Here I am, building a presence as a Miramar, Florida interior designer. I love the clients I’m finding in the area. But I can’t forget that this modern age also allows me to design rooms, literally, around the world. While full-service design is our bread-and-butter, virtual interior design is a valuable tool across all of our services, and as a stand-alone service package for some projects. The benefits of virtual design (also known as E-Design) have allowed me to offer more in every aspect of my business. I can provide clients with a more thorough concept and flexible services that suit a variety of budgets and needs. From diagram to demolition to dream, I want to talk a little bit more about virtual interior design.

What is Virtual Interior Design?

Modern design means modern design tools. Virtual interior design, or E-Design, is the use of online tools to create mood boards, room layouts, curated product lists, and 2D and 3D layouts. This allows designers to serve a wide local and even international audience. But my favorite part is that it centers around playing with different ideas and experiencing your design before it’s installed.

The digital approach to interiors is a great opportunity to easily switch pieces out, play with colors and room layouts, and offer clients multiple options without having a stack of physical paper, books, and swatches. Clients can easily toggle between options, see their furniture laid out, and change paint color, rugs, art, wallpaper, and upholstery colors. All of this is done without having to purchase and return a single thing.

It’s a wonder of our modern age. Virtual design is also perfect for anyone who may hesitate when making decisions. It’s also a great resource for anyone who just doesn’t have time to go out to a store and shop. 

The Virtual Design Process at YDP

The virtual design process is similar from designer to designer. At YDP I’ve really gone the extra mile to ensure your experience is fun, relaxed, comprehensive, and collaborative. These basic steps in the E-Design process contribute to the success of your projects and achieve the desired outcome with minimal overwhelm to you.

• Discovery call and clarity session. This is the first step in every single one of my projects because it’s just that important. The discovery call, or clarity session, is a vital stage where we unpack your needs and select the appropriate design package for your project. We talk about what you want, what you love, what you’re looking for, and other details that will set us on the right path.
• Questionnaire. Every YDP client answers a thorough questionnaire. This includes questions about your home, lifestyle, family make up, personal preferences in both design style and other things like travel and entertaining. From this, we get a good idea of who you are as a person and the type of life you envision and your home needs to support.
• Measurements and more. For virtual design projects, the client provides all of the room and furniture measurements. We also rely on you to take and send reference photos of your space. This is essential, but also one of the reasons clients often prefer full-service design (where I do this for you). However, no fears, we will guide you through it and let you know what is needed. We even have some free design guides to get you started!
• Deliverables. We take it from there and start shaping your space. The deliverables (or what you get at the end of our time together) include:
  • A floor plan
  • Itemized list of products you’ll need
  • Instructions on placement of all furniture and decor
  • A 2D and 3D rendering to give you a full picture

Getting Your Items

Most of the deliverables are sent to you through email as documents and photos you can use as you assemble your room. But as a bonus, we also do the shopping for you. Because we work with a lot of vendors and can often receive benefits as an industry professional, we can shop for the items you need and have them delivered right to your door! Then all you need to do is follow the floor plan and information provided to revamp your space.

The approximate timeline for virtual design projects really depends on the scope of the project. However, for smaller projects, I would allow for about 20 days. For larger projects, expect 60 to 90 days for the turnaround.

How I Use E-Design in my Interior Design Business

Beyond the virtual design package, I use the e-design tools throughout the other services I offer. This allows me to offer more comprehensive services that really bring the project to life.

For my full-service design projects, I still create the floor plans and 2D and 3D layouts for my clients. This makes it easier for them to choose what pieces they like best and visualize the final product. I share these with the client throughout the process so we can make decisions together. Once there’s an approved layout and furniture list, I complete the shopping, and we are well on our way to install day.

The same applies for my custom window treatments services and other packages. Using design tools allows me to test the look of various items and present the client with an accurate visual. All of this contributes to my goal of eliminating the overwhelm of selecting items, making decisions, and instilling confidence in my clients as they invest in their homes.

Who is E-Design For?

E-Design might not be for everyone. Ultimately, the bulk of the work falls on the client with e-design. This makes it perfect for anyone who wants a more hands-on approach to their home. For others, however, it’s ideal to have a designer handle the whole design process from beginning to end. 

Virtual design might be for you if you want to try out different items in your space. Sofas, wallpapers, lights, countertops, chairs, and more can be tested before the purchasing and installation steps. It’s also for you if you’re working with a more conservative budget or have a very small room you’re trying to redecorate. I’ve also used e-design for clients who’ve already worked with me on a larger primary room and have secondary rooms that need a little love, too.

Your Dream Home Designed

Your dream home is just one Clarity Session, room layout, and 3D rendering away. With virtual design, you work closely with YDP no matter how far away you are from our home of Miramar, Florida. Near or far, we can create and curate a home you love.