-star hotel without the price tag.

Design Productive Workspaces

Your office—whether at home or in a commercial setting—should help you get things done. Interior decorators design spaces that inspire focus, reduce stress, and look great on Zoom. They balance productivity with personality.

Shop Local for One-of-a-Kind Finds

Interior decorators often have connections with local shops and artisans. That means they can source unique, high-quality pieces you won’t find online. It’s a great way to support small businesses and add something truly special to your home.

Prep Homes for Sale with Style

Interior decorators also moonlight as home stagers. They help sellers style their homes to appeal to buyers by removing clutter, neutralizing bold colours, and creating a layout that shows off the home’s best features. It’s a fast way to boost curb appeal and sale price.

What’s the Difference Between an Interior Decorator and an Interior Designer?

White marble tables with gold legs surrounded by grey sofa chairs

If you’ve ever searched “what do interior designers do”, you’re not alone. An interior decorator works with the look and feel of a space. An interior designer, on the other hand, can work on architectural changes, space planning, and permitting. That’s where the interior designer vs interior decorator conversation really matters—especially when hiring one for your home.

If you’re looking for someone who can help style your space and create that magazine-worthy vibe without breaking down walls, an interior decorator is the right fit.

Is There a Difference Between a Stylist and Decorator?

Yes, there is a difference between interior stylist vs interior designers. A stylist often focuses on photo shoots or short-term visual design for events. A decorator creates long-lasting, functional spaces. Both are visual experts, but decorators work for your everyday lifestyle.

Should You Work with a Consultant First?

Some clients like to dip their toes in before committing. That’s where an interior decorating consultant comes in. These pros can offer one-off advice or quick refresh ideas if you’re not ready for a full-service decorator just yet.

Need Help from an Interior Designer in Edmonton?

If you're in Alberta and looking for a trusted professional, Tailored Interior can help. As an award-winning Edmonton interior designer, Aness Handous has worked on everything from full home transformations to one-room refreshes. Whether it’s a cozy bungalow or a modern condo, she’ll bring your dream vision to life.

Final Words on Interior Decorators

Bedroom with white king bed with throw pillows and a tray. A blue wood panel accent wall and window are behind with nighstands on either side of the bed

Interior decorators do a whole lot more than fluffing pillows. From choosing the perfect paint colour to arranging furniture and finding décor that reflects you, decorators bring expertise, creativity, and heart into every space they touch. Whether you’re building, renovating, or just craving a fresh look, a decorator makes the process easier—and way more fun.

Ready to give your home or business a glow-up? Let Tailored Interior help you bring your dream space to life. Contact us today.

FAQs About Interior Decorators

What’s the difference between an interior decorator and an interior designer?

An interior decorator focuses on the style, layout, and furnishings of a space, while an interior designer can work on structural changes and renovations.

Do interior decorators work on renovations?

Not directly. Interior decorators don’t knock down walls or move plumbing, but they often collaborate with designers or contractors to guide aesthetic decisions.

Is hiring an interior decorator worth it?

Absolutely—especially if you’re stuck or overwhelmed. Interior decorators save time, help you avoid costly mistakes, and bring a professional eye to your space.

Can interior decorators work within a tight budget?

Yes! One of the best parts of hiring an interior decorator is their ability to get creative with any budget—whether it’s big or small.

How do I choose the right interior decorator?

Look at their past work, read reviews, and make sure their style clicks with yours. A good decorator listens, collaborates, and makes the process feel fun.

What Does an Interior Decorator Do?