10 Website Must-Haves for Interior Designers

Because a stunning portfolio isn’t the only thing doing the heavy lifting.

Your interior design website is more than just a digital business card—it’s your online showroom, sales assistant, receptionist, and sometimes therapist (especially when you're tweaking layouts at midnight). Whether you're just launching your design business or you’ve been in the game for years, a polished, strategic website can mean the difference between a passive inquiry and a booked-out calendar.

To help you build a site that not only looks beautiful but works hard for your brand, we’re breaking down the 10 must-haves every interior designer’s website needs. From design details to back-end essentials, this is your guide to building a website that converts browsers into dream clients.

IDCO Website Templates

1. A Clear, Compelling Home Page

Your homepage is prime real estate. You have about three seconds to grab someone's attention before they click away—so make them count. That doesn’t mean throwing every detail onto one screen. Instead, think of your homepage as a well-designed entryway: clean, intentional, and inviting.

What to include:

• A hero image or video that captures your style

• One-liner about what you do and who you serve

• A call-to-action (CTA) button—think: “View Our Work” or “Start Your Project”

• Just enough copy to entice someone to click deeper

The key? Keep it focused and visually strong. Let your aesthetic speak while guiding the user toward the next step.

2. A Standout Portfolio

We know—you didn’t become a designer to obsess over website metrics. But the truth is, your portfolio is often the most visited (and most stalked) page on your site. It’s also where potential clients decide if your style aligns with their vision.

Tips to make it work:

• Organize by project or style

• Use high-resolution, professionally shot images (no iPhone selfies, please)

• Add brief project descriptions: location, scope, your role

• Bonus points for behind-the-scenes stories or design challenges you overcame

Your goal? Tell a visual story that makes visitors say, “I need to hire them.”

3. Services That Speak to Your Client

If your services page reads like an IKEA instruction manual, it’s time for a refresh. Your offerings should be clearly outlined, but also written with your ideal client in mind. Avoid industry jargon and speak their language instead.

Make sure to include:

• A short intro explaining how you work

• A breakdown of service tiers (Full Service, E-Design, Consultations, etc.)

• What’s included in each service

• Pricing info or a “starting at” range (optional, but helpful)

• A CTA leading to your contact or inquiry form

Remember, clarity sells. Make it easy for clients to understand exactly how they can work with you.

IDCO Website Template + Semi-Custom Branding in Action for Living Proper Interiors

4. An About Page That Builds Connection

You might feel awkward writing about yourself, but this page is where trust is built. People hire people they feel a connection with, so don’t be afraid to get a little personal (while keeping it professional).

What to include:

• A warm, approachable bio

• Your design philosophy

• A great photo (or two!)

• Accolades, press features, or certifications

• A peek into your process or personality

  
  

Pro tip: End with a CTA that gently nudges visitors to your portfolio or contact page. You’ve built the connection—now invite them to take the next step.

5. A Strategic Contact Page

This is not the time for a basic form slapped onto a blank background. Your contact page is your digital handshake—make it count.

Essentials:

• Inquiry form with curated fields (not 20 questions, but more than name/email)

• A dropdown for service type or budget (for lead qualification)

• Your business email (yes, people still look for it!)

• Location or service area

• Office hours or response time expectations

  
  

Make it friendly, make it functional, and make it clear what happens after they hit "send."

6. Mobile-Friendly Design

More than half of website visitors are browsing from their phones. If your site doesn’t look good (and work well) on mobile, you’re leaving money on the table.

Here’s what to check:

• Is the navigation easy to use?

• Do images resize correctly?

• Is text readable without zooming in?

• Are buttons easy to tap?

  
  

A responsive design isn’t optional—it’s expected. Test it across multiple devices to be sure your site looks polished no matter how it's viewed.

7. SEO Basics

Search engine optimization might sound intimidating, but the basics are totally doable—and absolutely worth it. A little strategy can help dream clients find you without having to constantly show up on social media.

Start with:

• Keyword-rich page titles and headers

• Clear meta descriptions

• Alt text for all images

• Internal linking between pages

• Fast page load speeds

  
  

If SEO feels like a foreign language, consider investing in a copywriter who can help translate. The right tweaks can dramatically boost your visibility.

8. An Active Blog or Resources Page

Blogging isn't dead—it’s just evolved. If you want to drive traffic, establish credibility, and support your SEO goals, an active blog or resource hub can do wonders.

Think beyond project reveals:

• Design tips or trends

• Before-and-after features

• FAQs about your services

• Client testimonials or case studies

• Guides to working with a designer

  
  

Not only does this content help potential clients feel more informed, it also shows Google you’re a site worth ranking.

9. Testimonials and Social Proof

You can talk about your work all day, but nothing is more convincing than a happy client doing it for you. Social proof builds trust and gives potential clients a sense of what it’s like to work with you.

Ways to showcase it:

• Dedicated testimonials page

• Sprinkle quotes throughout your site (especially service and home pages)

• Video reviews or design process highlights

• Include names, locations, or even a photo—if the client agrees

  
  

If you’re newer and don’t have testimonials yet, ask your last few clients or even industry peers for feedback you can share.

10. Email Signup or Lead Magnet

Even if someone isn’t ready to hire you today, they might be in six months. Give them a reason to stay in your orbit with a newsletter signup or free downloadable resource.

Ideas for lead magnets:

• A “Design Investment Guide” or “What to Expect When Working with a Designer”

• Free mood board templates

• A checklist for starting a home renovation

  
  

Add the signup to your homepage, blog, and footer to gently encourage conversion. Bonus: Once they’re on your list, you can keep the relationship going with value-packed emails that eventually lead to a sale.

IDCO Website Template + Semi-Custom Branding in Action for Clayton and Lee

Your Website Matters

Your website doesn’t need to be the fanciest on the internet—but it does need to reflect your brand, serve your clients, and support your business goals. Think of it as your hardest-working team member, quietly converting visitors while you’re busy designing dream homes.

So whether you're building from scratch or refreshing your current site, come back to this list to make sure the foundations are strong. Because when your website is doing its job, you can spend more time doing yours—beautifully.

Need help creating a strategic, elevated website that’s ready to convert?

We’ve got a website that’s perfect for you. Our collection of website templates are tailored to meet every creative need. Check out our ready-to-use website templates and our semi-custom websites designed specifically for interior designers—fully customizable, mobile-friendly, and infused with the same polish you'd bring to any home. Let your website be your secret marketing weapon.