Top Tips to Get the Most Out of your Interior Design Consultation

Think as your consultation as the first step towards creating a space you love

Trying anything for the first time can be daunting, so here are some suggestions on the lay of the (virtual) land, along with insider’s tips to ensure your first eDecorating experience runs like clockwork.

Maybe it was your friend, raving about how working with an interior designer online had changed her home (and life) or maybe you’re just curious to see what’s possible for your space without spending thousands of dollars on professional services. Whatever the reason, you’re ready to give eDecorating a go.

#1 Do your prep

‍This really is the fun bit – before you brief your designer, prepare an idea of what you like and dislike. It’s as simple as gathering together images online of rooms, colours and any particular pieces you’re drawn to.

Don’t worry too much about what’s right for your room; this is your chance to let your imagination run wild. The more creative direction you can provide on your preferred aesthetics, the better.

TIP: Here are a couple of tried and tested tools, to help you pull together your inspo:

Pinterest – Even if you’re not usually a ‘pinner’, you’ll find this site so quick and easy to pick up. Just set up a board, search Pinterest’s infinite amount of inspo and if you see an image you like, just ‘pin it’. You can then link the board to your design brief when you’ve finished. It’s that simple.

Handy Style Guide – It’s easy to get lost when you try to figure out what interior design style best describes your taste. Luckily, our Handy Style Guide is here to help! As we say, knowing your interior design style is the key to success when buying furniture, to art, to starting your next room makeover.

Pinterest Board: Living Room Inspo

Pinterest Board: Winter Interior Ideas

#2 Keep your options open

Okay, having said all that… it is possible to have too much of a good thing. Your interior designer needs to get a gauge of your taste, but you also need to give them some creative license to offer you a bespoke solution.

Allowing for flexibility in your brief keeps your mind open to new ideas and the possibility of a look you couldn’t even have imagined. That’s the beauty of working with an industry expert, after all.

Remember that when it comes to virtual interior design, the ball is in your court. The first look your designer creates is merely a springboard for discussion; opening the conversation for collaborative revisions.

Everyone works differently and you may prefer the ‘delegation’ approach – providing the brief and trusting your designer to work their magic, or it might take you to your happy place to play a big part in the creative process.

TIP: The way you work together is your call, but let your designer know. Remote collaboration works best when the communication is clear (in fact, doesn’t everything?). Be as involved as you like. It’s win-win all round.

Want to discuss your options? Book your free 15 minute consultation.

#3 Express yourself

Working with an online interior designer means you’re kept firmly in the driving seat. You write the brief, set the budget and feedback on the concepts, until the design is approved.

But with power comes responsibility, so honesty, transparency and constructive feedback are key. This is a collaborative process so don’t be shy to provide your opinion; the more you refine, the closer you come to completing your dream space.

TIP: This is your chance to unleash your inner Shaynna Blaze, be open with your designer about what you love, and don’t love about the concept (you can even mark out of 10 if you like!).

It's super easy to provide your designer with your feedback on Milray Park eDecorating platform!

Click & comment on any design elements from any devices and from anywhere.

#4 You don’t have to do it alone

Do the wood tones of my dining furniture need to match? Is my coffee table styling on-point?

Some questions are just too hard to answer alone, but an online designer has your back. Not only do you have their expert knowledge on-hand, to explain why this sofa is absolutely perfect for your space. But they’ll also draw up a floor plan, to make sure the furniture fits like a glove.

TIP: eDecorating has the ability to make transforming your home (and sticking to a budget) infinitely easier, so let go and have fun.

Start your dining room design with Milray Park Designer Gabrielle Reinhardt

Start your bedroom design with Milray Park Designer Monica Bean

Start your living room design with Milray Park Designer Caine Hodder

Keep these points in mind and your first foray into virtual interior design will be a breeze. You’ve got this! Get started by browsing our Designer Directory.

Milray Park gives all Australians access to personalised interior design services for one simple $299 flat-fee price.

Learn How it works and Get started on your design project!

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