The Best And Worst Online Interior Design Services

Alright, let’s talk about online interior design, and my honest take on the big companies offering these services. As an e-designer, I’ve seen firsthand how online interior design has become more popular than ever, and for good reason. It makes interior design more accessible, affordable, and even fun (if I do my job right). It’s a practical way to get professional design help right from the comfort of your home. So, what’s not to love?

But let’s dig deeper. I know many talented fellow e-designers, and I’m also very familiar with platforms like Havenly, a company that has made a name for itself in this space. Let’s talk about what is offered with online interior design and who you should hire.

What Can Be Achieved With Online Interior Design

You can hire an interior designer to simply answer a few key questions and help steer your project in the right direction, or bring one on to completely transform your entire home, top to bottom and everything in between.

The main difference with online interior design is that there may be a bit more legwork on your part (though it’s minimal). For example, you might take your measurements or handle the ordering yourself. That said, most e-designers offer customizable services, so the process can be tailored to fit your needs and lifestyle.

When to Seek Online Interior Design:

You’re stuck on the direction of a space.
You’d like a mood board to set the tone for your decoration efforts.
Something feels “off” in your space, but you can’t quite figure it out.
You need help designing and sourcing the perfect pieces.
You want to visualize how a space can come together before committing.
You need floor plans; whether it’s for furniture layout, lighting design, or space planning.
You’re selecting finishes (paint colours, cabinets, flooring, hardware) and want everything to work seamlessly together.
You want an entire room designed from top to bottom, without spending hours second-guessing every choice.

And the list goes on. Thanks to technology, there’s so much that can be achieved through online interior design, and it’s more accessible than ever.

The Fast-Fashion of Interior Design

Havenly is an online interior design service that connects clients with a variety of designers at a very low cost. On the surface, it sounds like a win-win: affordable design for you, lots of designers to choose from. But here’s the reality: that low price comes at a cost, and it’s often paid by the designers themselves.

These large platforms function much like fast fashion brands, prioritizing volume and affordability over sustainability and fair compensation. Interior design isn’t just about picking pillows and paint colours, it’s a skilled profession that requires education, experience, and a sharp, creative eye. Designers on these platforms are often underpaid, despite the time, effort, and heart they put into each project.

I encourage people to support independent designers directly. When you hire a designer through their own platform (like mine), more of your money goes toward the person actually doing the work, and in return, you get a more personalized, thoughtful experience.

Low prices might be tempting, but just remember: with services like this, the “savings” often come at the expense of the people behind the screen.

Disclaimer: I want to be clear; this isn’t about bashing Havenly. If you connect with a designer on their platform and love the experience, that’s wonderful! More power to you. My intention is simply to share a perspective: if you really resonate with a designer, consider looking them up to see if they also run their own business, and supporting them directly can make a much bigger impact. I don’t have anything personally against Havenly, but I do encourage people to make informed, conscious choices when it comes to online interior design services.

Why Directly Supporting Interior Designers Matters

Listen, I want to be clear. I’m not out here trying to steal customers from said big company. I’m simply telling it like it is on my blog. I fully support affordable interior design options and often review AI tools and free software that make design more accessible. I’m not against affordability…far from it.

Read: The Best and Worst Free Interior Design Layout Software

But personally, I’ve made a conscious shift toward shopping small. Why? Because more of your money goes directly into the pocket of an entrepreneur, and that makes a big difference. As a small business owner myself, I know just how meaningful that support is.

I live this out in my own habits — choosing boutiques over fast fashion, shopping local whenever I can, and supporting fellow creatives and small businesses. I understand the heart, effort, and long hours that go into building something from the ground up, because I’ve lived it myself.

Big companies get their slice of the pie (and it’s a big slice), but in doing so, the individuals pouring their blood, sweat, and tears into their craft often get shortchanged. I’m simply advocating for a more intentional way to support the people behind the work.

Why You Need a Professional Interior Designer

I came across a thread on Reddit about online interior design, and someone said:
“Why would you pay someone to interior design your space? You can just post photos and get advice for free.”

And honestly… by that logic, why would you pay for a haircut? You could just grab some scissors and go to town yourself, right?

Look, if you’re happy with the advice from well-meaning Redditors, all power to you. But when I think of interior design, I think about how a space makes you feel: how it supports your lifestyle, reflects your personality, and brings you joy every day. It goes a little beyond a Reddit post.

So sure, maybe a 33-year-old living in his mom’s basement does know how to decorate your forever home. Crazier things have happened, right?

How To Choose Your Interior Designer

But let’s say you do want to hire an interior designer; someone who’s trained, experienced, and passionate about making your space truly special. That’s where online interior design shines. It’s accessible, flexible, and full of incredibly talented people.

If you’re reading this, then hey…you’ve already found me 😅. And I encourage you to find others, too. Reach out, book a call, and find the designer who just gets you. Because your home should feel like you — and when it does, that’s where the real design juice is.