*Our client* *Eliza Alles Interiors* *as featured in the summer print issue of RUE. Photos by Matt Kisiday and Alexandra Shamis*

One of our standout offerings for interior designers is A Design Well-Placed, our project placement service. Over the years, we’ve fine-tuned it into a seamless experience designed to land your most show-stopping design projects in top media outlets—one exclusive feature at a time.

This year, we’ve celebrated getting many incredible projects published, but we’ve also had to turn down some truly beautiful work. We are very specific about what kinds of projects we take on, and saying no is always tough because we know how much heart goes into each design.

Here's the deal: There’s a big difference between designing a beautiful home anyone would want to live in, and creating one that’s media-worthy.

We thought it might be helpful to pull back the curtain, and share a few trends and insights from this year—what kinds of projects have stood out, surprised us, and made the headlines. Trust us—sometimes we’re as shocked as you are by what editors love or very politely decline.

1. Less Is More (Sometimes)

Homes under 5,000 square feet are dominating media headlines. Why? They’re relatable, approachable, and tend to have tighter, more focused narratives.

That said, larger homes can still shine—but they need more than just square footage. Editors are looking for the “extra”—a historic backstory, an environmental angle, or relevance to trending topics in design.

2. The Story Drives the Feature

Is the home environmentally friendly? Historically significant? Did the project come together under extreme conditions, like a small budget, a massive budget, or tight time constraints? These stories are the hook that draw editors (and readers) in.

3. Homeowners in the Spotlight

Projects where the homeowners are willing to share their experiences are far more likely to be published. Readers love the human element—how the homeowners live in the space, the challenges they faced, or the dreams that came to life. Anonymous clients? It’s not impossible to get published, but it’s definitely more of an uphill climb.

4. Layers, Color, and Patina

While neutral homes with exquisite details will always have a place, the current media landscape favors bold choices: layers, rich colors, and that lived-in patina. In fact, we’ve seen clients revisit older projects, updating them with new photography to capture the depth and texture that make a design truly sing.

Lessons From This Year

We’ve definitely had our moments of, “What does it take to get published these days?” The answer? A combination of exceptional design, a compelling story, and an editor’s ability to see their audience in the project.

If you’re an interior designer wondering how to get your work in the spotlight, our advice is simple: Think beyond the design. Consider the narrative. What’s the story your project tells, and how does it resonate with what’s happening in the world right now?

That’s the sweet spot we aim for with A Design Well-Placed, and it’s what makes this work so rewarding—helping designers like you share your creative genius with the world. If you have a project you’d like us to consider, get in touch!