Design pros build deep relationships with clients, and sometimes those connections lead to generous gifts. This piece collects hand me downs from interior design clients, plus a short guide to accepting client gifts with clarity. It is part celebration, part practical advice, and all about the business of interior design.
Hand Me Down stories from the trade
“When my favorite and most supportive client, with whom I had completed three projects, was diagnosed with cancer, he said, ‘You know all those ideas you had? Let’s do them all of them! And let’s get this published in a magazine. I want all my loved ones to be wowed as they come to say their goodbyes.’ That Logan Circle project was featured in House Beautiful and Home & Design. When he was close to passing, he asked me what I’d like, if anything, to remember him by.
I told him I’d love to have this little painting of a house on the water with a lavender sky by an artist in Provincetown. I cherish that piece and our supportive collaboration every day.”
“My most amazing client gifted me with most of the pieces she wasn’t going to use when they combined two homes into one. I literally filled a U-Haul full of furniture, chandeliers, and beautiful rugs. After 20 years of marriage, my husband and I actually have a proper bedroom set. Custom headboard with antique side tables just one of the many items. Every day, I feel so blessed for her generosity.
I’m like the cobbler’s kid, designing beautiful spaces for all my clients, and not finding the time to do my own home.”
“When a client was moving to Hawaii, we were reviewing what she should and shouldn’t sell, etc., and I said, ‘Oh, I wish I could afford those Kagan nautilus swivel chairs?’ And she said, ‘They are yours as a thank you!’”
What gifts do designers receive most often
From antique furniture and original art to newer appliances and designer accessories, hand me downs cover the spectrum. Inside the Interior Design Community, designers mentioned vintage Hermès scarves, Chanel handbags, Sub-Zero refrigerators, Eames chairs, and even complete bedroom sets. The pieces carry value in dollars and in stories.
How to accept client gifts with clarity
A thoughtful gift is a beautiful gesture, and it can create questions about boundaries. Use this simple, repeatable framework, then tailor it to your firm.
1) Acknowledge with gratitude
Thank the client and mirror the sentiment. Keep it warm and brief.
2) Run a quick ethics and optics check
Ask whether accepting this item could change, or seem to change, your professional judgment, scope, or pricing, now or later. When in doubt, choose transparency.
3) Put acceptance in writing
Send a short email confirming that the gift is personal, not a discount or barter, and that the project scope and fees remain unchanged. This protects both parties and keeps client communication clean.
Quick checklist for the trade
- Say thank you, then document
- Confirm no scope or pricing changes
- Log the item, source, and date
- Photograph for provenance if relevant
- Add the story to your portfolio notes when appropriate
Why these gifts matter
Monetary value is only part of the story. A gift from a client often marks trust, shared wins, and the creative connection you build through the design process. These items become touchstones, reminders of the impact your work has on people’s lives.
How does this fit the business of interior design
Client generosity is terrific and also affects pricing, scope, and reputation. Treat gifts as outside the fee agreement unless you put something in writing. If a client wants to barter, keep it separate from gifts and use a written change to your agreement.
Valuation, care, and insurance basics
If a hand me down could be valuable, preserve its story. Ask the client for any purchase records or provenance notes. Photograph maker marks and condition. For appraisals, look for a qualified specialist in the item category. For insurance purposes, note whether a homeowner policy or a separate rider is needed. Store textiles away from sunlight, keep wood and leather in climate-stable spaces, and avoid quick fixes that remove patina.
Donation or resale, smart paths
Not every gift fits your home, and that is okay. If you choose to pass it forward, consider donating to a local charity that accepts furniture, consignment with a reputable shop, a verified online marketplace, or an auction for rare pieces. Keep your acceptance email and a transfer record so the story does not get lost.
When to decline with care
Some gifts are not the right fit. Keep it gracious.
Decline Script
Thank you so much for thinking of me. This is incredibly generous. To keep our work boundaries clear, I have a simple policy about personal gifts. I am honored by the offer, and I will cheer you on as you find the perfect next home for it.
When to accept the quick email
Acceptance Script
Subject: Thank you
Hi [Client Name], thank you for the [item]. I am grateful for your kindness. To keep our records clean, I will note this as a personal gift, separate from the project. Our scope and fees remain the same. Thank you again for your generosity.
Gift log template
Date, Client, Item, Notes on Condition, Estimated Value, Documentation on File, Next Step
2025 11 06, Smith Residence, Pair of vintage lamps, Good condition, $400, Photos and client note saved, Add to home office
Make a simple spreadsheet with these columns, or add them to your studio notebook.
Scenarios from the trade
Scenario: The duplicate piece
A client upgrades a dining table and offers the previous one. You accept with thanks and send the acceptance email. It does not fit your space, so you consign it and log the sale in your records.
Scenario: The emotional heirloom
A client offers a painting from a loved one. You confirm their family has no interest, ask for any known history, and document the provenance. You ensure it as a scheduled item and care for it accordingly.
Scenario: The high-value item
A client offers a designer handbag. You accept with thanks, log it, and ask your accountant about any reporting needs. You note that future project pricing remains unchanged.
FAQ, quick answers for designers
Can I sell a client gift later?
Yes, once accepted, it is yours. If the item had emotional weight, consider telling the client you found it a new home. Keep your acceptance email on file.
Do I need to send a thank-you note?
A warm email is great, and a handwritten note is even better for relationship building.
Is a gift ever considered income?
Rules vary by situation, so speak with your accountant. Keep personal gifts separate from the project scope, and avoid barter unless it is in writing and clearly valued.
Should I tag the client on social when I share the story
Ask permission first. Some clients prefer privacy, others love the shout-out.
What about appliances or large items
Confirm delivery logistics, measure twice, and plan storage. If it will sit for a while, pad and protect it.
Do I owe a discount later because of a gift
No. Gifts are separate from fees. Keep that line clear in writing.
Keep the conversation going
Share your story inside the Interior Design Community. Listen to fresh conversations about the business of interior design on the To-The-Trade podcast featuring Laurie Laizure and Nile Johnson. Designers learn faster together, and your experience helps the trade.
Client Communication & Boundaries