What's it like to work with an interior designer?
Interior design was once considered something only accessible to a small percentage of people. The industry has changed so much in the last decade. What was once a service that would cost clients tens of thousands of dollars in fees alone, with waitlists as long as your arm, is now something that far more people can utilize.
With advancements in technology, interior designers are able to reach more people, in remarkably less time. What does this mean for you? Lower fees, faster turnaround. How can they do this? Through E-design. In short, E-design refers to online interior design. It’s a great way to receive a professional design on a budget, from any location.
What’s in like to work with an interior designer
So what’s it like to work with an interior designer via E-design? I thought I would explain the process in hopes it makes it a lot less intimidating! My services range from hourly consultation to full service, but I am going to focus on my e-design service in this post, as it’s the one anyone anywhere can access. It’s not for everybody, so let’s get the awkward part over:
E-design is for the person who
Is available to communicate with me remotely via FaceTime/skype, phone and email.
Wants to implement the design themselves, on their own timeline.
Can provide accurate measurements and photos (my tutorial makes this painless!) or an up-to-date blueprint
Works well with lists and diagrams. Don’t worry, I make this part super easy!
Already has a contractor, electrician, movers, painters or any other party needed to implement the design.
Does NOT need a project manager (since you will be doing this part yourself).
Sound like a good fit? {stands up for an overly enthusiastic high five} …Let’s do this!
what’s it like to hire an interior designer
Before I begin, Hey - that’s me! My name is Katherine Thewlis (Katie, for short) and I am the interior designer behind Hausmatter Interiors. I am passionate about creating beautiful, customized interiors that not only reflect my clients tastes, but their needs as well. I am a tactile person so getting my hands on these materials is what inspires my designs. What I’m most thankful for in the last year is the opportunity to really bring the focus back on the importance of home. With so many people spending less time outside from their dwellings, it’s made them reevaluate these spaces and consider how they can best serve them. I’m here for that!
Katherine Thewlis of Hausmatter Interiors
A few more facts about me:
I am currently obsessed with dollhouse miniatures (nerd alert), lego flowers and the victorian era.
If I had to pick one food for life, it would be tacos but I would also argue nachos are a form of that. And submarine sandwiches might not be far off either. We can discuss this more later.
I have dreams about wallpaper and tile patterns.
One of my favorite past times is watching old MTV unplugged videos
My dog’s name is Rocco. Designing custom dog beds might be my next dream endeavor.
Alright, now that you know a little bit about me, we can kick our shoes off, and get comfortable. Let’s talk design. There are loads of E-designers out there, so keep in mind this is my process and not necessarily reflective of how all E-designer work. I like to think of my virtual service as the best of an in-person service, with the convenience of a remote service. A quick search on the internet, and you can find edesign packages that will cost you just $25! But you aren’t necessarily getting the best design this way. What makes my e-design packages different? Much like traditional full service, I take time to learn about my client to create a customized, unique design. No pre-made, cookie cutter options here! My designs include cherished items from the homeowner, unitizing local resources to my client, as well as vintage furnishings. All of this creates a design concept that feels nothing like it was purchased from a big-box store catalog.
What’s it like to work with an interior designer
Since getting my hands on physical materials is so important to me, I make sure my e-design clients have access to them as well. So often, colors appear different on our computer monitors than they do in person, so this is particularly important when it comes to paints and fabrics. There is no way you could tell how heavy a brass handle is, or know the smell of genuine leather from a computer screen. And when I am suggesting you purchase 200 square feet of tile for your kitchen, I’ll want to make sure you love it as much in person as you do from a photo!
unlacquered brass hardware
What you can expect from start to finish
The first thing to do is contact me. I’ll gather some quick information from you and then schedule a complimentary 15 minute call. The initial phone chat gives us a chance to discuss the scope of your project needs, as well as an opportunity for you to ask me any questions regarding my services. Most frequently, I am asked which of my e-design packages would be appropriate for any given project. This is where I would help you determine that!
Once we determine we are a good fit, I send you a project proposal outlining what I will accomplish, the timeline, and fees for your design. This is the contract we work from to ensure we are both on the same page. You know, the fun stuff! ;) I’m kidding, it’s really very cut and dry with no fine-print funny-business. I just want to make sure you know what to expect explicitly. Once I have the signed project proposal back from you, I send you an invoice for my design fees via PayPal or venmo. Since I don’t complete any design work that hasn’t been paid for, and the turnaround is so fast, I ask for payment in full prior to services rendered.
Now we are rolling! The next step will be for you to complete a site survey so that I have the necessary measurements to complete the design. I know what you are thinking…yikes! I’m not an architect, how do I do that?! Don’t worry, I make this super simple with my easy tutorial. Occasionally, I need to also get a FaceTime walk-thru of a space, allowing me to see how the rooms flow from one to the other. If you have existing furnishings you are wanting incorporated into the design, you would also photograph and measure them during this step.
The next step in our journey will be to determine your unique design sense. You don’t have to be able to explain this to me in design terms - most people can’t! During this phase, it’s my job to help guide you through defining your style. To do this, I’ll need a few inspiration images from you (screen shots or magazine clippings are fine). If you have a pinterest board, I can also work from that! Whatever it is, it’s guaranteed to be 100% fun and really dial you in to what it is you respond to esthetically.
Once I have a good understanding of your style, and what you want to achieve for the space, I’ll begin creating a mood-board. I’ll utilize a virtual mood-board to give you an overall sense of the room vibe, but will also lay out materials so you can see how they play together.
Virtual Moodboard Example
Hausmatter interiors sample mood-board
I will present the moodboard to you over a zoom/facetime chat so that I can explain why I chose certain things and hear your feedback. I like to use this time to really get your honest likes and dislikes so that I can refine the design even more. A completed room almost never looks exactly like the first moodboard so we will rely on our open communication to ensure the design is feeling “right” to you. I’m just as curious to know your dislikes as I am your likes! Items from the moodboard will be swapped out as we go. I generally provide 3 options each for the bigger items in the room. So let’s say you want a ceiling light for your living room. I would provide you with one initial option on the moodboard but have two other back-up options to replace them with if the first isn’t jiving. The main thing you need to know during this phase is you aren’t locked into anything and it is very much collaborative. I want you to love it!
What’s it like to hire an E-designer | Hausmatter Interiors
I will also have any samples handy during our virtual meeting so you can see them and decide if you want to take the next step of receiving any of them by mail.
what’s it like to work with an interior designer
The next phase will be to create 2D or 3D renderings. My Gold and Platinum packages include the 2D rendering for furniture placement. The Platinum packages includes a 3D rendering to give a sense of the completed room.
2D rendering example
3D rendering example
Most e-designers do not offer custom designs to the structure itself, but this is a service I provide a la cart. My sketch will include detailed measurements and material specifics for you to hand to your contractor, so my top priority is that it be something you can easily communicate to the party you are hiring. In some cases involving removal of load bearing walls, I will request a virtual meeting with your contractor or structural engineer to discuss possibilities. If you aren’t sure what I can do virtually, the best thing to do is ask!
This service is considered an add-on to my e-design packages. Once I determine I can accomplish a custom project virtually, I’ll give you a quote. If it’s a go, it will be a part of your project proposal!
Example start of a client sketch
Once we have the design finalized, I put everything in a google doc so you have it all at a glance. This will be where you find your shopping list for furnishings, measurements, floor plan, and any special instructions for installation. Occasionally I’ll have notes for your contractor as well.
And you are on your way to enjoying your new space! It’s ALWAYS worth the effort, and in the end, most of my clients say they wish they would have done it sooner. So what are you waiting for?!
hiring an e-designer