PR for Interior Designers in 2026

Jan 13

If you’ve been feeling like getting published is harder than it used to be…
If pitches seem to disappear into a black hole…
If editors take weeks (or months) to respond—if they respond at all…

You’re not imagining it.

PR for interior designers in 2026 is a very different game than it was even three years ago. Not worse, necessarily, but slower, more competitive, and far more discerning.

And the designers who are still winning press? They’ve adjusted how they show up.

Let’s talk about what’s really going on, and what to do about it.

1. Yes, It Is Harder to Get Published

There was a time when strong photography, a beautiful home, and a decent pitch could reliably land a feature.

That time has passed.

Editors today are:

Covering more content faster and with smaller teams
Producing less print issues every year and working extremely far out (many print shelter publications are reviewing projects for 2027 already!)
Under pressure to publish stories that drive traffic, engagement, and sometimes even affiliate sales

Which means fewer long-form features, more competition for the ones that remain, and a much higher bar for why a project deserves coverage now.

This doesn’t mean your work isn’t beautiful.
It means it’s just simply harder to get a big, splashy feature.

2. Timelines Are Slower, and Silence Is Normal

One of the biggest shifts designers struggle with is response time.

Here’s the reality:

Editors are inundated—constantly
A non-response is not a “no,” it’s often that they haven’t yet had their review meeting OR it’s still in the running.
Having a publicist with strong relationships matters more than ever, but so does patience.

In 2026, PR is less about quick wins and more about long-game momentum. Stories can take months from first pitch to placement. Sometimes longer.

If you’re expecting instant validation, PR might feel frustrating.
If you’re building credibility, it should feel strategic.

3. THE STORY Matters as Much as PRETTY PHOTOS

Let’s clear something up: beautiful photography is still essential.
But in 2026, it’s no longer the whole story.

Editors aren’t just asking Is this pretty?
They’re asking What’s the angle?

What makes this home different?

Is there a smart renovation story?
A meaningful constraint?
A fresh way of working with a client, budget, or location?
A point of view that says something about how we live now?

A gallery of gorgeous images without context is increasingly hard to place. Editors need a narrative they can sell to their audience—something that gives the project relevance beyond aesthetics.

This is where many designers get stuck, and frankly, sometimes frustrated that giving us so many details about a project feels like homework. They assume the work should speak for itself. In today’s media landscape, it rarely does.

The designers getting published consistently understand how to frame their projects as stories, not just showcases. They are diving in deep with us to help tell the best story andhelp editors see the “why,” not just the “wow.”

Pretty gets attention.
Story gets coverage.

4. Being an Expert Is Often More Powerful Than Being Featured

Editors increasingly rely on expert quotes, roundups, and commentary to fill stories quickly and efficiently.

That means:

Designers with strong opinions get quoted more often
Visibility compounds through smaller placements
Credibility builds even when full features are scarce

In many cases, designers are building more name recognition and getting high quality backlinks that help their SEO through being helpful than through waiting for the perfect glossy spread. If you need help getting these types of placements, check out Library Card!

5. PR in 2026 Is About Compounding, NOT A ONE AND DONE MINDSET

The biggest mistake I see designers make right now is treating PR like a one-off event.

One shoot.
One pitch.
One feature that only got one moment.

Essentially treating their project photo shoot like a one-night stand.

The designers seeing real results think differently:

They reuse strong imagery strategically
They understand where a project fits (and where it doesn’t)

PR today is about stacking credibility.

THE BOTTOM LINE:

If you’re approaching PR in 2026, here’s where I’d put your energy:

Clarify your point of view
What do you believe about design, clients, budgets, sustainability, craftsmanship?
Invest in imagery that tells a story
Editors want flow, context, and narrative—not just pretty photos.
Be visible outside of features
Thoughtful captions, interviews, quotes, and commentary all count.
Play the long game
Realize that PR is a long term investment in your reputation.