Is Online Interior Design right for you…

What even is Online Interior Design or E-design?

It is the design of an environment done completely online. It’s a less expensive way to have professional help in creating your space. Basically it revolves around simplicity in regards to upfront design fees and shorter turnaround times for you, the client. It is a real collaboration between a client and designer. Most of the work will still sit with the designer, however when design is done virtually the client does have a hand in the upfront setup of the process. All of the design communication is remotely done by phone, email or video calls which allows for maximum convenience and flexibility for the client. The client also has control over when and what they purchase for their space.

How does this process work…

Every designer is different! However my specific design process and services are outlined in my Welcome Packet that you receive upfront when working with me. Below I have outlined some specifics to give you an idea of what you can expect to find!

-After a client reaches out to me I will set up a “date” call with them. This is extremely important to me as both my client and I need to be a good energetic match for each other! I ask pretty in-depth questions of my clients and this is a great indication to see if we both are excited to work with one another.

-If my client decides to move forward with their design package I send out my “Welcome Packet” which outlines the following:

Basic timeline for a typical project: When clients can expect their deliverables and what I expect from them.
Their “Design Study”: In my case this includes gathering information from my client with questions and projects such as asking “What design styles/trends do you love/hate?” and asking my client to build me Pinterest board of their ideal vibe.
Then my favorite part of the whole process! My “insight” questions: This is where I like to dive as deep as I can into who my client is. This insight section includes questions such as, “what is your favorite quote?” and “what is your biggest dream in life?” Design for me is about deep feeling and connecting my client to the creativity within them. The insight section helps me with that.
My measuring guide: This is one of those points that a local interior designer would take care of on their own. But if tape measures don’t scare you, awesome, I make this process easy for you!
Design Deliverables: In my case you will receive a vibe board, final design board, floor plan (which acts as your installation template), shopping list (with links) and installation instructions for one flat fee!
Installation: Unlike local design, you can purchase items off of your curated list at your own pace! Just use the floor plan layout for your new environment I design for you! All of my clients are welcome to call or email at any time with installation questions!
Contract: I ask my clients to read, sign and send back our agreement before work commences. That way everyone involved is on the same page.

Online Design may be a good fit if this sounds like you:

You can measure and photograph your space yourself
You can connect with the person you are working with! Just like local design, don’t just hire someone because they are a professional, shop around!
Stalk their portfolio. This should be a fun experience.
You know how to say what you like and don’t like about a space
You would like to have a plan quickly within a few weeks to a month
You can order products on your own and handle any returns/exchanges
You are willing to hire tradesmen like carpenters and painters on your own
You understand that different retailers and sources have varying lead times
You understand that the world is changing and just like cancelling commuting where possible we can make our lives easier!
You should go with a Local Designer if:
you want them to take pictures and detailed measurements
you would like to look through sample books (fabric, wallpaper etc.)
you want someone to draw up construction documents of your space
you want someone to project manage the construction work in your space
you want someone to hold your hand throughout the process
you want someone to have in person meetings in showrooms, at your home etc.
you don’t mind waiting 8 - 10 weeks typically for custom upholstery and other goods

Common myths about online designers:

They aren’t educated- I have a BFA in Interior Design as well as 10+ years of experience with traditional and online design, so not true. However I personally don’t think you should focus on someone’s background. There are great online interior designers and traditional designers out there who are not formally educated, some who are extremely famous and talented. So again. Date your designer.
They are magic- Unfortunately furniture still costs money . I know it sucks, I personally also hate it (although I respect the artisans and artists that create for us!) . But I, just like a local designer, still need a realistic budget to complete the project. Feel free to ask me what typical things like a sofa may cost you. I will keep it real with you and never push the limits on this.
We have sat in and touched every piece we have pulled for you- Unfortunately I only have one butt. I pull furniture from vendors that I trust but the final verdict lies with my client. I cannot guarantee color texture or quality of any product. For larger purchases like sofas I often direct my client to local vendors so they can feel the pieces themselves!
Good design is easy- Just like my advice to only do this work with someone you like, feel free to try your hand at designing your room on your own! A typical one room project for me takes about 12-15 + hours of work consisting of synthesizing your needs and desires, drawing plans, space planning, sourcing, and creating deliverables to communicate your new space. If this sounds like you don’t have time for this and would rather have someone you trust do this for you, I’m your girl!

In addition to my traditional interior design experience I have worked for a few of the biggest names in the online design marketplace for the past two years before starting out on my own. Through this experience I came right back to my roots, and have always known that the one on one connection and understanding of my clients is what produces the best results for them. I am so excited to have my own creative space in order to build up that trust and have the time and resources to make these interactions worthwhile for my clients.

Let’s be clear, I love the hands on approach to projects like picking out wallpaper and fabric samples and measuring and checking on a contractor’s progress. However I do think online design is breaking down boundaries both for the design industry and most importantly for our clients. I want to live in a world where design is accessible for anyone looking to put time and effort into their environment. Not be trapped behind a paywall of exorbitant fees and massive projects.

However…

Here is the most important point of all of this and something not every interior designer will tell you. The most important thing in hiring a designer to me is not are you online only, or are you local, are you a part of a huge corporation or a tiny studio or a one man band…

It is whether or not we are a good match for one another.

You should stalk your designer’s pinterest, facebook, Instagram, tumblr etc. and see if you resonate with what they love and work on. Reach out to them to just talk and see if you guys connect. I’m here trying to demystify the myth that Interior Designers are the end all. You should pick someone to work with that you actually like as a human being. Your home should reflect who you are, not the best version of your designer’s next Instagram post. Remember your designer should be working hard to realize your aesthetic, not their own.

I know that my process is intense and may scare off some potential clients and I am more than ok with that. People who choose to deep dive with me and discover what really lights them up, and focus on how they want their environment to feel are the people that I would like to work with and my clients feel the same way about me.

In that frame of reference my best advice to anyone seeking any design work is to date your designer. This can be an incredibly intimate experience and everyone deserves a designer that they truly connect with, so that in the end they will love their new environment!

Thank you so much for reading!

Love,

Catherine