we tried it: using a remote design service
I’ve been intrigued by the idea of “remote” interior design services for some time now, and I recently decided to give it a try. I wanted to get a designer’s reaction to our master bedroom because I was having issues with color and needed help with finishing touches to pull it all together. I decided to go with the design services offered on Decorati.com.
With their Design Advisor service, you can choose from six advice types. The quickest and most affordable is e-decorating, which is what I chose. In this option, you communicate with the designer via email and/or phone and pay either a flat or per-hour fee depending on his or her policy. Each designer sets their own price for their services. To read more about Michelle’s adventures in remote design, click here!
To start, I filled out the online form and attached a few photos of our room. Within 45 minutes, I received e-mails from four designers in my region (the east coast). After reviewing their websites I decided on Mindy Miles Greenberg of Encore Décor. I reached out to her via e-mail, and we made a 30-minute appointment ($75) for that evening.
It was helpful to get a critique of our space by a professional — not just for ideas I wouldn’t have thought of myself, but also to validate my own décor instincts. For instance, she recommended that we paint the room Putnam Ivory by Benjamin Moore, which is what I was already considering. (I patted myself on the back for that one.)
Thirty minutes ended up being the perfect amount of time for the kind of advice I was seeking — furniture placement, and ideas for window treatments, rugs and other accessories. Of course, after all that I decided to go in a completely different direction with the room, but I still plan to paint it Putnam Ivory, and I would definitely use the service again.
What about you — have you ever tried a remote design service? – Michelle V.K.
No, but I’ve been tempted by the room design service offered over on Young House Love. http://www.younghouselove.com/
Very cool! I wasn’t aware of their design service.
I haven’t checked it out lately, but the last time it was a flat fee and they seem to provide a mood board and lots of very specific suggestions, which is just what I would want.
[...] – ShelterPopRead about Michelle’s experience using an edecorating service. – ShelterrificScoop up a Pottery Barn-esque nightstand on the cheap. – Copy Cat ChicIt’s about that [...]
[...] We tried it: Using a remote design service Shelteriffic “I’ve been intrigued by the idea of “remote†interior design services for some time now, and I recently decided to give it a try. I wanted to get a designer’s reaction to our master bedroom because I was having issues with color and needed help with finishing touches to pull it all together.” Here’s how it went… [...]
Interesting thoughts, I have been thinking about offering an remote interior design service for some time. I wonder if people are drawn to local designers or if they wanted a Moroccan influence they would chooses a Moroccan service, as it obviously does nit matter where the designer is choreographically. As a side issue, what a great way to spread design trends globally!!