Finding the perfect holiday gift for an interior designer can be both exciting and challenging. Designers have a keen eye for detail, balance, and beauty, so picking interior designer gifts that resonates with their creative flair while being practical is key.
Whether you’re looking to spark new inspiration or simply add to their designer toolkit, I’ve curated fifteen gift ideas that any interior designer will love. From luxurious décor pieces to immersive experiences, there’s something for every style and budget!
*P.S. If you know me or are married to me, take note—this is exactly what I want for Christmas! (No pressure though).
Wrappable Gifts
Here are a few stylish, practical, and luxurious gift ideas that are perfect for an interior designer who loves high-quality, design-forward items.
1. Architectural Desk Lamp: A chic, adjustable desk lamp like the Louis Poulsen PH 3/2 or the Anglepoise 1227 Brass Edition brings together style and function. Every designer appreciates lighting that looks great while performing flawlessly.
2. Designer Wall Art: Gift a limited-edition abstract print by renowned artists like Olafur Eliasson, David Hockney, or whoever inspires them. This could be a challenge, unless you really know the designer’s personal taste. A good starting point for these is to search museum and gallery shops where you often find a wide variety of unique, tasteful, contemporary art options for all budgets.
3. High-End Interior Design Books: High-End Interior Design Books
While digital inspiration abounds, there’s something timeless and deeply satisfying about flipping through a beautifully curated design book. A thoughtful addition to any interior designer’s library could include titles like Best of Interior 2024 or Alpine Elegance: High-End Mountain Homes.
These books not only showcase stunning interiors but also highlight iconic projects like Studio Hinton’s Mountain Ash Chalet, celebrated for its blend of tradition and modernity. A signed or limited edition adds an extra layer of exclusivity, making this a truly memorable gift for any design enthusiast.
4. Designer Furniture Piece: How about a piece of iconic furniture like the Vitra Eames Lounge Chair, Knoll Barcelona Chair, or Cassina LC4 Chaise Longue? All timeless and beautiful. These design classics seamlessly blend comfort with high style – who wouldn’t want one in their home?
5. Professional 3D Interior Design Software: A subscription to software like SketchUp Pro, Autodesk AutoCAD, or 3ds Max is an incredibly practical gift. These tools are essential for any designer to bring their creative visions to life.
6.NCS Color System Tools: The Ultimate Gift for Interior Designers
For a practical and inspiring gift, consider tools from the NCS (Natural Colour System), a favorite among design professionals for its scientifically grounded approach to color. The NCS Album 2050 offers a comprehensive collection of 2,050 meticulously organized color samples, perfect for precise color matching and design planning.
Pair it with the NCS Colourpin Pro, a sleek and portable color reader that makes identifying and matching colors a breeze. Together, these tools are essential for any designer looking to achieve flawless color harmony and create stunning interiors.
Experience Gifts
Finding the perfect gift for an interior designer can be tricky, especially when many designers keep their personal preferences under wraps to avoid influencing their clients. That’s why experiential gifts are a great choice – they offer flexibility and inspiration without imposing on their creative process.
Here are some thoughtful Christmas gift ideas that focus on experiences, allowing them to enjoy as much (or as little) as they want. Best of all, you have control over how much you want to spend!
7. Interior Design Workshop or Masterclass: Book a spot in a high-end workshop led by design icons like Kelly Wearstler or Patricia Urquiola. Alternatively, enroll them in courses at top design schools like Domus Academy in Milan. They’ll gain inspiration and learn new skills.
8. Luxury Hotel Stay with Iconic Interiors: How about a stay at a design-forward luxury hotel such as The Hoxton Paris, Hotel Arts Barcelona, The Dolder Grand Zürich, or Bulgari Hotel Milano? The interior design of these hotels is world-renowned, and many contain great artworks, making it a rich source of inspiration for any designer.
The Hoxton, Paris
9. Private Interior Design Tour: Arrange a private tour of significant architectural or design landmarks in cities like Copenhagen, Paris, or Milan. Include guided visits to Maisons La Roche et Jeanneret by Le Corbusier or the Fondation Louis Vuitton.
Louis Vuitton Foundation
10. Exclusive Furniture Fair Tickets: Try to book tickets to prestigious design events like Maison&Objet in Paris, the Salone del Mobile in Milan, ICFF in New York, Deco Off in Paris, or Dutch Design Week in Eindhoven. Include VIP passes for access to exclusive showrooms, networking events, and industry talks.
11. Weekend Art Retreat: A luxury art and design retreat in places like Tuscany, Provence or anywhere else that you think they will love. Find a retreat that includes painting, sketching, or sculpture classes, combined with luxurious accommodation and scenic surroundings that are sure to spark creativity.
12. Bauhaus Design Tour: Explore the birth of Classical Modernism with a guided tour of the Bauhaus Dessau Foundation and Bauhaus in Weimar, discovering the influence of Bauhaus on contemporary interiors.
13. Private Yacht Design Experience and Stay at Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo: An exclusive experience aboard a luxury yacht in Monaco, with a focus on high-end yacht interior design. This includes a guided tour of some of the most exquisitely designed yachts in the world, meeting with top yacht interior designers. Combine this with a luxury stay at Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, where the interiors blend Belle Époque elegance with contemporary design.
14. Exclusive Architectural Tour of Dubai and Abu Dhabi: A private, curated architectural tour of the UAE’s most iconic buildings, exploring futuristic architecture in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Find a visit that includes the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, The Dubai Frame, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Personalized tours can also include behind-the-scenes access to high-profile architectural firms.
15. Tours of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, Kenroku-en, Kairaku-en, and Koraku-en: A private immersive tour led by an experienced guide with expertise in Japanese garden history and design, with insights into the aesthetics and history of the gardens. Some tours also include visits to additional renowned gardens like Ritsurin in Takamatsu and the Adachi Museum of Art gardens, as well as other cultural highlights in cities like Kyoto and Tokyo.
These are just a few holiday gift ideas that balance luxury and practicality while offering a wealth of inspiration – whether through tangible objects or unforgettable experiences. I hope you have found some Interior designer gifts that reflect the passions of the interior designer in your life. Any designer would love to receive one of these thoughtful gifts! (Hint, hint!)
“An interior should be informed by the life that is lived in it.”
– Sandra Hinton, Founder –
