By now, you have probably heard of Edesign, which is sometimes called online Interior Design or Virtual Design.
Edesign is a collaboration between the designer and client, where the client takes on some of the design process since the designer is not there in person to implement the design. All you DIYers out there, I am speaking your language!. As the client, you will share some of the responsibility for the design by taking room measurements, ordering the products that your designer recommends and putting everything in place. Because of this shared workload, Edesign tends to be more affordable than full service Interior Design. Learn more about if Edesign is right for you or if you would be better served working with a local designer in my blog article, How Can I work with an Interior Designer on my Budget?
The video below shows my process of how Edesign works. Different designers may offer different services or work with you in different ways. Most will likely provide all or some of the following services which include a floorplan, concept or mood board, shopping list, 3D render of the final design and set up instructions.
Most Edesigners, just as local designers will start the process getting to know you, your style and tastes, your lifestyle, your design issues etc. A local designer does this with an in person visit. An Edesigner will likely send you a questionnaire, or may do a video or phone call.
Once the designer determines what you like and need, they will start developing a design for you. This usually starts with space planning and developing a floor plan so they know what will fit and how things can be arranged to best fit your lifestyle. An in person designer will usually take room measurements of the space and any existing furnishings that you may want to use. Because the Edesigner can’t visit your home, they will ask you to take these measurements and photos for them so they know what they are working with. This information may be requested as part of the questionnaire.
The next step includes coming up with a concept of a design including furnishings, accessories, paint colors and finishes to try to create a space that meets all your needs functionally and makes your heart sing with the beauty of the finished design. While a local designer may present all the pieces of the plan to you in person, with samples that you can see and feel, the Edesigner will provide a concept board showing all the elements and how they look together.
The next step usually involves collaborating to make adjustments to the plan to make sure you love everything and it works with your budget. Both a local designer and an Edesigner will ask for feedback and provide additional options for product ideas if needed. The Edesigner will get your feedback and show you additional options online.
Before you get you get your shopping list, in some cases you may want to “see” how the design will actually look in your space before ordering to be sure it will look the way you want. A local designer or an Edesigner can create a 3D rendering or other drawing to show you the final design. Or you may feel comfortable going forward without a rendering if you feel you can visualize the design without this extra step.
Once you love everything, you will be ready for a final shopping list of all the items for your design. An Edesigner will give you a document or picture of all the items with clickable links to the products, so you can go directly to a product website and purchase everything yourself on your own timeline. You would be responsible for setting up deliveries and returns if needed and putting all your products in place. An Edesigner will provide you set up instructions for everything, and often includes final advice on the installation if you send “after” pictures of the space. A local designer usually takes care of the ordering, delivery and installation for you.
And then you are done! Magic!
When you are looking for an Edesigner, remember that they are all unique and may specialize in certain styles. For example, I love global design styles, rich colors and love to create eco-friendly and sustainable designs. A good designer will tell your story, regardless of their style preferences. Learn more about them by checking out their online portfolios.
And like most things, you get what you pay for. Finding an edesigner that offers premium design services will give you more personal service, unique product choices and quality design. The Edesign Tribe has set a high bar for industry standards in the world of Edesign and is a good place to start your search.
Feel free to check out the wide variety of online design services I offer here and I hope this article was helpful!
Looking for a gift? Try one of my Edesign gift cards.
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This is a great way to illustrate how e-design works! I love how you put the video together as well as very thoroughly explained how the entire process works.
Thanks Sheri, I hope it takes some of the mystery out of it for people. Edesign is still a pretty new thing and although all designers all have their own ways of doing things, it helps people understand what it is all about and how it can help them.
Perfect explanation of your edesign process, Mary Ann! And great examples!
Thank you Janet!
I totally am kinda blown away Maryann on this post. You give your clients the total package along with being totally clear what texpect.
I love the gift certificate idea and how you marketed it .
So awesome. I just followed you on Pinterest. My site is embarrassingly in need though which why I am trying to get to it.
Thank you for this post!
Thank you so much Mitzi! I think people are a little scared sometimes to work with a designer because they are not sure how it works, what they will get, how much it costs or what to expect. Hopefully this will help them feel more comfortable and they will realize how easy and fun it can be!
Great post Mary Ann, I love how thoroughly you explain the whole process. For many people this is the perfect solution, and you made it seem so easy, well done!
Thank you Amy!