The difference between Virtual and In-Person Interior Design

When we think about interior design, we often think about creating beautiful and stylized homes. Images of stylish furnishings, harmonious color schemes, and cleverly curated decor, all working together to transform houses into homes. Interior design is not just about aesthetics; it's also about enhancing comfort, optimizing functionality, and ultimately, improving the quality of life within a space.

Virtual Interior Design offers its benefits to clients who are looking to transform 1-2 spaces.

In the height of COVID, we were restricted to staying indoors, and our homes became even more personal and some of the painstaking flaws became more apparent. But, like the rest of us, designers couldn’t do site visits or connect with clients in-person. So, out emerges virtual interior design: the ability to work with an interior design in the comfort of your own home and transform your space in your own time.

While both virtual and in-person have the same overall objective, they each offer unique advantages and considerations.

Let’s dive into the two approaches to determine which might be the best fit for you.

1. Accessibility and Convenience

Virtual Interior Design: With virtual interior design, accessibility knows no bounds. Clients can connect with designers from anywhere in the world, making it convenient for those with busy schedules or limited mobility.

In-Person Interior Design: In-person interior design offers a hands-on experience, allowing clients to engage directly with designers and witness the transformation of their space in real-time. However, it may be less convenient for clients with hectic schedules or those living in remote areas.

2. Communication and Collaboration

Virtual Interior Design: Communication in virtual interior design relies heavily on digital tools such as video calls, emails, and virtual mood boards. While this allows for seamless collaboration regardless of distance, some nuances may be lost in translation.

Learn More about the Virtual Interior Design process.

In-Person Interior Design: In-person interior design fosters face-to-face communication and hands-on collaboration between clients and designers. This facilitates a deeper understanding of the client's vision and enables immediate feedback and adjustments. Additional benefits include some of the tangibles we often forget about. With in-person services, the designer can present materials and samples for the client to feel, touch and experience.

3. Project Size and Level of Work

Virtual Interior Design: For small scale projects, such as 1-2 rooms within a home, virtual design can provide more efficient and immediate results. Designers work with clients to make small updates to wall treatments, window treatments and furnishings within the space. Typically, the designer provides the client with a purchasing list. The client handles the installation of all the furniture and updates on their own and in their own time.

In-Person Interior Design: For a project requiring more involvement in the updates being made to the home, in person design is a better option. Designers work through several phases to present design concepts, then work with general contractors and subcontractors to execute the vision. One of the huge benefits of this option is the project management that you’ll receive from the designer. The designer will take care of all the details during the renovation and installation phases.

Learn more about the Interior Design Process

5. Cost and Budget Considerations

Virtual Interior Design: Virtual interior design may offer cost savings for clients, as it eliminates the need for travel expenses and overhead costs associated with in-person meetings. The cost is typically based on the number of rooms, while delivering designs and a purchasing list of furniture for the client.

In-Person Interior Design: In-person interior design cater to larger sized projects. They deliver on a concierge type service, where the client doesn’t need to worry about lifting a finger. All the details and oversight of the project are handled by the designer.