Interior Design Brief Template

Interior Design Brief Template, within the Milanote app

Plan the ideal interior design project

A carefully written brief is the foundation for a successful interior design project. Its job is to provide structure, guidance, and direction to your work.

When gathering information from a client, you should start by documenting the most important objectives. You can also add information about design or architectural features, preferred furnishings and finishes, and anything else that might be useful.

This template is part of the Interior Designers collection.

  • Set the vision & strategy
  • Organize requirements
  • Share with your team & clients
  • Gather feedback
  • The perfect start for every project

How to use this template

Whether you’re an interior designer or a client, follow this step-by-step guide to learn the modern process of writing an inspiring brief in Milanote, a free tool used by top creatives.

1. Start with an empty template

The Interior Design Brief template is filled with questions, thought starters and image placeholders to help you write your brief in minutes.

interior brief template step 1
How to do this in Milanote
  1. Create a new board for your brief.

    Create a new board

    Drag a board out from the toolbar. Give it a name, then double click to open it.

  2. Choose the Interior Design Brief template.

    Choose a template

    Each new board gives you the option to start with a beautiful template.

2. Define the background of the project

The first thing to define is why the project is happening. Spend time with your client, have them lead you through the vision in their own words, and ask questions like... What problem is this project trying to solve? What do you want to keep? What needs to change?

interior brief template step 2
How to do this in Milanote
  1. Add a note to describe the background of the project.

    Drag a note card onto your board

    Start typing then use the formatting tools in the left hand toolbar.

3. List the requirements

Once you have a clearer idea of why the project is happening, it’s time to describe the visual style your client has in mind. List any specific details and capture the vision in your clients' words. If you have a floor plan for the project, add it to your brief so you have everything in one place.

interior brief template step 3
How to do this in Milanote
  1. Add a note to describe the requirements & style.

    Drag a note card onto your board

    Start typing then use the formatting tools in the left hand toolbar.

4. Write clear goals & deliverables

This is the part that you'll revisit throughout the project, so try and be as specific as possible. List each space or room that needs to be designed, alongside the goals for the project.

interior brief template step 4
How to do this in Milanote
  1. Add a note to describe the goals.

    Drag a note card onto your board

    Start typing then use the formatting tools in the left hand toolbar.

  2. Add a To-do list for the deliverables.

    Drag a to-do list onto your board

    Start typing then press "Enter" to create a new item. Add a title to your to-do list using the left hand toolbar.

5. Define the target audience

If you're working on a commercial interior project, it's important to understand who will use the space. This will help you design a space that's not just beautiful, but functional as well.

Who are they? What are they into? What's their current relationship with your brand? How do you want them to feel in the space? Answering these questions will enable your team to think about the project from the perspective of your audience.

interior brief template step 5
How to do this in Milanote
  1. Find an image to describe the audience.

    Use the built-in image library

    Search over 3 million beautiful, free photos then drag images straight onto your board. Powered by Pexels.

6. Include visual references

Your client likely has a vision for the style of space they're trying to create. Add any visual references they've provided to your brief. This might include specific products, furniture, colors, materials, or textures.

interior brief template step 6
How to do this in Milanote
  1. Drag images onto your board.

    Upload a file or document

    Click the "Upload" button or just drag a file onto your board. You can add images, logos, documents, videos, audio and much more.

  2. Find inspiration in the built-in image library.

    Use the built-in image library

    Search over 3 million beautiful, free photos then drag images straight onto your board. Powered by Pexels.

7. Share the brief with your team

Once you’ve made any final tweaks, it’s time to share the completed brief with the your team, organize a kickoff meeting and start the project.

interior brief template step 7
How to do this in Milanote
  1. Share a link to view the brief.

    Share a read-only link with others.

    Click Share in the top right of your board. You can add a Welcome message for viewers, allow comments, set a password or embed the board in another app or website.

Start your Design Brief

Set the direction for your next interior design project.