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Top 100 Most Influential Interior Design Websites of 2015

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Interior design is evolving every day on the web. The voice of independent bloggers and designers continues to grow stronger, with big names and top quality websites organically growing into stars thanks to loyal fans and what seems like everlasting creativity. Walls are falling down, literally and figuratively, that once kept creative minds from showing their work off to the world. With that, we've put together a list of the most influential interior design bloggers and websites on the web today. A nod to the small and organically grown rather than the corporately funded, this list belongs to you. Stay tuned after the list for bios contributed by several of the designers themselves, a complete copy of all the statistics we gathered, and the philosophy behind the rankings.

Ranking Philosophy and Scores

With so many social media networks on the web, we knew not everyone would be active on every single network. The likelihood of an active presence on one of “the big three”, as we consider them, was high and we weighted them to try not to give too much or too little significance to any one network between Twitter, Facebook, and Google+. Each item was divided by what we felt was an appropriate factor to level the playing field between statistics. This way, a “Domain Authority” of 54 will have the same effect on the formula as 5,400 Retweets, for example. 

You'll find the factors we divided by and the percentage weight each item was given at the bottom of our complete statistics document. Of course, we could have used other websites like Pinterest, Instagram, and many more, but we feel the networks we used gave a sufficient understanding of overall influence.

** Click here for complete statistics on every website! **

Obviously social media isn't the only way someone can have influence. It just happens to be the newest way. We can't forget about website traffic! Using tools like  SEMRushMozMajestic, and Alexa, we were able to get a thorough understanding of each website, how much traffic they receive, and how many other websites link to them. Each of these factors was given weight in our final formula. 

Their Stories

We did our best to contact every blogger, writer, or website owner to get their story to share with you. Specifically we asked about how they got into writing about interior design, what they love most about it, and if they have any advice for up-and-coming writers or people looking to jump in for the first time (or anything else they wanted to share!). We were thrilled to hear back from a huge range of people. Are you on the list but haven't talked to us yet? Send an email to  [email protected] or tweet @HomeDecorQueen and we will happily edit our post to include you and your story!

#1: ApartmentTherapy.com – Maxwell Ryan - @AptTherapy

So glad to hear that (we made the list) and thanks for the praise. I would say that the best answer to your questions is in this post I wrote and even spoke from recently, “Ten things you need to know about Apartment Therapy”.

The story is a little bit about me personally, but mostly it's about how this company has grown. There is much to it that I hope you will find familiar, useful and inspiring. And, if you are a regular reader of Apartment Therapy, you may also find that it has become a part of your own story. I certainly hope so.

After a number of years, I’ve come to realize that the therapy part is very real, and what makes what we do so much more interesting. Instead of becoming an interior design company, Apartment Therapy has become a lifestyle community for a new generation where ideas, inspiration, resources and support are all intertwined and no one style or approach is championed over any other.

#5: Decoist.com – Alex Ion - @decoist

What made you decide to start writing about interior design?

It started when I decided to renovate my city apartment. I was seeing a lot of ideas online, but I didn't have a place to store them. So I decided I'll play on Decoist.

What is your favorite part about writing and being in your niche?

Seeing so many new designs right before making it to people's home is one of the most amazing things for me. Also, the amount of inspiration I get from having to deal with so many projects is just as amazing.

Do you have any advice for people hoping to start a website or blog of their own?

Do everything out of passion and eventually it will work out.

Do you have any other words of wisdom for us?

Probably the most important thing is having what I call, etiquette. Stick by it!

#11: Homestratosphere.com – Jon - @HomeStratos

What made you decide to start writing about interior design? 

As a kid I loved looking at magazines of beautiful homes and floorplans.  It's been a lifelong passion.  Therefore, when I decided to start a blog, it made perfect sense to start a website focused on residential interior design and architecture.  Every day is fun and exciting because I get to spend it looking at and enjoying residential design.  

I also love the reader interaction.  We have millions of readers who engage via social media every day and it's very exciting to provide a place where millions of people can enjoy interior designs and architectural designs of all kinds.

What is your favorite part about writing and being in your niche? 

The level of creativity excites me the most.  Every week I'm impressed with new interior designs that are submitted to our site as well as the incredible residential architectural designs.  

Do you have any advice for people hoping to start a website or blog of their own? 

First and foremost, set out to create and publish something people will enjoy.  We have a 37% return visitor rate, which means people like our site enough to return.  This is a very important metric for us.

It's time-consuming to build up a successful blog/website on any topic.  Therefore, in my experience, it's good to enjoy the topic.  Publishing Homestratosphere.com is a joy because I love the topic.

In a nutshell, I set out to publish a website that I would enjoy as a reader.  That's a driving force every day.

#19: Desiretoinspire.net – Kim & Jo - @desiretoinspire

What made you decide to start writing about interior design?

I have to say that we're not really writers. And that's what has set us apart from most design blogs over the years is that our focus is on juicy photos of fantastic interiors. We write simple short introductions to our posts and let the photos and spaces speak for themselves. 

What is your favorite part about writing and being in your niche?

My favourite part about having this blog is getting to share our passion with others who are also obsessed with interior design. It is a big part of my life and Jo's as well, and we have a blast trying to find the best interiors and sharing them with our readers. It's also alot of fun sharing the design projects on our own homes and getting our readers' feedback. 

Do you have any advice for people hoping to start a website or blog of their own?

Make sure you love and live your blog. No blogger wants to spend their days going on and on in their blog posts about a topic that isn’t really heartfelt. A blog’s audience will grow much faster if the blogger shows their passion for the subject, and maintains a personal approach as well. You want to draw people in and keep them coming back day after day.

#26: TheDecorologist.com - Kristie Barnett -@thedecorologist

What made you decide to start writing about interior design?

After working as a psychologist for a decade, i was completely burned out. in my mid-thirties, I took the leap and began a new career in staging and design. After awhile, I felt the need to share the things I was learning about decorating and color along the way - you know, those things you wish someone had told you when you started! I knew nothing about blogs when I started 6 years ago - the only one I had even read was Apartment Therapy.

What is your favorite part about writing and being in your niche?

The relationships I've developed with my readers, who are either design professionals or laypeople who just want to make their homes more beautiful and welcoming. My clients know exactly who I am and what to expect before we even meet, because most of them followed my blog first.

Do you have any advice for people hoping to start a website or blog of their own?

Write about what your passionate about, not about what anyone else tells you that you should write about. If you aren't passionate about your subject, you won't be able to maintain the consistency needed to grow a successful blog.

#28: Designlike.com - Catalin-Nicolae ION - @designlike

What made you decide to start writing about interior design?

My dream was to share with people great ideas about how to decorate and design their homes.

What is your favorite part about writing and being in your niche?

My favorite part is the interior design category combined with the new trend in technology. It is very important to add some additional value to the existing information about the interior design.

Do you have any advice for people hoping to start a website or blog of their own?

Yes, to find a good way to share quality content and original ideas.

#34: CarlaAston.com – Carla Aston - @Carla_Aston

What made you decide to start writing about interior design?

I'm a designer with an active business and love sharing my work and day to day processes on my blog. I also just love talking design concepts and exploring beautiful interiors and sharing that with my readers. It's sort of a design journal for me and really helps draw clientele and makes for a more prepared client in the long run.

What is your favorite part about writing and being in your niche?

Having the opportunity to share my work in detail is huge. It's so hard to get published these days and there's so much beautiful work out there. I love sharing all the details of my projects as well as the inspiring work of others. I often use my blog as a place to share the reasons behind what I do, backing that up with images and examples. It's made a great encyclopedia of information to pull out and send to a client, to show what I might be trying to push them to do in their own interiors. If I've written about a particular concept, then I just forward the link and it helps for them to see what I'm talking about in living color.

Do you have any advice for people hoping to start a website or blog of their own?

We all know it's really hard to get noticed and build a successful blog these days. 5 years ago, things were easier, 8 years ago much more so. The bloggers that started then are at the top now, primarily because of their history and the way that traffic to sites builds over time and grants authority. If I was starting these days as a blogging designer, I would focus on creating an image of the kind of work I want to do, writing about projects and featuring work that would mimic my favorite styles. I would also share all kinds of juicy tidbits and behind the scenes looks of my own projects and then reach out to larger bloggers offering my work for publication on their blogs. If I was a design enthusiast, I would tap the great market of slightly unpublished designers, there are so many good ones on Houzz, reaching out to them to gain insight into their projects and processes. Designers love to talk about their work, but the bigger and more famous they are, the harder they are to reach and less likely they would be to contribute. Let's face it, you can't just write a blogpost about how much you love a few particular images these days and leave it at that. You've got to develop content, a point of view, and think about how to make your blog interesting and informational.

#40: Savvyhomeblog.com - Gabrielle Savoie - @SavvyHome

What made you decide to start writing about interior design?

I started Savvy Home purely out of interest five years ago. I studied interior design out of high school because I was always passionate about design. Then I went the safer route and studied communications and business. While I was living in Australia, working in a not-so-creative job in web development and decorating my first home, starting an interior design blog seemed like a fun creative outlet. I never intended it to turn into a business, but the interest grew and next thing I knew I was doing it full-time!

What is your favorite part about writing and being in your niche?

The more you read and write about it, the more you know... But you also realize how much more you have to learn. This is true for every field but when you find a subject you love, working never feels like a chore.

Do you have any advice for people hoping to start a website or blog of their own?

Don't do it to become an overnight success, do it because you have an interesting angle and something to share. Blogs are a dime a dozen these days, so creativity is key.

#44: 4men1lady.com - Michelle Hinckley - @4men1ladyblog

What made you decide to start writing about interior design?

I'm totally passionate about design. When we started blogging we had just bought a new home that was completely builder-beige. I set out to personalize our home and make it beautiful all while documenting the process along the way.

What is your favorite part about writing and being in your niche?

There's something really gratifying about taking part in the creative process. Figuring out how to pull pieces, colors and patterns together to make a cohesive, lovely space feels like play to me. Blogging it a lot of work but it feels more like play. It's my passion!

#47: TheJungalow.com – Justina Blakeney - @justinablakeney

What made you decide to start writing about interior design?

Ever since I was a child I was very art and design oriented. I loved to paint, sew and collage. After studying art in college I moved to Italy and began to think about design as a way to make a living using my creative talents. I opened a small boutique for vintage and new-designer clothing and I found that after a few years, I was most excited about the finding vintage objects and furniture for the shop. It was then that I realized my passion for decor and began working on home decor projects. I originally began blogging as a way to do something creative everyday. I loved blogging right away as it was a natural way to combine so many of the things that I love including writing, photography, graphic design, crafting, styling, collaging, curating and decorating.

What is your favorite part about writing and being in your niche?

My blog is truly an extension of myself. I blog about all the things that I love--my family, my jungalow, my closet, my obsession with plants and textiles from around the globe, wild patterns, thrifted finds and bohemian dwellings. My favorite thing about writing for my blog is that I get to follow my heart and inspire others. I love my niche because

Do you have any advice for people hoping to start a website or blog of their own?

I would suggest honing in on the parts of it that you love. If you love the writing, focus on that, if you love the images, focus on that. Start small and simple and then hire on experts to help with the other stuff as you go. If you focus on the part of the job that you love, it always feels fun and inspiring, and readers can feel that too.

#49: HappyInteriorBlog.com - Igor Josifovic -@IgorJosif

What made you decide to start writing about interior design?

At the basis it's my passion for interiors, home decor and everything that makes a home a happy place. I felt the need to create a 'digital home' for everything that inspires me for a happy home and that was the initial reason to create Happy Interior Blog. In the meantime the blog has expanded content-wise to travels and plants as these are two additional passions that cater to my happy life and pretty often also add to my home decor and interior styling.

What is your favorite part about writing and being in your niche?

I love the response from my readers. Sometimes as a blogger you tend to feel like in a bubble, writing, creating, sharing all in your own sphere. But it's the readers' response that makes it all worth and fun - seeing others inspired by what I show and write is really encouraging and driving me.

Do you have any advice for people hoping to start a website or blog of their own?

Be absolutely passionate about the topic otherwise blogging will soon become a burden. It is a lot of work and it takes up a lot of time and you'll only be willing to invest all that if you really love the topic.

I love the ongoing inspiration and new friendships that blogging brings into my life. It is more than just being in front of your computer and writing something. It is also about going out, meeting those people and creating not only networks but also new friendships all around the world.

#66: NicheInteriors.com – Jennifer Jones - @NicheInteriors

What made you decide to start writing about interior design?

I wanted an outlet to connect with our clients, industry partners, and interior design enthusiasts on a more informal level. Blogging was the perfect solution! We can share our latest inspirations, new products, and tricks of the trade instantly.

What is your favorite part about writing and being in your niche?

I love that we can spot something interesting at the design center and share it on the blog the same day! Our clients will often reference photos that we post during meetings, which is fun and makes for a more collaborative process.

Do you have any advice for people hoping to start a website or blog of their own?

Seek out what inspires you! I think as long as you are passionate about your topic you will connect with others who share the same interests.

#70: Cozystylishchic.com – Jeanne Chung - @CozyStylishChic

What made you decide to start writing about interior design?

I started writing about interior design because at the time I was working as a fashion designer but wanted to make the switch to designing interiors.  I had studied interior design but the weak economy forced me to go back to where the money was 3 years earlier.  Writing about interior design was my way of establishing my authority.  Starting an interior design business is not easy when you don’t have the capital - the next best thing to possess is knowledge and authority, and writing helped me to establish both within the interior design community as well as potential clients.

What is your favorite part about writing and being in your niche?

My favorite part about writing is being able to share all the knowledge I’ve accumulated.  I am bursting at the seams with information and am thrilled that people are interested in what I have to say and share. I love what I do, which makes it that much easier to write about.  

Do you have any advice for people hoping to start a website or blog of their own?

My advice?  Stay true to yourself and what you believe in - be authentic and don’t follow the crowd.  It’s ok to have a different point of view than everyone else - that’s what makes you special.   

If my high school English teacher only knew I was writing he would roll in his grave,  since I nearly failed!  Writing about interior design and something that you are passionate about is definitely more exciting than writing about Moby Dick or Existentialism!

#75: Brainlid.com – Nanine Clement - @brainlidinc

The thing that I thought when I start writing interior decor is that I like to see some spaces become comfortable  and worthy. Even simple things like changing color can give a power in the space. My favourite part is to review remodeling decor. Love to see before and after remodel, feels like breaking the jail.

For those who want to build a site, please choose your own niche,  the most you like...  don't think too long and just start it and you will see the way you understand what you like.

#78: APDInteriors-blog.com – Andrew Dunning - @andrewdunning

What made you decide to start writing about interior design?

The principle decision was business lead – we use our blog to demonstrate to potential clients our depth of knowledge and our house style. We use it to showcase our products when complete, and then share the products discovered while running a design business.

What is your favorite part about writing and being in your niche?

Making new discoveries is my favourite part of writing – I just love finding new products to write about. Getting the inside track direct from the press team of suppliers is the best way to stay on trend.

Do you have any advice for people hoping to start a website or blog of their own?

Write about what you love and like, and be yourself – otherwise readers will see through you. Don’t be tempted by all the offers of sponsored posts – littering your blog with them only cheapens the overall impression. 

#84: Michaelanoelledesigns.blogspot.ca - Michaela Warner - @michaela_noelle

What made you decide to start writing about interior design?

I've been creative and have always been interested in houses, floor plans, and decor for as long as I can remember. My grandma is an interior designer, so while I was growing up I would go on some jobs with her to see her work. I had always wanted to become a designer as well, but people often shot the idea down in fear of it not being a good idea financially. When I was in high school I had to write an essay on what I wanted to be when I grew up, and without hesitation I wrote on becoming a designer. After gathering the facts and interviewing a few designers, I decided this was something I was actually going to pursue.

After a year of reading design blogs, I finally decided I should start my own. I actually started my blog my freshman year of college! I went to Seattle Pacific University and graduated with my degree in interior design. My blog began as a way to chronicle my journey through school, show my readers what projects I was working on, give them glimpses into my dorm rooms or apartments I was living in, and just a general peek into my life as a college student pursuing design. After I graduated and opened my own business, I have continued writing the blog, although it's changed from *school* projects to real *client* projects, which has been fun for my readers to see!

What is your favorite part about writing and being in your niche?

I see my blog as another creative outlet, a way to share my knowledge on interiors with others, and hopefully an inspiring place for readers to come each day. Another hope I have, is that through my blog, readers will turn into clients and clients will turn into friends. I think the best part about writing on my niche of design, the home, and life, are the real friendships and connections I've made. It's so fun to have a constant dialogue about the things we, as a community of design-lovers, are passionate about. Writing my own blog and getting feedback from readers, as well as reading other's blogs is also incredibly motivating. It pushes me to want to learn more, and be a better designer and writer.

Do you have any advice for people hoping to start a website or blog of their own?

I have a lot to say on this subject! Because of that, my best friend and I founded The Bloom Workshop. I see my blog as another creative outlet, a way to share my knowledge on interiors with others, and hopefully an inspiring place for readers to come each day where we travel across the country teaching on blogging, social media, photography and design. It's quite fun! My best practical advice would be to realize it will take a while to grow your blog. It's not going to happen overnight, and that's okay. In order to grow your blog, there's a few things that are really important: spend a lot of time commenting on other blogs so you will get your name out there, be genuine and cultivate real friendships, post consistently on your blog so readers expect you will have a post and will want to come back, and finally, take clear, bright photos and have a simple, fresh layout for your blog.

#85: Patchworkharmony.co.uk – Caroline Rowland - @patchworkhrmy

What made you decide to start writing about interior design?

I started writing my blog in 2008, because I wanted to explore a hobby which explored my interest in interiors. I was living in my first rented home with my then boyfriend (now husband!) and we were about to buy our first home, so my interest in interiors was really developing. I never dreamt it would eventually turn into my career! 

What is your favorite part about writing and being in your niche?

There lots of different aspects of what I do, which is why I love it so much. My blog is a more casual way of writing, so there I love sharing ideas, what I am loving, what I am doing in my own home, etc and I take a much more personal, light hearted approach to this. When I write features for magazines, what I love about this is finding out about other people's homes and lives and how they decorate their home and why. It's a fabulous insight. I'm currently just finishing writing my first interiors book, and again this is a different type of writing. It is more focused on the different ideas for styling and decorating that can be discovered from the interiors featured in the book.  I also love the research side of writing, so diving into the internet to find lovely homes to feature or finding out about new and established designers and products. 

Do you have any advice for people hoping to start a website or blog of their own?

Don't get too bogged down in the planning and setting up of your blog. Of course take some time to consider the direction you want to take and how you want it to look, but I found it's best just to get going and your blog will evolve as you learn what works best. Also, make sure you have the time to dedicate to it - a lot of people don't realise the work involved in keeping a blog going and only last a few months. It can be a full time job!! 

Anything else you'd like to share with us?

My blog is where it all started for me - I am now self employed, running my online magazine - 91 Magazine, writing for other publications and writing my first book. Blogging is an exciting industry that can open up so many opportunities, I would highly recommend it! :) 

#92: KarenMills.net – Karen Mills - @karenmariemills

I was fortunate to have spent my childhood surrounded by the arts. My father was a writer, mother was a musician, grandmother designed all my clothes, and cousin was a famous painter which led to my passion for the creative.. Even though I've owned a design firm for years and was a spokesperson for national brands like Kohler and Sherwin Williams, I didn't start writing professionally until I was asked by Curtco Media (Robb Report/Home Entertainment) while still hosting the long running interior design & lifestyle show called "Living Large" on Entercom radio network. The editor asked me to submit an article about the future of kitchens because I loved discussing the latest trends and what was next so I thought why not! A few years later, when the Living Large's webpage on Entercom was hacked, I decided to start blogging because I loved that easygoing journalistic style of writing where it didn't have to be perfect, just heartfelt.

The best part about sharing a little design insight each week, starts with knowing I've enriched the lives of my readers for a few minutes each week while also teaching them how to create a better quality of life for themselves.

I often encourage readers, friends, and clients who ask about blogging to pursue it if the topic they will be writing about is a passion.

94: InteriorsbyJacquin.blogspot.com – Jacquin Milhouse-Headen - @JacquinMH

What made you decide to start writing about interior design?

I began writing about interior design because I wanted to promote my interior design business and I thought an inspirational décor and style blog would be just the way to do it. Also, I LOVE writing! I was an English major and had written for a few publications to find that I love to write. With my love of design AND writing, blogging about interior design never gets old too me. It's been the most wonderful combination! What made you decide to start writing about interior design?

What is your favorite part about writing and being in your niche?

My favorite thing about blogging is how it's connected me to other parts of the world, as well as the amazing community of fellow bloggers I get to be a part of! Mixing things up with a global perspective is one of my favorite things to do, and an internet-based writing platform allows me to do just that. The world is at my fingertips!

Do you have any advice for people hoping to start a website or blog of their own?

Start to compile a list of at least 20 post topics in advance of starting your blog. It may sound like a lot, but it will get your momentum going, which is SO helpful when getting started!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I love giving decorating tips! :-D I suppose that's another reason I started my interior design blog. So, it's only fitting that I leave the wonderful readers with two great decorating tips!

(1) Hang a work of art in every room! It's a great way to show your personal style, as well add a burst of color to your space!

(2) To fit more seating into your eat-in kitchen, try adding a stylish banquette

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