When I first contemplated the idea of online interior design, it was simply to supplement my “in house” design work and allow me more time at home with my son. At the time, the concept was brand new and nobody else appeared to be offering this type of interior design.
Was I crazy? Would anyone trust that I was actually a well trained designer?
Here I am, five plus years later, with one of the leading online interior design services! There are also countless other online design services now available. I welcome the expanded playing field and believe that there is enough work for all. I also believe that the field will sift out over time, and some of us will remain at the top of the pack.
I spent many years working as a designer before venturing out of my own and then into the online world. After design school, I started as an assistant to an established and older designer; we designed Bed and Breakfasts up and down the California Coastline. After getting my feet wet, I nerved it up and
interviewed for one of the most prestigious design firms in San Francisco. Wearing my DKNY black suit that I could not afford (but knew I needed to land the job), I walked in and sold my potential and myself. I got the job!
The days of working at this firm were long and grueling but I learned more than I knew I needed to know. I learned about antiques and classic design. I learned trade sources. I learn etiquette with clients. I learned smaller lessons and side notes such as “to drape is a noun – never call draperies drapes”. These little words are forever etched in my mind.
After leaving San Francisco and the birth of my son, I collaborated with an established designer. We worked together side by side for years, and I will always remember the lessons she taught me as well. However, after years of designing with another set of eyes and many other opinions, I knew I needed to spread my wings and work on my own.
Long story short, I made my own path and started my own in house interior design business. I loved my clients and loved my work but once I became I mom (a single mom actually – which comes with several additional challenges) I knew I needed more time at home. Thus – Interior Design Service Online was
hatched.
Months and months writing the website text, developing the concept, and working with a web-designer and I eventually had a website. The day the website went live I was so proud and excited yet had very few expectations that anyone would find me or take my services seriously. A few weeks later, I sold my first room design package!
Since that first sale, the business has grown and developed in ways I never could
imagine. I have added numerous new services and discovered that online interior design is not a one size fits all business. My clients have unique needs
and desires, and my commitment is to tailor my services to meet theirneeds. I have designed homes around the world from Aruba to UAE to Switzerland
and Australia.
The most surprising thing I have discovered is that I am building a base of long-term clients. For some silly reason, I envisioned that working online would be a one-time occurrence for a homeowner, and then we would bedone. Instead, the reality is that I might start with one room (or several rooms) and then months later hear back from the same client to design a baby nursery or even help with a vacation home.
This repeat business lets me know I am doing something right!
