How To Decide The Best Interior Design Service
Are you dreaming of a beautiful home that reflects who you are but feeling overwhelmed by the thought of managing the design process? Choosing between virtual design and full-service design is an important decision. Each option has unique benefits, and understanding which suits your needs can help you create the perfect space—without the stress.
In this blog, we’ll explain the key differences between virtual and full-service design, provide tips for deciding which option is right for you, and address common concerns to help you make the best choice.
What Is Virtual Design?
Virtual design is a flexible, affordable service that allows you to work with a professional designer—like me—entirely online. It's a great option for clients who want expert guidance and a custom design plan but are comfortable managing the furniture purchasing and installation on their own.
Here’s how it works:
Virtual Consultation: We’ll meet over Zoom or another video platform to discuss your space, style preferences, and budget.
Design Plan: I’ll create a custom mood board, layout, and shopping list tailored to your space.
Furniture Ordering: You can have me order furniture using my trade discounts for high-quality pieces.
DIY Installation: Once the furniture is delivered, you’ll manage the installation yourself with my guidance.
Who Is It For?
Busy professionals who want a beautiful home but don’t have the time to meet in person or oversee every detail.
People who enjoy DIY projects but want expert input to ensure the design is cohesive and well-executed.
Those with a smaller budget who still want access to professional design expertise.
The Benefits:
Affordability: Virtual design costs less than full-service design, making it accessible to a wider range of budgets.
Convenience: Everything is done online, so you can work with a designer from anywhere in the U.S. or Canada without in-person meetings.
Flexibility: You maintain control over the project and handle installation at your own pace but with a clear roadmap.
What Is Full-Service Design?
Full-service design is a hands-on, start-to-finish design experience, ideal for those who want a stress-free process where every detail is handled for them. From initial concept to final installation, I take care of everything—including working with contractors, managing timelines, and ordering furniture.
Here’s what’s included:
In-Home Consultation: We’ll meet in person to evaluate your space and discuss your vision. I’ll measure, plan, and develop a detailed design concept.
Project Management: I’ll oversee every design aspect, coordinate with contractors, manage timelines, and handle orders.
Turnkey Installation: Once everything is in place, I’ll handle the final installation, ensuring every last detail is perfect before you walk into your dream home.
Who Is It For?
Clients who are ready for a full renovation or room transformation and want someone to handle every detail.
Busy professionals who don’t have the time or energy to manage the design process themselves.
People who want a high-touch, luxury experience and a professionally executed design from start to finish.
The Benefits:
Stress-Free: I manage the entire project so you can focus on what matters most to you.
Attention to Detail: A professional with an eye for detail takes care of every element, from paint colors to furniture placement.
End-to-End Service: You’ll get the complete package, from the initial design to a perfectly styled, finished space.
A Detailed Breakdown of the Benefits of Virtual and Full-Service Design
Let’s dive deeper into the specific benefits of each service to help you understand which one is the best fit for your needs.
Virtual Design: Flexibility, Affordability, and Convenience
1. Flexibility: Imagine you’re managing back-to-back meetings, ferrying the kids to activities, and trying to squeeze in a workout. The last thing you want is to coordinate in-person meetings with multiple contractors and designers. With virtual design, you can work with a professional on your schedule. Need a quick update on your project at 8 p.m. after the kids are in bed? No problem. You can handle the design process at your own time and pace.
Virtual design offers unparalleled flexibility. You don’t need to make time for in-person meetings or rearrange your schedule to accommodate contractor visits. Instead, we handle everything online. This flexibility can be especially helpful if you’re balancing a busy career, family life, or both.
2. Affordability Without Sacrificing Style: One of the greatest benefits of virtual design is that it’s more cost-effective than full-service design while still providing a high level of expertise and guidance. You receive a customized design plan based on your preferences, but you can execute it at a pace and budget that works for you.
By purchasing furniture and managing installation yourself, you reduce the project's overall cost without sacrificing the professional touch that elevates your space. You’ll still benefit from my trade discounts on furniture and decor, so you can access high-quality pieces without paying full retail prices.
3. Convenience for the Modern Professional: Today’s busy professionals constantly juggle tasks and virtual design is tailored for this reality. If you’re managing a career, family, and everything in between, virtual design allows you to achieve a well-designed home without putting more on your plate. You can send me photos, videos, and measurements of your space, and we’ll collaborate on a plan that fits your lifestyle.
Full-Service Design: Stress-Free, Comprehensive, and Completely Hands-Off
1. The All-Inclusive Nature of Full-Service Design: Full-service design is the ultimate hands-off experience for clients who don’t have the time—or desire—to be involved in the day-to-day management of their projects. From the initial concept to the final installation, I handle everything. This includes working with contractors, coordinating timelines, selecting materials, and ordering furniture.
Imagine walking into your home after a long work trip to find that every detail, from the paint color to the placement of your art, has been taken care of. Full-service design ensures you don’t need to lift a finger during the process.
2. Professional Project Management and Attention to Detail: One of the most significant benefits of full-service design is the attention to detail that comes from having a professional manage the entire process. I ensure that every element, from the perfect shade of paint to the right lighting fixture, aligns with the overall vision we’ve created together.
You don’t have to worry about hiring contractors, managing timelines, or ordering furniture. I handle all of that for you, ensuring everything arrives on schedule and the project stays on track. My goal is to make the process seamless so you can enjoy a beautifully designed home without any stress.
3. Turnkey Installation and Finishing Touches: With full-service design, I manage the design process and oversee the final installation. My team and I will ensure that everything is delivered, assembled, and styled perfectly. By the time you walk into your home, it’s not just a house—it’s your sanctuary.
The attention to detail extends to the final touches, from the placement of throw pillows to the arrangement of artwork. I make sure that your home is beautiful and functional, reflecting your unique needs and lifestyle.
Tips for Choosing Between Virtual and Full-Service Design
Now that we’ve outlined the key benefits of virtual and full-service design, how do you decide which service is right for you? Let’s walk through a few questions to help you make the best decision.
What Is Your Budget?
The first and most important factor to consider is your budget. Virtual design is likely the better option if you’re working with a smaller budget. It allows you to access professional design expertise without the cost of full-service project management and installation.
With virtual design, you’ll still benefit from my trade discounts on furniture and be in control of the purchasing process. You can decide what to invest in now and what to save for later, allowing you to manage your budget more effectively.
On the other hand, full-service design is a higher investment but offers a completely hands-off experience. Full-service design is worth the cost if you’re ready to invest in a complete home transformation and don’t want to worry about the details.
How Involved Do You Want to Be in the Process?
Do you enjoy being hands-on with your home projects? Are you the type of person who loves shopping for furniture, comparing prices, and managing deliveries? If so, virtual design might be the perfect fit for you. It allows you to implement the design at your own pace but with a professional plan to guide you.
On the other hand, if the thought of coordinating contractors, managing timelines, and assembling furniture makes you cringe, full-service design is the way to go. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that a professional is taking care of every detail.
How Much Time Do You Have?
Time is one of the most valuable resources we have. If you’re balancing a demanding career, raising a family, or have too much on your plate, full-service design will save you hours of time and energy. With full-service, you won’t need to spend weekends shopping for furniture or managing contractor schedules. I’ll handle everything for you so you can focus on what matters most in your life.
However, if you have a bit more time and enjoy working on home projects, virtual design gives you the flexibility to manage the process on your own schedule. You can tackle one room at a time, order furniture as your budget allows, and manage installation at your own pace.
Addressing Common Objections and Concerns
Whether you’re leaning toward virtual or full-service design, it’s normal to have some hesitations. Here are some of the most common objections I hear from clients, along with my thoughts on overcoming them.
“What if I choose virtual design and feel lost?”
This is a common concern, especially for clients new to working with a designer. Virtual design clients often worry about having enough support throughout the process. The good news is that while you handle installation, I’m still here to guide you every step of the way.
From layout tips to advice on furniture placement, you won’t be left wondering what to do next. With clear, step-by-step instructions, you’ll feel empowered to bring your design to life. I’ll provide you with detailed floor plans, shopping links (or I can handle the shopping!), and installation instructions so you can confidently execute the design.
“I love the idea of full-service design, but is it worth the cost?”
Absolutely. While full-service design is a larger financial commitment, it’s designed to save you time and stress. Every detail, from wall colors to furniture placement, is handled by a professional with years of experience. By investing in full-service design, you’re investing in a home that is beautiful, functional, and tailored to your lifestyle.
Many clients find full-service design worth the investment because it eliminates the overwhelming task of managing a renovation or home transformation. Instead of juggling contractors, dealing with delays, and coordinating deliveries, you can trust me to handle everything for you. In the end, you’ll have a home that feels like a sanctuary—without the headaches that come with DIY or partial design services.
“What if I want to mix the two services?”
That’s a great question! Some clients may want a hybrid approach, starting with virtual design but needing additional support later. If you’re unsure which service is the right fit for you, we can start with a virtual discovery call and explore your needs from there. I’m always happy to adjust the level of service based on your project’s scope.
Making the Final Decision
Whether you choose virtual design or full-service design, you’re investing in a home that will support and enhance your lifestyle. Both options provide a level of customization and expertise that will transform your space into something you’ll love for years to come.
If you’re still unsure which service is the best fit for you, I’d love to chat! Book a virtual discovery call today, and let’s discuss your vision and how I can help bring it to life.
