Journal · 2026-06-02
Interior designer vs. decorator in Italy: what do you need?
In Italy you typically need an architect or geometra for structural work and permits, and an interior designer for everything that makes the house work and feel right: layout, light, materials, furniture, styling. For a renovation, they work together. For furnishing a home or holiday rental, an interior designer is usually the only professional you need.
Who does what
An architect (architetto) or geometra handles structural changes, planning permissions and the technical file the comune requires. An interior designer designs how you will live in the space: floor plans, lighting, materials, furniture and styling. A decorator works on the surface layer only — colours, fabrics, accessories.
For a holiday home the design and the presentation are inseparable: the same eye that chooses the sofa should frame the listing photographs.
Which one for your project
Moving walls, new bathrooms, roof work? You need an architect or geometra, with an interior designer alongside to protect the quality of the living spaces.
Furnishing, restyling, preparing a rental? An interior designer covers the whole trajectory — and if they photograph as well, the listing images come from the same hand as the design.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need permits to furnish a house in Italy?
- No permits are needed for furnishing and decoration. Permits only come into play for structural work — and that is where I bring in the right local professional.
- Can one person cover design and photography?
- Yes — that combination is exactly what I offer. The design is made to be photographed, and the photographs are styled as part of the design.