Hiring an Online Interior Designer: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you reached this page, you are probably considering hiring an online interior designer, and you came to the right place. Before you start, it helps to know how the process works, what it usually costs, and how to choose the right designer for your project. First, a little about me.

My name is Julio Arco, and I have been practicing as an architect, interior designer, online interior designer, founder of Bark and Chase, and urban designer for the past several years in the United States. I hold a degree in Architecture from ITESM and a Master’s degree in Urban Design and Housing from McGill University. I’m also a member of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) and an Architecture Professor at ITESM.

I did my thesis during my master’s degree about evidence-based design, which is the process in which decisions about the built environment are based on credible research to achieve the best possible outcomes. Initially developed for the healthcare sector to improve patient outcomes and the work environment for staff, evidence-based design has since expanded to residential design; you can find my thesis here.

How Does Online Interior Design Work?

Since completing my master’s degree in 2016, I have worked as an online interior designer. Online interior design lets you collaborate with professional interior designers remotely to create custom room designs based on your style preferences and budget.

The process typically involves taking a style quiz, choosing a designer, and then working with that designer to create a personalized room design. Many services also let you purchase the recommended furniture and décor directly through their platform. The aim is to make professional interior design accessible and affordable for a wider range of people.

How to Get Started with an Online Designer

Every service has its own screens, but most follow the same five steps.

Start the style quiz. Pick a service and begin its quiz. You will usually be invited to create an account with your email to see your quiz results.
Answer the questions. Follow the onscreen instructions. The quiz asks you to choose room photos you like, and the follow-up questions cover your home, your budget, your timeline, and the rooms you want to design.
Choose online or in-person. Most services let you decide whether you prefer an online designer or, in select cities, an in-person one. Then you select a designer you like.
Pick a package. You will typically choose among a mini package, a full package, or an in-person design. For a complete room transformation, I would suggest starting with a full package. The service will suggest a designer, and you can always browse other designers and select a different one.
Review your order summary. Before you pay, check the package, the price, and everything that is included.

I know this is a lot to take in, so if you have any further questions, you might find the answers in the FAQ below.

What to Expect from the Process

Online design services link customers with design experts on a digital platform and offer reasonably priced design packages. Customers can choose between a minor makeover and a complete redesign. After the designer understands your preferences, they create style drafts, which are idea boards. Those drafts go through modifications and lead to a final design blueprint with a shopping list that you can use to buy the pieces directly.

The Design Quiz

To begin, clients take a design survey. The survey asks you to select appealing room pictures and to gauge your interior design knowledge. An algorithm then identifies your predominant design style and any potential substyles.

After the main quiz, further questions determine which rooms you want to design, your budget, your time constraints, and your location. This helps the service suggest the best designer for you. You can usually review designers’ profiles, portfolios, and availability before making a choice.

Choosing a Designer

Look for a service with a wide roster of designers, so you can find a match for your design tastes. Ask how its designers are selected, whether they hold interior design degrees or have prior experience, and whether any certifications are required.

Also check the designer’s start date. Designers often begin within a week of booking, but a confirmed start date is not always guaranteed. If the wait feels too long, you should be able to switch designers.

Design Packages and Cost

Most online services offer a few tiers, and prices vary by service, city, and scope.

Mini package: a space update that typically comes with three initial design ideas within a couple of days and revisions. After you finalize the design, you receive a curated shopping list.
Full package: an upgrade that adds a custom floor plan and visualization features, ideal for a total room transformation. Some services do not offer it for kitchens and bathrooms.
In-person design: available in select cities. It usually includes home visits for measurements, in-person or video design discussions, vision boards, material samples, custom floor plans, and 3D renderings, sometimes with special discounts and an order management service.

Compare what each package includes, such as the number of concepts, the rounds of revisions, whether you receive renderings, and how long your designer stays available after delivery, before you decide.

Shopping, Financing, and Apps

After you finalize the design, you receive a curated list for shopping. Some services run an online store in collaboration with many retailers, which gives you a variety of style options. You may not be able to search by retailer, but filters such as product category, color, and material help. The ease of shopping is a plus, though you may find better deals on other platforms.

Some services partner with a financing provider, with payment plans spread over several months. If you plan to finance your project, check the terms and the interest rate before you commit.

A mobile app is another feature to look for. A good app mirrors the desktop experience, so you can talk with your designer, shop, and more. Check which devices it supports.

Customer Service and Guarantees

Before you sign up, find out how you can reach support, whether by phone, email, text, or social media, and which method is the most reliable. Phone support is often available only during specific hours.

Also look at the guarantee. Some services promise satisfaction and let clients who are unhappy with their designs request revisions. For products bought through the service’s shop, the guarantee usually depends on the original retailer’s policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Julio Arco?

Julio Arco is a passionate architect with diverse experience in architecture, interior design, and urban design. He has studied worldwide and has practiced as an architect and online interior designer, founder of Bark and Chase, and urban designer in the United States. He also holds degrees from ITESM and McGill University and is an active member of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC).

How does the online interior design process work?

The collaboration is a seamless online process, from idea boards to detailed layouts, renderings, and curated shopping lists. It involves taking a style quiz, choosing a designer, and working with them to create a personalized room design.

What is evidence-based design?

Evidence-based design (EBD) is a process in which decisions about the built environment are based on credible research to achieve the best possible outcomes. My master’s thesis focused on evidence-based design, which was initially developed for the healthcare sector but has since expanded to residential design.

What design packages do online services offer?

Most offer three tiers. A mini package gives you a space update with a few initial design ideas. A full package adds a custom floor plan and visualization features for a complete room transformation, and it is often not available for kitchens and bathrooms. In select cities, in-person design consultations include home visits, design discussions, vision boards, custom floor plans, and 3D renderings.

How does the design quiz work?

The quiz asks you to choose appealing room pictures and to evaluate your interior design knowledge. An algorithm determines your primary design style and potential substyles. Further questions capture your preferences, which helps the service suggest the best designer for you.

What should I know about online designers?

Review each designer’s profile, portfolio, and availability before you choose. Ask about their experience and credentials, and check the start date. If a designer is not the right fit, you should be able to switch.

How does shopping work?

After you finalize the design, you receive a curated shopping list. Some services collaborate with many retailers and offer filters such as product category, color, and material, although you may not be able to search by retailer.

What kind of customer support should I expect?

Look for support by phone, email, and text, and an active presence on major social media platforms. Email is often the most effective contact method, and phone support is usually available during specific hours.