What Exactly is E-Design?

E-design, also known as electronic, remote or virtual design is an interior design service that is performed completely online. 

With traditional design services, your designer would visit your home, evaluate and measure your space and discuss your design needs with you in person.  With E-design, collaboration between you and the designer is done virtually through email, photos, phone calls and/or video. 

It doesn’t matter where you live, as long as you have access to the internet, you can work with an E-designer on your home project! 

IS IT RIGHT FOR ME?

Some of the biggest benefits of E-Design is its affordability, convenience and fast turn-around time. It’s the perfect option for you if you need an expert’s help pulling together a vision for a room in your home and you’re willing to put in a little work to make it happen. 

It’s for DIY homeowners, renters, house flippers, real estate agents, small boutique owners or anyone else who wants to upgrade a space and is able to manage ordering and installation on their own.  

3-D computer rendering of a bedroom

 HOW DOES IT WORK?

A good E-Designer will have a system set up to make the entire process easy and fun for you.  At Birchleaf Interiors we use a private client portal system where you can view all the information about your project at any time that’s convenient for you. Below are the steps that take you through our E-Design process.

STEP 1: First you’ll fill out a design questionnaire describing your vision for the space as well as your wishes, needs, likes and dislikes. 

After reviewing your information, we’ll schedule a phone call with you to verify project information and ask any questions we might have.  We’ll email over your proposal and payment link. Once you accept and submit payment (all electronically of course), your project is officially underway!  

STEP 2: This is where you help us! You’ll take measurements and photos of your room and any furniture that you are keeping.  To be sure we have a good understanding of your style and preferences, we’ll create a shared Pinterest board and ask that you share, pin and communicate your design inspiration with us there.

Example of room measurement sketch

Example of collaborative Pinterest board

STEP 3: After we have all the information we need, it’s time for us to get to work designing a personalized and fresh, new look for your space! 

We’ll review your preliminary design with you via video call, make any requested revisions and upload your finalized design-book to your client portal.  The following documents are included in your final design-book.

●CONCEPT BOARD

●FLOOR PLAN (2D)

●KEY WALL ELEVATIONS

●3D RENDERINGS (if purchased)

●SHOPPING LIST

●INSTALLATION GUIDE

STEP 4: Now it’s time for you to make your new design come to life!  You can shop and order the products through your personalized shopping list whenever you are ready.

Once everything arrives, you’ll be able to decorate with confidence following your custom design plan and decorating guide. 

Also included with your final design is 1-hour of phone or video consultation in case you have any questions while you're transforming your space.

Completed office space

E-DESIGN FAQ’s:

Q: What if I need help with more than one space?

A: No problem.  We can help you with multiple rooms or just one. We can do all the spaces at once, or one at a time.  It’s up to you!

Q: Does E-design work for kitchens and bathrooms?

A: Absolutely.  Keep in mind that kitchens and bathroom updates often include structural changes and those will need to be verified onsite by your installer or contractor.  

Q:  How much does E-Design cost?

A: Because every project is different, we provide estimates based on your unique design needs.  The biggest draw to E-Design though is its affordability. Just fill out a questionnaire telling us about your project and we’ll send your personalized quote.

Q: How are you different from those big internet E-Design companies?

A: You get to choose if you want to work with us or not.  With the big companies you are often assigned to a designer you know nothing about and who may or may not have any actual design training.  You get personalized service and project follow-up when you partner with an independent E-Designer. 

Q: How long will it take to get my design?

A: Once you finish your homework (STEP 2), you can expect to see your preliminary design for a single room in your inbox within 2 weeks.  Multiple rooms will take a little longer. Your estimated project time frame will be listed in your proposal.

Q: What if I already have some furniture that I want to keep?

A: That’s great!  E-Design services are customized to your unique design needs.  We can help you if you are starting from scratch, if you already have a few key pieces but want to finish up the space or even if you already have a room full of furniture and just need help with space planning and final touches. 

3-D computer rendering of a nursery

Businesses have gone online and interior design is no exception. The traditional model of visiting homes has been replaced by virtual tours and electronic idea sharing. Though e-design has been around for a while now, technology advancement has made it even easier for interior designers to collaborate, create and share designs with their clients. 

We’ve embraced this new way of business for our clients and we think you’re going to love it!