How To Do Interior Design Online: Services Vs Apps
Okay, so you want to interior design online, huh? What does that even mean exactly? Well, it means you want to design your kitchen, living room, or maybe even your whole home without leaving your couch. Or at least, you barely want to leave your couch. That’s fair — we now live in a world where you can do basically everything from your phone or laptop. You can order groceries, speak to a social worker, and have specialty chocolate shipped from Australia to Canada — all with the click of a few buttons. So, can you interior design online? Well, of course.
AVOID COSTLY (AND UGLY) DESIGN MISTAKES
When we’re talking about interior design online, it could mean a few different things. This could mean e-design (aka online interior design), AI interior design, or furnishing your home entirely through online methods. It could mean a lot of things. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place. Me, being an online interior designer who has also made a name for herself in the AI interior design world — and who also loves online shopping — might have to crown myself as the interior design online expert.
So, in this post, I’m going to break down all the ways you can approach your interior design project strictly using online methods only.
The Different Methods to Interior Design Online
The first method I want to talk about is working with a real interior designer online — this is known as e-design or virtual interior design. Cough, cough … I offer these services. Anyhow, let’s talk about what this is.
e-Design
When most people think of interior design as a service, they don’t necessarily think about online interior design methods. They typically think an interior designer will come to their home, take a lot of notes and measurements, give suggestions, create a plan, get quotes, and then go shopping for furniture and decor items. A timely and often expensive process.
Which — hey — I’m not knocking this service. I ran a full-service boutique firm for many years, and now as a hybrid designer, I still enjoy the full-service interior design process. However, full-service interior design may not be right for everyone. Why? Well:
- Some project scopes aren’t that extensive.
- Budgets may not allow for traditional interior design services.
- There might not be any interior designers in your area.
The list goes on.
e-Design May Work For You If…
- You want to work with a real human.
- You want this real person (the interior designer) to address the specific needs of your project.
- You want to verify your selections.
- You want someone to streamline the whole design process and make it easy.
- You want to avoid making costly and ugly interior design mistakes.😅
- You want to talk to an expert and not a chatbot.
- You want to make sure you’re making the right decisions.
With online interior design services, different designers will offer different packages. Typically, designers offer:
- Hourly services (if you want to speak with a designer for a short time)
- Room-by-room design packages
- Services for selecting architectural finishes for renovations or new builds
- And more
Most designers (such as myself) offer tailored services to custom-fit your needs. You can always talk to your chosen designer and customize your package options.
The Cons of Online Interior Design
You know, I keep it real on this blog. As a designer who has pivoted into the digital space, I can speak on the cons. For me, the number one con is not meeting my clients in person.
Although meeting through video call is very common and effective nowadays, there’s still a part of me that wishes I could meet all my clients in person. But here’s how I look at it — online interior design allows me to connect with more clients around the world. I’ve had to give up meeting everyone face-to-face in exchange for the meaningful experience of connecting with unique people globally.
Hurdles of Online Design Services
Naturally, there are some hurdles to overcome when it comes to interior design online — but technology is solving most of them.
Measurements: With online design, the client (or someone else on their end) must take the measurements and provide them. This can be relatively easy, and there are now apps that make it even easier. Some interior design software and AI tools, such as Planner5D, can scan a room with your phone and create a to-scale, dimensioned model ready for your designer to work with.
Read for the best floor plan tool: I Tested The Best AI Interior Design Phone App
Samples: Another hurdle is relying on photos instead of physical samples. However, more suppliers now ship tile, carpet, wood, and other samples straight to your door, making the online process far more feasible.
Read to get interior design samples straight to your door: My Review Of DesignShop: Interior Design Samples Made Easy
So yes — there are hurdles with online design, but in today’s tech-driven world, there’s rarely an obstacle that prevents a successful project.
Read more on the topic here: The Best And Worst Online Interior Design Services
Now Let’s Talk About Interior Design Apps
I’m kind of the queen of trying all the interior design apps — from AI design tools to floor plan software and more. If it’s out there, I’ve probably tried it.
Read: The Best and Worst Interior Design AI,A Designer’s Review
Interior Design Apps May Work For You If…
- You are tech-savvy.
- You want to explore different style options for a space.
- You have a clear picture of what you want.
- You are confident in your design choices.
- You are willing to put in more leg-work.
Here’s the best approach to using apps for online design:
- Measure your space — some apps let you do this right from your phone, such as Planner5D.
- Draw or upload your floor plan. Many apps help you digitize it.
- Use AI or design apps to generate layout and style ideas.
Read: The Best and Worst Free Interior Design Layout Software
Cons Of Interior Design Apps
- AI and tech can be frustrating to use (sometimes I swear at my computer screen)
- You cannot ask it specific questions
- Most AIs do not do the furniture sourcing for you, or the furniture sourcing is limited
- Sometimes AI can be unrealistic
- You need to put in more leg-work to make the design come to life
Let’s Talk Online Furniture Shopping
Maybe you hate leaving the house. Maybe it’s cold outside. Or maybe you just don’t want to spend your Saturday searching for “the perfect piece.” That’s where online furniture shopping — paired with online design — becomes a game changer.
Online designers know the best places to shop, have industry connections, and can source high-quality, design-appropriate pieces for your project.
Read: The Ultimate Online Furniture Shopping Guide:Designer Tells All
When it comes to design apps, some AI tools, such as Paintit.ai can help find furniture that matches the designs they generate.
The Conclusion: Should You Hire an Online Designer or Use an AI App?
It depends on your needs. I’ve tried almost every AI design tool on the market, and while some are impressive, they can be frustrating if you’re not tech-savvy. It can also be overwhelming to design your whole home as a beginner.
Working with an online interior designer is more hands-off. The designer does the legwork, guides you through the process, and delivers a more curated, personal experience — without the full-service price tag. Plus, I will make you laugh.
Evaluate your needs and decide what makes the most sense for your project and lifestyle. Of course, I’m happy to connect with you — whether that’s through my e-design services or in the comments below!
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Let’s design your space together, virtually.
