Do You Need a Long Island Decorator or an Interior Designer?

It’s not unusual for homeowners to search for a Long Island “decorator” when they’re thinking about updating their space. After all, interior decorator and interior designer are often used interchangeably. But here’s the catch: most people aren’t just looking for help picking paint colors or accent pillows. They want their home to feel pulled together, personal, and done—with someone else managing the details. That’s full-service interior design.

At Melissa Sacco Interiors, we work with clients who are moving into a new home, planning a whole-home refresh, or finally ready to elevate their space without managing a thousand little decisions. Whether your project includes construction and architectural details or focuses solely on furnishings, lighting, window treatments, and finishing touches—we handle it all. Start to finish. Seamlessly.

The difference isn’t just in the title—it’s in the training, the process, and the results.

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

Decorators typically focus on the visual styling of a space—furniture, accessories, paint colors, and soft goods. They are ideal for clients who have a solid foundation and simply want help finishing a room or two. It’s a valuable service for the right project.

Interior designers, especially those with a full-service approach like MSI, go deeper. We create homes that function beautifully from the inside out. That includes layouts, flow, investment-level furnishings, custom millwork, and every thoughtful layer that brings a home to life. We also have access to trade-only furnishings and textiles that you won’t find at your local showroom—and we have relationships with Long Island’s top tradespeople and artisans who bring unmatched craftsmanship to every project.

“The only time I like drama is in design.” – Melissa Sacco

When Is a Full-Service Interior Designer the Right Fit?

Here’s the truth: If you want to hand over the stress and still get a home that looks and feels incredible, that’s where we come in.

Many of our clients come to us after building a new home, planning a complex renovation, or when they’re ready to finally make their house feel like them. They don’t want to run to six different showrooms or chase down contractors—they want one expert team to take the reins and bring it all together.

That’s what our full-service design is all about. From floor plans and lighting to custom furnishings and curated art, we manage every detail. Whether it’s new millwork and flooring or selecting all the right pieces for each space, we ensure your home feels cohesive, elevated, and effortless—because that’s exactly what it should be.

What Sets Melissa Sacco Interiors Apart

We don’t just decorate rooms—we design spaces that enhance the way you live. Our clients come to us because they want more than “pretty.” They want smart, intentional design that makes everyday life easier and more beautiful.

With over 15 years in the industry, I’ve built a firm known for high standards, fast communication (we always stay ahead of the contractor), and a keen understanding of how to bring the right team together. I’ve got a guy (or girl!) for everything—because experience has taught me that the right people make all the difference.

Whether your project involves a full renovation or a full-home furnishings plan, we bring the same clarity, calm, and attention to detail every step of the way.

If you want a home that looks beautiful, functions flawlessly, and truly feels like you—without the stress—we’d love to talk.