Virtual Design (also called remote design) is a very affordable option that can achieve professional results. While this isn't for everyone, it's a perfect solution for someone who doesn't mind getting their hands dirty or already has a reliable contractor to get the job done. Most of the cost associated in working with an interior designer comes from the management of your project, so where a design plan can range from $500 - $2,500 – full service projects can start much higher.

So, how would one design a space without stepping foot in the door? Well, for me – this comes very naturally both as a designer and consultant. Once I receive photos (at different angles) or a video walk through of your space and measurements, it's much like reading from a blueprint. From there, we set up a call/video meeting to discuss your likes/dislikes and the goals of your project. Depending on the size of the project, there are various checkpoints that allow for collaboration and to make sure we're on the same page.

Read about another example of remote design here.

For this project, I was 100% remote and was approached by Rachel and Solomon of Vida Living Properties to help with their latest home – a Northern Michigan Cabin. This dynamic duo has done an amazing job with properties of their own, but needed help defining a direction on this one as the style was far different than any of their other projects.

I was extremely inspired by their space and rather than going crazy with a completely different style, I kept as much existing as possible and enhanced with elements they may not have thought of or validated ideas they had.

The first step was the mood board which usually consists of a high level direction to set the tone. I think this step is most important to get everyone on the same page. I can quickly collaborate to define likes/dislikes so that the process runs smoothly and I'm not making suggestions that I know the client wouldn't like.

For this project, there were specific areas the client wanted to focus. Below is an example of how I use the clients images to make design decisions. These visuals are shared during a call so that we can discuss the different options and either get approvals or go in another direction.

For the kitchen, they already had a layout and cabinet selections complete. I reviewed the plan and validated that they had made a wonderful selections. I simply tweaked a couple outstanding layout issues (pantry/bathroom door), made suggestions for flooring and selected the finishes.

I've always dreamed of owning a cabin someday, so I had a lot of fun stepping back to my roots and working with this team to bring their project to life. Thank you Rachel and Solomon for being such a pleasure to work with! I can't wait to see the finished result.

Northern Michigan Cabin: A Session with Fairly Modern