The Arte of E-Design
With our schedules (and budgets) becoming more and more hectic, the world of E-Design has really taken flight. Much like the traditional full design experience, E-design, or “virtual design”, provides direction and designer expertise, but clients handle the leg work and installation (thus saving you money). Typically one space, one room at a time, E-Design allows individuals to tackle design as their time and purse strings allow. Design is a flat fee and includes an initial consultation, room layout, inventory order list and styling recommendations. While many designers provide a plan and wipe their hands upon delivery, we’re here to make sure you’re happy with the results and are available through the very end of the process.
Here’s how E-Design works at Regal:
Initial Consultation - This consultation is more of a developing story, but one where we discuss pricing, budgets, timelines, and vision. Clients are asked to provide photos and measurements of the space. In addition, we dig into your needs and uses of the space, as well as expectations. To help with this we often ask clients to provide inspiration images, as well as lists of Must Haves/Absolutely Nots. If you’ve got a Pinterest or pulled magazine clippings, we want to see it! Not sure what you like? We’ve got a plan for that, too!
Developing a Design - Creating a plan for your space is a dual process and a layering one at that. Typically within thirty days we provide a comprehensive design concept. A floor plan, furniture selection (with images & links), and suggested fabrics are soon to follow.
Curious what this step might look like? We have a client on the Texas coast, looking to spruce up the living space of her mid-century home. After an initial consultation it was clear she wanted to mix mid-century lines with a relaxed Southern-Cali vibe. This meant loads of layering, worn rugs, mixtures of new/vintage pieces, and distinctive lines. She sought mostly neutrals but wanted to include two particular colors - a salmon pink and sea blues. Most importantly, it all had to be toddler-friendly, include two distinct seating areas, and be a mixture of high/lows (budget speak). Here were 8 initial mock-ups provided to get started. She selected the fourth image (second row, to right), but swapped for the vintage coral chairs.
Order List - Upon design selection, we begin to layer the room from the ground up (rugs, furniture, art, lighting - up, up, up, we go). We’ve seen clients ready to go and capable of ordering everything right away. Other clients take it a step at a time as they’re financially capable. Similar to what you saw above (rugs, chairs, and sofa pairings), we provide the same for fabric, artwork, lighting and accessories. Why do we break it up into so many steps you ask? Because we understand the design process can be overwhelming for many and we want to ensure your confident in your selections, as well as happy with the outcome. It’s very much like reading a recipe - one line at a time.
This step has a lot of fluidity. We understand minds will be changed, items will no long be carried, or budgets may come to a screeching halt. There are limits to taking breathers or changing minds, but overall, we’re here to help.
After purchasing rugs, chairs, the sofa and narrowing down the fabric, here’s where our client found herself. Now it’s the little details - artwork, sconces, table lamps, shelving accessories, placement of materials, and so on.
Pretty awesome, right? We think so! And here’s where we find our final step: Installation & Styling - This is our favorite step, when the room really starts to come alive! With E-design clients are responsible for all ordering and deliveries. In addition, clients must handle the install (whether you’re handy or hiring), any recoverings, etc. We include recommendations on how to place, layer, and style all your new pieces. We understand this process can be an arduous and frustrating process for many, so we’re by your side as questions arise.
Below are some frequently asked questions.
What kind of E-Design services do you provide?
We like to focus on one room at a time. E-Design may entail the entirety of the room: furnishings, paint palette, fabric selections, floor and wall coverings, art selections, accessories, and so on. Or it can be one aspect of a room: the search for the perfect sofa, a seating collection, or an eye-catching art collection. E-Design is individualized and tailored to your needs.
What does E-Design cost?
This is dependent of the scope of your design (as noted above). Fees currently range anywhere from $100-$1500 (subject to change).
What does E-Design include?
Consultation, Design Plan & Layout, Inventory Order List, Styling Recommendations & Our Expertise
How long does E-Design take?
This varies by the client, their response speed and their spending capabilities. We’ve seen it completed within a month, we’ve seen it completed within a year. Within reason, we understand budgets and timing greatly affect the speed of which a project comes to fruition and are sensitive to that. We do, however, try to limit our scope to within a year of contract.
What if I don’t like the design provided? Do you offer refunds?
We intentionally provide a handful of mock-ups to ensure variety. Should you feel we’ve completely missed the mark, we return to our initial consultation and evaluate. Yes, we do offer refunds up until a certain point of the design process (spelled out in the contract).
If I’m not handy, do you have contractor contacts?
Possibly! Dependent on your location, we may have a few contacts in our back pocket. If not, we’re happy to provide you links/ways to source out handymen/ladies.
Are you onsite for final styling?
No, not with E-Design. We try to be as on-hands as possible, but will not be onsite for styling. Ordering, installing, and styling are ultimately up to the client. Should an on-site visit be very important to you, please discuss with us and we’ll decide the best course of action.
Is there a contract involved?
Yes. We want to spell out our expectations, as well as your expectations. Before any E-Design can take place the contract must be executed and the fee must be agreed upon/paid in full.
Do you have any designer discounts?
Yes and no. Please note, Regal Real Estate is a residential brokerage company that happens to specialize in interior design. We receive contractor discounts at some locations, not all. If we do, we will most certainly do our best to pass those along.
How do I get a quote?
Please reach out to us via our contact tab or by social media. We’d love to help you with your project(s)!