Why I Chose a Virtual Interior Designer

Early in 2020, we decided to finally conquer the interior home projects on our list.  These were not weekend-warrior type projects, so we knew we needed to find a contractor.  But after speaking with a few that rush of "overwhelm" hit hard.  

I have admittedly seen many home improvement shows - where a family's problem of years is solved in a quick 60 min (with commercials) - but I knew that this was not a "Made for TV" situation.  The reality is that we, like many, both work full time, and with 4 active kids, there was no way we could tackle this on our own.  We needed professional help.

I immediately called Susan and my entire body exhaled in relief.  Enlisting the help of a virtual interior designer was the best tool for the job.  I knew instantly that I would not be alone in any part of the project - I now had a resource, a director, and a sounding board who would advise me every step of the way.  

Initially, we discussed the style of our home and what we were looking to accomplish.  Susan helped us create an overall plan for each space and armed us with a strategy for discussing the project with contractors.  As prices came in, Susan was there breaking down the estimates and fine-tuning the ask. 

In the end, we were able to choose the best contractor for the job - one whom she had worked with previously.  Every step throughout this process, we are so grateful that Susan helped us choose this contractor.  Because she had worked with him before, she knows his crew and his subs.  She was able to work with him to assign a specific tile person to the job based on the tile we chose, a certain project manager based on the jobs we had, and was able to verify contacts before sourcing specific items like entry doors, glass, etc.  

As we began to design the rooms, Susan and her team helped with spatial planning while I sourced materials.  I chose to source my own materials as part of this project under Susan's guiding eye.  She and I made time to "go shopping" at the tile store, where between FaceTime and photo texts we choose tile for the bathrooms and entryway.  Susan advised on size, shape, color families, and patterns as I navigated the once overwhelming aisles of tiles.

 

Once Susan and I had settled on the flooring, we worked up from there - vanities, toilets, hardware, lighting.  Every detail was reviewed and discussed to make sure it was the right fit for each space.  Susan was there to keep me focused on what was needed at that particular moment as we prepared for the contractor to start.  

The experience that an interior designer brings to the table is invaluable.  And with the drastic time that 2020 brought us, Susan and her team pivoted to bring a virtual design eye to this project.  The overwhelming nature of home projects is so much less stressful with a trusted professional advisor.