HOW DOES ONLINE DESIGN WORK?
After filling out our client inquiry form, we will send you a welcome packet introducing you to our design process, what to expect during each stage of the design, and a detailed list of everything we need to get started.
After we have both determined that we’re a good fit for your design style and needs, we’ll send over our design agreement. Projects will start upon receipt of our signed design agreement, the first half of your project balance, and all requested project information.
This is the fun part! You will share inspiration images, thoughts, and ideas for your dream space. Since virtual design is done exclusively online, your inspiration can be sent through bookmarked images, client pinboards, or Houzz Ideabooks.
After I have a full understanding of your style, needs, and what you desire for your room, I get to work designing your space. Revisions are made according to your feedback, and your final design is delivered with everything you need to implement your design.
HOW LONG WILL THE DESIGN PROCESS TAKE?
This will vary widely from project to project, so I recommend reaching out sooner than you think. Small Room Refresh projects can be completed in just a few weeks, while larger room e-designs and remodels can take 2+ months from the beginning of the design process to implementation.
This timeline can move along quickly if you are able to be decisive about your selections and need minimal revisions. We always present what we believe to be the best items available within your budget, style, and quality standards, so if you’re hesitant about an item we’ve recommended, let us know so we can explain our reasoning behind the selection. If you’re still unsure about the item, giving us detailed feedback will help us narrow down better alternatives for you. You will have multiple opportunities during your design time to leave this feedback, so we ask that you take the time to give your honest opinions so we can make sure the project stays on track and moves along quickly.
If custom furnishings are desired, the lead time will be significantly longer than if using ready-made furniture. If you plan to use custom pieces in your design, please know that these will take additional time to be delivered to you.
Important note: Due to current material shortages and shipping delays, lead times for furniture, fixtures, and materials are unusually long. These are now averaging 12-20 weeks and can occasionally run 20+ weeks. Please keep these delays in mind when planning for your design or remodeling project where furniture, fixtures, and materials will be needed within a specific timeframe.
WHAT IS YOUR EXPERIENCE IN INTERIOR DESIGN?
Throughout my entire life, I have had both an interest and talent in interior design. After spending three years as an elementary school teacher, I decided to follow this passion and completed my second degree in this field. I graduated in May 2015 with a degree in interior design and have since helped hundreds of clients transform their spaces (you can check out a few client testimonials here). I also attend regular professional development meetings to stay up-to-date with the latest design trends and technologies. For more information on the importance of hiring a qualified interior designer and the difference between decorating and designing, please refer to this article.
What is the minimum budget you work with?
I work with all budget sizes, but it is important to have realistic expectations on how far your budget can go. While $3,000 won’t get you a complete room transformation, it will get you accent pieces and accessories to help get you started. From there we can create a wish list of items that I recommend adding to your space in the future to complete your design, and you can purchase these on your timeline as soon as your budget allows. It is important not to settle on items for the sake of completing your room as quickly as possible. In the end, you won’t be happy with your design and will be stuck with furniture pieces that won’t last. It will always pay off in the end if you’re willing to wait for the right piece.
How much should I budget for my room?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question—and everyone will have a different comfort level with how much they’re willing to spend—but no matter what your budget is, I will always work hard to stretch it as far as possible. As a general guide, I recommend a minimum spend of $10,000 if you have a medium-sized room and will be starting from scratch with your furniture pieces. If you are adding art, window treatments, or wallpaper, I recommend adding $2,000 - $3,000 to your budget. Even though $10,000 - $13,000 is considered “affordable” in interior design, I understand that this may not be feasible for everyone.
If you’re still not sure how much you should budget to get the type of room you want, I recommend going to the website of your favorite furniture retailer and adding every item you will need to your cart (Don’t forget things like pillow inserts, rug pads, drapery rods, and decorative accessories!). This will give you a good starting point for a realistic budget for your room.
I’ve seen websites offer virtual design services for much less. How are you different?
Yes, there are a small number of websites that offer highly discounted virtual design services. These websites can offer such low design fees because they pay their designers very little and negotiate commissions with a small number of retailers that they require their designers to use in your designs. You are also limited to a short timeframe in which you can communicate with your designer—usually less than two weeks—which results in a hurried design process. These factors are, unfortunately, not conducive to good design.
Additionally, you will often be working with designers who have very little experience and take on too many clients to give their projects the personalized attention they need. This creates a high probability for errors in your design, especially when completed virtually.
When you are working with me, you can be confident that I have the extensive knowledge needed to provide you with a successful design, and I am committed to providing you with the best service possible. Our design process is also never rushed, and because you do the ordering yourself, you can trust that I am recommending items that work best for you and not because they provide me with a profit.
Can you order items on my shopping list for me?
While the virtual design process is geared toward the client who prefers to order items themselves, I offer a separate ordering service for an additional fee. Additionally, all to-the-trade items are required to be purchased directly through me. These items may incur additional purchasing and receiving warehouse fees (if applicable) and will be outlined in a separate purchasing agreement.