EP 189 | How Interior Designers Create Magazine-Worthy Project Photography with Margot Austin

Want your interior design projects to stand out in publications and attract ideal clients?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by stylist Margot Austin to discuss the art of creating compelling interior design photography that tells a story — not just documents a space.

Beautiful project photography is one of the most powerful marketing tools available to interior designers. Margot explains why styling, preparation, and creative direction are essential for producing images that capture emotion, communicate your brand, and increase your chances of getting published in top design magazines.

In this episode, we learn:
• Why a stylist helps create the overall narrative and art direction for a photo shoot
• How preparation before the shoot dramatically impacts the final images
• Why avoiding overused styling clichés creates more sophisticated photography
• The importance of thoughtful details during interior design photo shoots
• How working with connected stylists can improve publication opportunities
• Why designers should determine how images will be used before scheduling photography
• How stylists bring fresh perspective when designers become too close to a project
• Why compelling photography captures emotion and atmosphere — not just the room itself

Design Intervention

You’ll never be younger to learn. Margot’s Mom used to say this to her when she’d say, “But Mom, I don’t know how!”  It has pushed Margot to learn new things, which has been invaluable in advancing in my career. Right now, she’s learning TikTok.