Not sure if a stylist is right for your firm? This week, we asked five designers—Victoria Armour, Hormuz Batliboi, Emma Corner, Lucy O’Brien and Autumn Oser—whether they hire a styling pro for their shoot or finesse the final look themselves.
Two Heads Are Better Than One
“At Haldon House, we believe that having a stylist involved at every stage of the design process is not just important—it’s essential. Our full-time in-house stylist plays a key role from the very beginning, participating in concept meetings, assisting with sourcing, helping with material selections, and guiding the final decorating touches. Her expertise ensures that each project is elevated with thoughtful, curated details that enhance the overall vision. In addition, we collaborate with a photo-shoot-specific stylist who brings a fresh perspective when capturing our spaces. With a keen eye for styling behind the lens, she helps us showcase our designs in the most compelling way possible, ensuring the final images resonate with the same care and intention we put into the design itself. Both of our stylists bring unique backgrounds to the table—one in fashion and the other in graphic design—infusing our work with creative viewpoints that extend beyond traditional interior design. By integrating their diverse perspectives into our projects, we’re able to consistently push boundaries and up-level the spaces we create. It’s all part of our commitment to being lifelong learners and continuously growing as designers.” —Autumn Oser, Haldon House, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
DIY Attitude
“No, we don’t use a stylist—and we’re intentional about it. Since we’re based in a smaller market where stylists aren’t as readily available, our team has learned to lean in and handle every detail ourselves. Once a project is close to wrapping up, my studio manager and I dive in and start pulling inspiration to determine the direction we want to take with styling. We decide if we’re aiming for a minimal or maximal feel and how we are going to complement the existing color story, and get aligned on the overall direction for each room that will be photographed: Should the kitchen table be set up as a bright breakfast nook, or is it a moody wine-and-charcuterie kind of vibe? On photo shoot day, it’s all hands on deck for the team. Our approach is incredibly hands-on, and while it is more work, it allows us to have complete control over the final look.” —Victoria Armour, Stil James, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Take on the Job
“Early on, we worked with a stylist for our shoots, but as our work has evolved, we tend to do the styling ourselves. I typically have the designer on the project work with me to plan ahead and be there for the shoot, and we can usually nail down the styling we want based on the project and client’s unique point of view. I find that lends a sense of authenticity to the project. Another factor is that many of our clients tend to be creatives themselves (stylists in fashion or other design-adjacent fields), and our projects are a collaboration with them. In those instances, we find that the clients’ own entourage and accessories help characterize the photos. Either way, it works!” —Hormuz Batliboi, Batliboi Studio, New York
Winning Team
“Yes, we always use a stylist on photo shoots. Photo shoots are very strenuous endeavors. There are so many things required to get the great photos, and having a stylist is part of that mix. Having a stylist allows us to focus our energy on making sure the shot is what we want and being present with the photographer. Having a well-styled room requires a plethora of props because you do not know exactly what you will need until you try them out in a room. Professional stylists do this every day, and they have their own prop library, shop accounts for borrowing props, and so much more. Also, a lot of floral arrangements are required in a shoot, and stylists are professionals who can create arrangements with ease.” —Lucy O’Brien, Tartan & Toile, Swarthmore, Pennsylvania
In Your Own Hands
“I do not use a stylist; however, I appreciate that it’s the final layer that pulls everything together and brings the home to life. There is definitely an art to styling, and it can be so important to complete a space. In fact, it’s my favorite part of the process when you have the time to travel and curate beautiful accessories and art. I find it therapeutic, especially when it involves a trip to the flower market and an elegant arrangement or two!” —Emma Corner, Emma Corner Interiors, New York and Bridgehampton
