Someone planning a new kitchen or a bedroom refit usually has a picture in mind, and they're looking for a designer whose work is close to it. A portfolio that shows every project in one long grid makes that search hard. A portfolio sorted by room and style lets a visitor find the work that matches their own home in a few clicks.
This guide explains how to organise an interior designer's portfolio and how to label it honestly.
Sort by room first
Most clients think in rooms: the living room, the kitchen, a bedroom, a home office or a whole flat. Group your projects by room, and add a second layer for style, such as minimal, warm traditional or a mix. A visitor should be able to go from "kitchen" to "warm, traditional kitchens" in two taps.
Keep the room groups consistent. If one project appears under "living room" and "open plan", the visitor will wonder which one is right.
Add the details clients ask about
For each project, give the room type, the style, the approximate size of the space if you know it, and the broad budget range you worked to, if you're comfortable sharing it. Clients planning a budget want to see that a project like theirs has been done at a similar level.
Budget ranges are more useful than exact figures, and they're easier to keep accurate.
Label renders honestly
Designers often show 3D renders alongside finished photos. Label each one clearly, so a visitor can tell a render from a completed room. A render that looks like a finished photograph and turns out to be a concept misleads clients and damages trust.
Use photos of finished work whenever you can, and only use photos of clients' homes with their written permission.
Enquiries that arrive with the right details
Ask for the things a designer needs before a first call: the city, the type of property, the rooms involved and a budget range. Explain why you ask, such as "this helps us suggest the right time and team for your project". Most clients will answer if they understand the reason.
Quick checklist
- Group the projects by room type first, then by style.
- Keep room names the same across every project.
- Give each project its room type, style, approximate size and budget band.
- Label every render clearly, so it isn't mistaken for a finished photograph.
- Use photographs of client homes only with written permission.
- Check that each project appears under the right room.
What to do next
The interior designer websites page shows how a room-based portfolio and the enquiry section usually fit together. The layout behind this is covered on the business websites page, which suits any interior design practice building its first site. Sort your projects by room before you write any descriptions, because the grouping decides how easy the portfolio is to use.