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Historically, interior design portfolios have been physical collections of drawings, photographs and prints, meticulously compiled and bound. Today, digital platforms are becoming increasingly popular among studio owners, freelance designers and students to showcase their work. When your industry revolves around visual appeal, having an online presence becomes even more crucial to convey your design style and attract new clients. Portfolio websites offer the flexibility to incorporate various multimedia such as videos, 3D models and interactive content, providing viewers with a richer and more engaging experience.
Whether you’re building a website for the first time or you’re ready to invest in an overhaul of your current page, this article will guide you on how to make an interior design website that mirrors your unique point of view.
What is an interior design website?
An interior design website is an online footprint that showcases the work and services of an interior designer or design firm. The best way to illustrate your work as an interior designer is to invite individuals into the spaces you've created. A professional online portfolio allows viewers to fully immerse themselves in your work and explore your designs from the comfort of their own homes.
How to make an interior design website
01. Set the goal of your interior design website
When creating your website, think about what you are looking to achieve. You may be starting a business and aim to increase brand awareness and establish yourself as a skilled interior designer. Or perhaps you want to expand your business and attract new client inquiries. Maybe you're seeking strategic collaborations with architects and contractors to take your business to the next level.
Keeping your goal in mind will guide your website design, ensuring it aligns with your business objectives. It's all about using the right calls-to-action and deciding which pages to include when you create a website to reflect your brand image.
For example, if your goal is to connect with potential residential clients, you can create a blog about style and design trends. This showcases your expertise in the field. On the other hand, architects and contractors might be more interested in seeing examples of your interior design jobs rather than reading these types of posts.
Focus on services you want to offer
Be clear about the services your interior business will provide. If your focus is on office and corporate spaces, make that clear from the start. For a complete interior design experience, you can include painting pallets, mood boards, 3D rendering, shopping lists and more. By outlining the focus of your services, this will make the website creation process more streamlined and intentional, and aligned with your business.
02. Select a domain name and website host
In order to make an interior design website, you'll need a domain name. It's like your website's address on the internet. Consider using keywords related to interior design in your domain name to help with search engine optimization (SEO).
Here’s a simple guide on how to pick a good domain name:
Keep it short and easy to remember
Avoid numbers or special characters
Use your name or company name
Utilize keywords related to interior design
Perform a domain search to check for availability
For inspiration, use a domain name creator
Learn more about what is a domain name and get started with Wix’s free web hosting.
Once you’ve selected a domain name, you’ll need to choose a hosting website. A web host is a company that provides the technology and services necessary for your website to be visible on the internet. Research different hosting options and think about factors such as cost, storage space, customer support and website-building tools.
03. Choose a website builder
A website builder, like Wix, simplifies the process of creating a website by providing user-friendly tools and templates. It requires no coding skills, saving time and effort. It's great for individuals and small businesses looking to make a website.
Learn more about some of the best AI website builders.
Website template
Using website templates for design can save you time and effort in making your interior design website. When selecting a template, review the overall layout and style to confirm it aligns with your brand voice. You'll also want to look for customization options that allow you to add your own distinct touch.
Website design
Your website is like a mirror for your brand. When someone enters your website, every element they see influences their decision to trust and hire you. Your brand personality heavily influences the web design elements of your website, such as color palettes, typography and aesthetic. Before building your website, you'll want to spend some time defining your style, target audience and creating a cohesive visual representation of your brand.
For instance, if you want to draw high-end interior business, make sure your website features sophisticated and polished copy. On the other hand, if your signature design style is casual and eclectic, let your voice and content be warm, friendly and light-hearted.
Fonts and color palette
Your choice of fonts and color palettes can have a significant impact on your website's look and feel. Stick to a maximum of three fonts, with one for headings, one for body text and one for accent or call-to-action buttons.
When it comes to colors, go for a cohesive palette that speaks to your brand strategy and interior design vibes. You may want to incorporate colors that represent the emotions you want to evoke in your clients. As an interior designer you already know that warm tones can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, while cooler tones can convey a sense of sophistication and elegance.
Navigation
Site navigation is all about helping users effortlessly navigate your site and find what they're looking for. It's important to have clear menu options on every page and check that all links are working correctly, leading to relevant and valuable content. As you develop your website, pay attention to the user journey and make it as easy as possible for individuals to access the details they need.
Mobile-friendly design
A user-friendly and captivating mobile interface enhances the user experience. With clients constantly browsing for design inspirations on their devices, it's vital that your website and its designs are aesthetically pleasing on both mobile and desktops. By prioritizing seamless mobile functionality, you'll retain more viewers, broadening your reach and sustaining their interest.
Logo
A logo helps form trust and recognition. If you don't already have one, use a logo creator to craft a professional and visually appealing logo that reflects your individual style and vision. Make sure it's prominently displayed on your homepage, favicon and consistent with the rest of your branding choices.
Learn how to make your own logo that speaks your interior design language and represents your brand.
04. Design key pages and functionality
Before you start building your website, determine the content you want to publish. Your pages should communicate your style, skills and background to prospective clients.
Homepage
Capture your visitor's attention here as they decide to explore further. Illustrate your interior design proficiency with a selection of high-quality photos on your homepage. Choose one or two captivating images or create a slideshow to highlight your style and design abilities. This is particularly useful if you specialize in multiple types of interior design.
Struggling to decide? Seek input from friends, family and colleagues to identify their favorite images that best represent your individual style. Their insights will help you curate a collection that successfully conveys your design mastery.
Contact page
A contact page is important for your customers to easily reach you. It should list key details like your business email, business phone number and business location. You might also want to create a form that enables viewers to send inquiries or requests directly from your website.
Incorporate an email opt-in option to keep your clients updated on your business. Every visitor has the potential to become a client, whether it's today or in the future. By providing a regular newsletter, you can give a better understanding of your work and initiate yourself as an industry expert.
Additionally, make it easy for clients to contact you by placing your contact information on the footer of every page of your website. This way, they won't have to look for your contact details, especially when they're on the go.
About page
As an interior designer, you'll spend plenty of one-on-one time with clients and collaborators. You want them to get a sense of your personality to ensure a productive working relationship.
The about page is your chance to share your story and exhibit your brand's personality. Share your background, experience and values that set you apart from other interior designers. Add personal touches like pictures of yourself or your team to foster a human connection with your clientele.
Services page
A dedicated page that explains your offerings ensures decision makers understand what you offer and if it aligns with their needs. Make it easy for them to take the next step by including a prominent call-to-action button like "Contact us for more information." This allows interested individuals to reach out and discuss costs. It's also an opportunity to begin a personal connection with the customer and follow up on any inquiries.
Online scheduling
Set up an appointment scheduler to encourage visitors to book your services on your site. This gives a convenient and hassle-free way to schedule appointments, encouraging them to work with you. Using a scheduling platform that can be linked to your website and synced with your calendar will make it easier for both you and your clients.
05. Add design portfolio and visuals
Your interior design expertise should speak for itself through your portfolio and graphics. Your portfolio should reflect your perspective on interior design. Feature only your best work to impress the user and illustrate your proficiency as a designer. This gives an idea of the types of designs you specialize in and your skill level.
Organize your portfolio
Displaying your portfolio in a user-friendly way allows the viewer to browse your projects easily. Categorize specific activity into groups like residential and commercial. Using a title generator, provide each image with a clear title and a brief description, so users can explore and click on what interests them.
Prioritize visuals
Engage your audience with story-like images and content. Pair professional photos with extra visual materials like mood boards, hand-drawn sketches or 3D renderings. Post before-and-after shots to highlight your designs' impact and transformation.
It's also important to verify that the images used on your website are optimized for web viewing. Use an image resizer to ensure fast site loading and maintain visual appeal without losing quality.
Tip: Create engaging videos with a video maker to bring your content to life in a whole new way.
06. Curate informative content
Use your website to share your philosophy, knowledge and expertise on interior design. Your website’s content is your chance to connect with clients and show them why you’re the right interior designer for their business.
Case studies
Writing case studies of your previous jobs to demonstrate your design process and showcase successful collaborations with clients. Share insights on client requests, challenges you faced and how you overcame them to achieve the final result. This not only demonstrates your skills but also builds trust.
Design blog
A design blog is an excellent way to share your thoughts on the latest trends, tips and tricks in interior design. Using a blog maker to consistently publish educational content can signify you as an industry expert and keep your website relevant. A blog is a great way of directing traffic to your website, particularly if you post about it on social media.
Social media links
In addition to interesting website content, you should have a strong social media presence. Share links between your business website and social accounts for customers to view your work. Stay updated on TikTok or Instagram trends, using popular music bits and video filters to feature your projects. If you have more followers or connections, you’ll find it easier to build your brand and drive traffic to your website. In addition, if you have Pinterest boards that show your work and aesthetic, consider including links for more opportunities to show off your work.
You can also try to incorporate user generated content, (UGC) from spaces you’ve already designed. Get happy clients to show some BTS content, before and after or other fun ways to show off your work in action.
Testimonials
Dedicate a section on your website to post reviews from happy customers. It's a certificate of your excellence and professionalism that goes a long way in building your brand. This builds credibility and trust with clients, making them more likely to choose your offerings. You can dedicate an entire web page to testimonials or add them at the bottom of other pages, such as the Homepage and your portfolio pages.
Press and awards
Don't be shy about showing off any press features or awards you have received. This adds credibility to your brand and expertise and customers will appreciate seeing your work recognized by others in the industry. Include logos of publications and organizations you've been featured in on your website, along with a brief description of the recognition. This can also entice new clients who may have seen your work in a publication or heard of your awards.
07. Promote your interior design website
Your website is an essential component of your marketing strategies for your interior design business. After you launch your website, you will want to promote it effectively. Here are a few ways to get the word out about your website:
SEO optimization
Ensure that your website has proper SEO features, so users can easily find you through Google or other search engines. Use relevant keywords throughout your content, optimize page titles and descriptions and write alt tags for your images. This will help improve your website's ranking in search results and drive more organic traffic.
Collaborate with other businesses
Partner with complementary businesses like furniture stores, home renovation companies or real estate agents. Offer to showcase their products or services on your website in exchange for them promoting your design business on their platforms. This can help expand your audience reach and increase traffic to your site through backlinks from their websites.
Network at industry events
Attend industry events such as trade shows, conferences or webinars to network with other designers and potentially collaborate on assignments or receive referrals. These events can also be an opportunity to feature your portfolio and hand out business cards to clients.
Email marketing
Use email marketing tools to reach out to prospects and keep them updated on your recent projects, blog posts and offerings. Create a mailing list and send out regular newsletters to communicate your work and keep your brand top of mind. You can also offer special promotions or discount codes to incentivize new clients to hire your services.
08. Keep your website up to date
Your website is a live portfolio that should always display your recent work and ideas. Regularly update your website with new activity, blog posts and any changes in your services or contact information. By consistently refreshing your content, you show others that you are an active and dedicated designer who is always improving and staying on top of the latest trends.
Website analytics
There's always room to enhance your pages or layout once you see how it performs. Get feedback from clients and colleagues on your site’s appearance, usability and messaging. You can also tap into website data available through Google and Wix Analytics, included free with every Wix site. View traffic, the most visited pages and bounce rate to tailor your site to your audience needs.
Read more:
Examples of interior design websites
Before you start building your own site, check out your peers' websites on Wix for website ideas to discover what you like, what you don’t like and how you can stand out.
Interno
A studio that combines creativity and technical expertise, Interno transforms ideas and concepts into beautiful spaces. The landing page features a captivating picture that highlights their work, drawing viewers in.
Casa Vilora Interiors
Casa Vilora Interiors is an award-winning Houston interior design firm specializing in accessible luxury design. On the weekly blog, Lux Living Weekly, users will find her take on bold, modern, and eclectic interiors that are both luxurious and practical. On the homepage, viewers will spot a prominent call-to-action button for booking now.
Samantha Pynn
Samantha Pynn is known for her friendly, vibrant style, with rooms that blend classic elements and her own modern twist. Her aesthetic is featured in an image gallery on her homepage along with a short blurb about her design approach.
Tracy Turco
Tracy Turco, an artist, designer, author, hotelier, entrepreneur, and style icon, is based in NYC and Palm Springs. Her website features vibrant colors and design that align with her brand image. An online shop is seamlessly integrated into the website for clients to purchase her products directly.
Studio ETN
Eitan Cohen of Studio ETN specializes in designing urban spaces using light and natural materials, functional design, and maximizing the space's characteristics. This expertise is showcased in the beautifully curated homepage gallery. The website features an easily navigable menu at the top, offering dedicated pages for services, projects, press, and contact information.
Get started with an AI generated website today.
Why does an interior designer need a website?
Businesses in various industries have begun developing these types of websites. A well-crafted website is key to effectively reaching and engaging with your audience. Here are some compelling reasons.
Showcase your portfolio
As an interior designer, your portfolio plays a vital role in your business. A website lets you exhibit high-quality images of your work and highlight various styles and designs. Plus, your site can provide inspiring web content, offering consumers ideas and insights for their projects.
Reach a wider audience
Having a website opens up your business to the entire online world. Keeping your site updated and SEO optimized helps you connect with individuals worldwide, expanding your business reach. With your website available around the clock, customers can explore your services, portfolio and reach out at their convenience.
Establish credibility
A website acts as a virtual business card, demonstrating your brand and services. It adds professionalism to your business and helps build trust. By building an informative website, you can set yourself up as an expert in the industry and inspire more clients.
Stay competitive
In today's digital age, having a website is almost expected for any business. A beautiful, optimized website can help you stand out from the competition and find clients who are looking for interior designers online.
Other types of websites to create
How to make an interior design website FAQ
What is a work sample vs. an online portfolio?
A work sample is a small snippet or example of your work, while an online portfolio is a comprehensive collection of your best work. A work sample may consist of one assignment or design, while an online portfolio can portray multiple projects and styles.