Should You Hire an Online Interior Designer or a Traditional Interior Designer?

Getting your house looking just right is important. After all, it’s your space, where you spend most of your time, and is a reflection of your personality.

Many people choose to use an interior designer to work with, but modern technology now means that there is another option, an online designer. Whichever option your choose, you’ll be saving yourself a lot of hassle trying to design it yourself, potentially making costly mistakes.

There are pros and cons to hiring a traditional interior designer, and pros and cons to hiring an online interior designer, so which is best for you?

Hiring an Online Interior Designer

When discussing online services, there are two different types you could be referring to. It can involve a completely online interface, which uses your information, photos, and measurements to generate designs for your home. This process is completely automated. Some of them will be able to coordinate storage and contractors, whereas others will provide a design-only service.

The other type of online service is provided by a real interior designer, but instead of working in your home, the process is done remotely via video calls and photos. They often work on a flat-fee structure.

Pro - Save Money and Time

One of the biggest attractions to online interior design is the chance to access the skills of a designer without having to pay high fees. You don’t need to travel to meet them taking time off work.

Pro - Speed

Online designers have access to fantastic design software which can generate realistic design plans very quickly.

Hiring a Traditional Designer

When you start working with a traditional interior designer, you will do most of your talking face to face either at their office or your home. They offer a bespoke service to people within their local areas unless they are particularly popular in which case they may offer their services at a premium nationally.

Pro - Personal Service

When you hire an interior designer, they will provide you with very personalized service, making visits to your home and discussing their plans and ideas with you. It can feel like a very collaborative process.

Pro - More Time to Bounce Ideas

Online services can sometimes feel a little impersonal. Having the opportunity to talk to an interior designer face to face can spark real creative ideas in you both. Plus, as they get to know you, they will be able to get a sense of your personality and style which they can use in their designs for you.

Pro - They Get a Better Sense of Space

When an interior designer visits your home, they’ll be able to get a great feel for your property and lifestyle. They’ll be able to see the rooms they are decorating in a wider context and this might influence their ideas.

Final Thoughts on Hiring an Online Interior Designer or a Traditional Interior Designer

Using an interior design service can really up the quality and flow of your house. If you don’t have an eye for interior design, then it can feel like an enormous relief to get someone else to do it for you.

Choosing the type of interior design service will depend on a few different factors such as budget, timescales, and the interior designers in your area. Whether you want to hire a traditional interior designer or want to go with an online interior designer both are viable options in today's market. Check out our bedroom design app, kitchen design app, and bathroom design app to get started today!

This article was written by Paul from Design & Beyond.

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Paul started Design & Beyond back in 2015 as an online space to share his University portfolio and over the years it changed from a portfolio to a blog and a shop.

Throughout the years, Paul has gained experience and learned a lot from the design world. He is passionate about all that he does so follow along on his journey to success!

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