Interior Styling vs. Interior Design: What’s the Difference?
Everyone knows when a space just feels right. But very few can explain why. Maybe it’s the flow. The palette. The way light hits the floor in the morning. We often hear clients say, “I thought I just needed a few throw pillows. Turns out, I needed a full design plan.”
That’s where the difference between interior styling and interior design comes into play.
At L+P Interiors , we believe that creating a space you truly love starts with clarity—not just about your aesthetic, but about the process. While styling and design overlap in many ways, they serve distinct purposes. And understanding those differences? It’s how you move from pretty to personal, from Pinterest-board to polished home.
Whether you’re renovating from the ground up, furnishing a family home, or just refreshing a room, knowing who to hire—and when—is everything.
Considering a new project but not sure where to start? Let’s talk.
Defining the Roles
What Is Interior Design?
Interior design goes far beyond the “look” of a room. It’s about how a space functions, how it flows, and how it supports your lifestyle. Designers often work alongside architects, builders, and engineers to ensure that the bones of the space are solid—and beautiful.
According to the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), interior design is “the art and science of enhancing the interior of a building to achieve a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing environment.”
At L+P, this includes:
Space planning
Architectural collaboration
Material and finish selection
Custom cabinetry and millwork
Lighting design
Permits and code compliance
Project management from start to finish
This work often begins long before walls are built—and continues until the final accessory is styled.
What Is Interior Styling?
Styling, by contrast, is the final layer—the polish. It’s the artful placement of textiles, accessories, books, and lighting that brings character and warmth to a room.
While a stylist doesn’t typically handle construction or layout changes, their work makes a major visual impact. Think:
Art placement
Shelf styling
Decorative lighting
Throw pillows, rugs and plants
Color story and ambiance
At L+P Interiors, even our styling approach is architectural. We don’t just decorate—we curate. We take cues from the home’s existing architecture and layout to create cohesion from form to finish.
Unsure which service you need? Reach out and we’ll walk you through it.
When You Need an Interior Designer
Scenario 1: Building From the Ground Up
If you're working with an architect or starting fresh, an interior designer should be at the table from day one.
Our take: We design alongside your build team—evaluating natural light, ceiling heights, window placements, and finishes in real-time. The result? A home that feels intentional, not improvised.
Project Highlight: Napa Valley New Construction
In one of our Napa projects, we were brought in during the planning stages. That early involvement allowed us to tailor the kitchen layout to a culinary-loving family, integrate indoor-outdoor flow, and create layered lighting plans before the first foundation was poured. The result wasn’t just a beautiful house—it was a lifestyle translated into form.
Scenario 2: Renovation or Remodel
Maybe you're updating a dated kitchen, rethinking a primary suite, or combining rooms. That’s where design comes in.
We evaluate layouts, recommend structural shifts, and coordinate with your contractor so nothing is left to chance—or Pinterest alone.
Scenario 3: Furnishing an Entire Home
Even when construction isn't involved, furnishing from scratch still calls for a design plan. From rugs to lighting to custom upholstery, this is where design and styling begin to overlap.
Client quote:
"We didn’t know exactly what we needed—just how we wanted to feel in the space. L+P translated that into rooms that reflect our life, not someone else’s trends."
Want to learn how we work? Download our design process guide.
When You Might Just Need a Stylist
Sometimes the bones are already good—you just need someone to breathe life into them.
Styling might be right if:
You’ve recently moved in and want to personalize the space.
You’re prepping your home for sale or a photoshoot.
You’ve collected great pieces, but the space feels unfinished.
You love your home but feel like “something’s missing”.
Project Highlight: The Sausalito Refresh
In this waterfront property, the architecture did the heavy lifting—but the rooms felt cold. With new art, layered textures, and just a few key furnishings, we gave the home warmth, intimacy, and personality.
Our POV: Styling isn’t just “fluff.” It’s what turns a space into a home.
Browse our portfolio to see how styling can elevate a space.
Where It Gets Blurry: Design vs. Styling in Real Life
Here’s the truth: it’s rarely one or the other.
A client might think they need styling—but their existing layout disrupts the flow. Or they hire us for a renovation, and midway through, we’re sourcing art for their hallway gallery.
At L+P, we guide clients through this process—from blueprint to bookshelf.
It’s about making design approachable and styling strategic.
Example: One recent client came to us asking for “just a little help with accessories.” But once we visited the home, we realized that key furniture placements were blocking natural light and making rooms feel smaller. A few layout changes and custom pieces later? Problem solved.
🎯 Need help sorting it out? Book a discovery call. No pressure, just clarity.
Working With L+P Interiors: Our Design + Styling Approach
At L+P, we believe your home should feel like you—elevated, yes, but never over-designed.
We offer full-service design and styling across a range of project types:
Ground-up builds
Remodels
Single-room transformations
Whole-home furnishing
Styling and finishing touches
Our firm style?
Classic with a Twist. Timeless shapes, playful details, layered materials.
Our Team Approach:
Ansley Majit leads with editorial vision and soulful storytelling
Megan Bettor brings logistical magic and creative production
Malia Lucey and Grace Heller round out the team with energy, fresh perspective, and organization that makes even complex projects feel smooth.
We’ve worked with everyone from young families to legacy estate owners—and we pride ourselves on tailoring the experience to your real life (and real timeline).
Quote from Ansley:
"We don’t design for the camera. We design for the people who live in the home."
Let’s bring your story to life. Start the conversation here.
FAQs: What Our Clients Want to Know
Q1: Does styling come before or after interior design?
Styling typically comes after interior design— where you layer warmth and individuality into the space. However, they are often intertwined during the design progression, and it's an iterative approach.
Q2: Can I hire L+P for only styling?
Yes, we do styling as a stand alone service, especially if the bones of your space are good. It’s ideal for updating a room, before a sale or just if you want to make everything feel cohesive.
Q3: What do design services cost?
Our pricing depends on the scope, scale and phase of your project. We can provide a walkthrough of custom recommendations and realistic budgets during the initial consultation.
Q4: I already have an architect—can you still work with us?
Absolutely. We frequently work with architects and builders to help provide consistency in the design process. Our job is to help realize the architectural idea and improve it through the interiors.
Q5: What’s a realistic timeline?
Timelines depend on project type—styling may take a few weeks, while ground-up builds can span months. We create a clear roadmap upfront so you always know what to expect.
Still have questions? Email us at hello@larkandpalm.com or call (415) 987-5986.
Final Thoughts: So Which Do You Need?
If design builds the foundation, styling brings it to life.
At L+P Interiors, we meet you wherever you are in your journey—renovating, building, or simply wanting to fall back in love with your space. With a blend of function, form, and feeling, we translate your vision into something beautiful and livable.
We’re currently accepting new residential projects. Let’s talk about your dream home.
