Virtual Interior Design- How it Opens the Doors to Living the Glamorous Lifestyle you Deserve
By Amanda M. Burdge, AB Home Interiors
We have all conjured up ideas of what we would love our space to look like. Some of us have even started to file little images and thoughts in our heads based on magazines we have read or television shows we have watched. We all know what our dream office or home looks like, we just need a professional eye to pull it all together; we need a Designer.
Now, imagine you are ready to take that next step. Imagine sitting in the comfort of your own home or office and simply having a conversation with a Designer about your space and your visions. I am sure as this image is forming in your mind, this Designer is also sitting across from you at a table or your desk, but why is this necessary? Could you not get the same results by simply talking with your Designer via telephone?
Thanks to the internet and all the doors and opportunities that this has opened up, the birth of Virtual Interior Design has emerged. What that means for you is that you can get the best Designer for the job regardless of geographical location.
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So How Does it Work?
The first step is to find a Designer that you know is going to be a great fit for you; one that can envision your ideas and take them from your head to paper and ultimately to your home or office. Remember that because geography no longer matters you can find the best person for the job, but of course we suggest you contact AB Home Design.
The next step is to let your Designer know the type of project you are working on and what your vision looks like. The following is a common list of things that you should have ready for your initial consultation.
- A photo or photos of your space along with floor plans (if you have them) that you can send to the Designer via email or through regular USPS.
- Any images or links of websites that show the look and feel you are trying to create for your space. Remember we can tell just as much from what you do like as what you don’t like so don’t be afraid to include links to things you definitely don’t like.
By sending these to your Designer before your scheduled consultation, it will give them a chance to know exactly what you are thinking before we even start talking.
Why Should I Consider Virtual Design?
As we have already mentioned, the biggest advantage for you is that you can get the best Designer for your next project, regardless of geographical location, but there are several other reasons why Virtual Interior Design is a fantastic option for your next design project:
- Since Virtual Design does not require a physical presence at your location, it works on your schedule, you no longer have to worry about waiting for your Designer to “show up” or scheduling around what days or times your Designer can make it to your home or business.
- For those that like to “do it yourself” you can simply tap into your Designer’s expertise to get a quick and simple answer to even your smallest design questions without the worries of a huge Design bill. You are able to get terrific ideas and then implement them on your own – no matter how big or small.
- As this consultation will happen over the phone you set the parameters, you have control over how “in depth” you want the ultimate design project to go. The Designer will provide you with all the tools, but you maintain the control of what you implement now, next week or next year. You can do the project in stages and save money or you can complete the entire project right now.
- Sometimes you just want a “second opinion” and by working with a Designer who is up on the latest trends and ideas, you are going to get honest advice, a fresh pair of eyes and oftentimes a solution you didn’t even consider. If nothing else you will definitely walk away from the Consultation with several new ideas.
- You control how the communications happen. Virtual Designers can work via telephone, or email, you decide which method you prefer and works best for you, your family and your schedule.
Perhaps another huge advantage to working with a Designer virtually, is that you can tap into an expert at a fraction of the cost. Many virtual Designers offer consultations at a very reasonable rate compared to their normal rates.
So I’m in, What’s the Next Step?
After you decide that the Designer understands your vision and you want to move forward to create a plan, contact them to get started.
Once your consultation with your virtual Designer has been made send photos for them to review with any drawings, or website links that you are interested in so they can get to work on the scope of work desired.
*If a space plan is required, your virtual Designer may need you to provide them with the exact measurements of your room and the measurements of any existing furniture. From this they can create a scaled plan of your space. If you do not currently have furniture, or want a fresh set of eyes and vision, your virtual Designer can specify furniture ideas from their library that you can use as a working roadmap to find similar items in your local area.
Once this plan is completed, the plan is sent to you and you can implement it on your own or utilize local businesses to complete the work on your behalf such as painters, flooring experts, etc.
*This service is offered through AB HOME’s level III program.
What if I want to Go Further or do more than just a phone consultation? What Services do Virtual Designers Offer?
Spaceplans – As mentioned above, a space plan is a drawing that shows you the optimum layout of your room, how furniture should be placed, and most importantly the appropriate sizes for those items. Space plans are built with your existing furniture, new furniture options, or both. These plans build wonderful roadmaps and for those that want to work on their room over durations of time, roadmaps help keep you focused.
Window consulting – Window treatments are the ball gown to your windows. Without their decoration a room just isn’t complete! Whether you prefer privacy treatments, decorative treatments, or both, we can help you make the best decision for your window treatments.
Color consulting – Color is probably the ONE thing that eludes most people. It absolutely terrifies them, and yet color is the single most important ingredient to a home. Well-suited color choices will make the biggest difference to your home and it is the easiest instant gratification for your dollar.
Research – Research is the foundation to any good interior design firm. Many of my clients have an uncanny sense of style, despite claiming they have none at all! With tear sheets, notebooks, and swatches in hand they have a strong sense of what they want without knowing how to get it. Without serious research and skill it can be overwhelming and frustrating trying to put your dream home together. Research allows us to scour our resources, contacts, and trade sources to find the building blocks necessary to build your dream room.
Furniture specification – Just like color consulting, furniture specification is very important. When doing an interior every room should have balance, scale and harmony. Ever walked into a room that just felt off? Or how about a room that felt warm, inviting and simply terrific? When all the elements are right, it just feels right. Furniture specification is not just helping you select furniture, but helping you pick the correct size of furniture so your home feels just right!
Email consulting – An email consultation is a quick and easy way to get an answer to your design dilemma. As I mentioned before, most of my clients have exceptional style and ideas. However, sometimes you have looked at something so long, or made a fleeting decision that you are unsure of and are in need of some quick professional advice. For example, a lovely gal named Anna was working with us as her virtual Designer in regards to her newly designed patio. Thinking she had done a terrible job she sent me a photo and stated, “I think the only way to resolve this patio is to replace the stools that I just paid $600 for and my husband is going to kill me!” She had done a marvelous job on the patio, all she needed was a fresh pair of eyes to point out what seemed obvious to me, but she had stared at it so long she entered into design oblivion. With a few simple suggestions I came up with an easy solution to add upholstered cushions with a beautiful Schumacher outdoor fabric, and it completely changed the look and feel. Easy and simple all with one phone call!
Perhaps working with a virtual Designer can be summed up best in my philosophy:
“Everyone needs to live a glamorous lifestyle. A true lifestyle is a home that surrounds you with things of meaning, and effortless luxuries. Luxury is not about money, it is about the simple pleasures in life that influence your mood. A good night’s sleep on sumptuous linens, a wonderful cup of coffee in your favorite chair, or fresh flowers on your vintage nightstand. When the things that surround you bring you ultimate joy that is living a gracious lifestyle! Learn to live life well!”
When you work with a virtual Designer you can have the best and work with the best; you can work with the person that is the best fit for you and is able to see your vision and give you the glamorous lifestyle you deserve, at a rate that won’t break the bank!
For more information on how you can bring your dreams and vision to fruition, contact Amanda today at 615-750-2763 or at info@abhomeinteriors.com
