In-Home E-Design

Decorating Made Easier

by Stephanie Goldfarb

Do you like to save money by doing projects on your own? Are you creative and shopper savvy? If you had a plan and direction for decorating a room, would you be able to carry it out on your own?

If you answered yes to these questions, there’s a new trend in home de- sign that may be a perfect fit for you. Thanks to the virtual world we live in, you can now hire a “virtual” designer for your home. E-design makes perfect sense for the person who wants to save money but still wants a designer look.

The idea made sense for me when we moved from the Twin Cities to Duluth a little over three years ago. I needed to figure out a way to stay connected with my client base in the Cities, while living in a smaller city.

After researching and dreaming up how I could use technology to my advantage, online design just made sense. This type of interior design service al- lows you to get a customized design plan for your home without the high cost of a in-home consultation, and you can even shop in the comfort of your own home. You can now get that extra help you need to make your rooms shine, while working in your own time frame and on your own budget.

This “after” photo shows how this sample e-design has been carried out. The client has received the board, shopped, and arranged the room based on the designer’s recommendations. This design shows a playful mix of patterns and textures for a modern vibe.

How this service works is pretty simple. You chose a designer whose style closely resembles yours. You send them measurements and photos of your space, and fill out a brief design questionnaire. After the designer reviews your current space, your wish list, and budget, a phone consultation is scheduled.

It can also be helpful for the designer to look at any visual aids the client may have for their project including magazine photos, Pinterest boards, Instagram inspiration, etc. The

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