The business of interior design is not only proposals and punch lists, it is also the work that imprints on you. Inside the Interior Design Community we asked, which project are you most proud of, and why. We asked designers on @interiordesigncommunity to share the project that made them proud. The responses were not pageview highlights, they were moments of trust, growth, and quiet impact. That is the heartbeat of the business of interior design.
What “proudest project” means in the business of interior design
Designers did not lead with square footage or budgets. They shared the story behind the space, the why. For some it was the first time a client gave complete trust. For others it was a project that stretched their craft, or a room that helped someone feel whole again. These stories remind us that purpose fuels stamina, and that purpose shows up in every consultation and install day.
Stories from the community
Michelle Cantor recounted a French country project outside Paris that she poured her soul into. The vision was rooted in antique elements from France. Eighteenth-century terra cotta roof tiles. A 17th-century stone mantle. Hand-carved paneling and lighting. She worked with an atelier in France and imported nearly every architectural element. The client never let it be photographed. After the client passed away, the house went to estate sale and Michelle was not credited for anything. It remains, as she said, her “best work never seen.” The heartbreak of it lives right alongside her pride.
For @spragueinteriors, it was a recent full-home remodel where the clients gave total trust. “The home is absolutely beautiful, functional, and the clients are super happy,” she wrote. But the win wasn’t just about the outcome. “I’m proud of the service we provided.”
@jfinteriordesigns pointed to every project over the last decade. “They all helped me gain experience and learn more and more about design,” she said. Right now, it’s her own home in California that’s top of mind. “Costs, hiccups, and more,” she shared, as she documents the whole thing on Instagram.
@christinarichardsoninteriors shared a “Margaritaville project” where even the toaster and silverware were styled. The client gave full trust and the whole thing was, as she put it, “a playful and fun project throughout.”
Growth came up again and again. @wannemacherinteriors said, “The last one I complete. I feel like I grow with each project I complete.” Her current one involves a full un-mcmansionizing of a 90s build. “It’s going to be my best work yet.”
Others pointed to moments where the design in their head became real. @mariaelvirasoto said, “I am proud to be able to see in real life what I designed in my head.” That’s the part clients never really see, the internal visuals finally given form.
@stylemyspace_designs named a student wellness space as her proudest. The reward was in the kids’ faces and the handwritten notes they left. “It was worth it all.”
For @relicdesign, it was a rural farmhouse in Illinois that blended old and new. “My favorite because it really spoke to my soul,” she said. And @emmadaviesinteriors shared a poignant memory of installing a home for a client who had just lost her husband. “The client was overcome with emotion,” she wrote. “There was a real sense of healing in the space. It reminded me how impactful our work can be beyond aesthetics.”
How to use proud projects in your studio, without the humblebrag
Your proudest work can be more than a feel good memory. Use it with intention inside the business of interior design.
Clarify the result that actually mattered
Write a one sentence outcome that a client would care about, for example, improved morning flow, dignified aging in place, or a calming space after loss. Keep it human, keep it specific.
Build a short proof story
Turn the story into a 90 second case study for consults, three beats only, the challenge, the key decision, the result. Use this as a teaching moment for new clients, not a trophy. If you have photography, choose one image that supports the result, not just the pretty angle.
Protect client boundaries and consent
Some wins cannot be published. When a client does not want photos, honor it, and build a redacted case study for private use in conversations. Use clear language about scope, privacy, and approvals in your onboarding.
FAQ
How do I choose which proud projects to showcase on my website or during consults
Pick two or three that demonstrate different strengths, for example, space planning, trade coordination, or wellness focused design. Map each to a specific service tier so prospects see the path from story to scope.
What if a client will not allow photography
Ask about limited use, for example, detail shots with no identifying features, or a written testimonial without photos. If the answer is still no, respect it, then document the story privately, dates, decisions, and the outcome, so you can share the lesson in consults without revealing the client.
How do I talk about emotional outcomes without overpromising
Describe what you controlled, the design choices, phasing, and installation, then report the client’s experience in their words. Keep words like calm, ease, or confidence grounded in observable changes such as better storage or improved lighting.
Client Communication & Boundaries