What You Should Know: Local Interior Designer vs Online Design Service

Photography by @douglasfriedman; Styling by @amykchin

There comes a moment when you know you need help. When you realize it’s time to ask for professional assistance to bring your decorating project to life, you most likely will ask yourself, “What are the differences and/or benefits between hiring a local interior designer and hiring an online services like Modsy, Decorist or Havenly?” That’s a fair question, and an essential one since the world of interior design continues to be impacted by our ever-expanding dependence upon the Internet. E-design, as it is often called, has made interior designers more accessible to many more people than we would have ever thought possible.

In General 

Local interior designers, as a general rule, do not have the resources to tackle multiple smaller projects and instead focus on their clients’ larger design projects. Most online design services, on the other hand, can offer small budget-friendly packages that include a quiz or questionnaire to help determine decor preferences, a printed room layout or 3D model for one room, design ideas, furniture layout and suggestions for color palettes, along with options to order furniture, lighting and decorative accessories from their preferred sources.

Three ways online design services are different from local designers:

1. Length of time for the project--local designers offer start to finish services, and that usually includes custom made decor elements which take longer to deliver. E-design services often source retail furnishings that are ready to be ordered online and delivered immediately. Please note, some e-designers may be new to the industry, or because they make so little on the backend, the client may not get full focus as with an in-person designer.

2. Cost--the personalized services of local designers who manage a project from taking measurements to hiring contractors and supervising the work and installation of all furniture and decor items. All that time and custom work costs more.

3. Amount of work done by the client--With online design services, the client does the actual ordering, unboxing, and installation of furniture, draperies, and decorative accessories.

 Crossover Between the Two 

Local interior designers offer very personal design help and have tried and true contacts with whom they have experience, although some online services now offer local interior designers and contractors that can come to a client’s home to begin the design project and monitor the process. Also, as online design services have become popular, some local interior designers are offering limited e-design services, as well.

Online design services can help put all the pieces together to make sure your room is coherent and has that appealing appealing finished look.

Local interior designers specialize in big projects like the living room above. Custom seating, draperies, lighting are what local designers do exceptionally well. 

Whether a local interior designer or an online design service is chosen for a big whole-house design project or a small “finishing touches” project for one room, we understand clients are seeking design professionals who are knowledgeable and passionate about home interiors and care deeply about every project. We strive every day to respect the needs and expectations of our clients.

We would love to help you create a beautiful, functional, and comfortable home. Find out more about our services on our website by contacting us today!

Talk to you soon,

Paula