Have you been seeing the term eDesigner or Virtual Interior Designer thrown around online but have no idea what it means? Or, you know, assume it means designing virtual spaces like video games or virtual reality headsets? Yeah, I had never heard of these terms pre-Covid either. I’m so excited to tell you all about what these terms really mean and how they can take your interior design projects to a whole new level! Keep reading to find out more on this new type of design service, and a hint on how to find the perfect virtual interior designer for your project!
Alright you got me, what is eDesign?
Virtual Interior Design (or eDesign) is the not-so-new business model tailored around our ever-growing virtual world. First hints of this new model can be found in 2015 and earlier with a few “big box” companies like Laurel & Wolf (no longer in business) playing the field. You may also find some of your favorite furniture brands advertising these services too, but with the caveat that they only specify furniture sold by themselves or their sister companies.
With independent virtual interior designers, you will receive an incredibly curated design package. We will source furniture, fixtures, finishes, and accessories from some our (and your) favorite retailers, plus a few you may not have heard of but definitely should! Hiring a designer virtually is convenient, streamlined, and most importantly, affordable.
The typical design process may look something like this *this is based off of my personal design process, your mileage may vary, but I’ve learned a lot from fellow designers so you may see a lot of similarities too:
You reach out to your preferred designer, and they may send you a welcome packet and/or a questionnaire, both serve as a way for you to get to know each other better.
A discovery call will be scheduled to discuss the project either via phone call or video call, whichever you prefer. I like to call this step the “vibe check”, one to hear about the project in your own words to help me fill in any blanks on your questionnaire, and if our personalities don’t mesh, then this can save us both from a couple of headaches.
If you both decide to continue with the project, an invoice will be sent for payment, and a request for all measurements and photos of the space(s) will be submitted to help the designer get started!
There will be a halfway touchpoint to make sure we’re on the same page. A floor plan and concept/mood board will be presented, and we will discuss what works, what doesn’t, and what’s to come!
Next the designer will work out any kinks in the design and finalize the deliverables. These can vary from floor plans and elevations to photorealistic renderings and 360 room views.
Lastly, you receive your finalized design, finish specifications, and shopping list, it’s time for you to start ordering, getting the room prepped for paint, wallcovering, tile, new lighting, and furniture delivery! It’s so exciting to see a design go from idea to reality. I promise, it is such a rewarding process.
e-Design
- Completed virtually from the comfort of your home.
- No need for a designer to enter your home.
- You (as the client) would need to provide images and measurements of the space.
- Condensed project timeline (depends on the designer).
- Usually sourcing retail products, so no designer mark-up charged!
- You (as the client) will order and install furniture & accessories yourself and will typically do any painting or other work that has been specified by the designer.
- Competitive pricing with a high level of service for any DIY’er that needs a little helping hand.
Who is e-Design Best For?
Virtual design services will be best for those that are DIY’ers at heart but need a little more design direction. I like to think of these services as being for those that aren’t afraid of a little elbow grease and putting in the work to make their interior design dreams come to life! eDesign can help you achieve that dream at a more affordable price than traditional design services, and although a designer (like myself) will be there to guide you in creating your own sanctuary, it’s really you who will be putting the final touches in our absence, and what is more beautiful than that?
Ready to Take the Plunge?
I’m currently partnering with a virtual design firm called Havenly. You pay a small design fee and they help me streamline my process and keep a steady stream of clients working through my design process. Book with me using this button and receive $50 off your first design package!