frequently asked questions

GENERAL

• How can Room Design Online™ provide such affordable interior design services?
  
  

  It's easy: Room Design Online™ splits the interior design workload with you.

  
  

  To illustrate, let's take a simplified look at the things we typically do on the job with our on-site projects:

  
  

  First, the design team visits your home for an initial consultation. During that time, and in subsequent meetings, we help you define your needs, preferences, design style and budget, and then inventory, dimension, and photograph your space. We then prepare preliminary space plans, color palettes and product recommendations, and then present our design concept to you. After your approval, we prepare architectural drawings for the construction of the space and installation of the interiors, and then implement and coordinate the purchasing and installation process.

  
  

  Here's how you partner with us at RoomDesignOnline.com:

  
  

  We aren't with you at your home, but by the time you've finished your project, you'll feel like you know us and that we were there. Our phone consultations and Questionnaire allow you to define your needs and preferences, such as style, palette, budget and the like.

  
  

  You conduct your own inventory by telling us what existing items you want to keep. You do your own measuring and photography.

  
  

  You select your style and color palette from our professionally designed options, which also include a custom style option. Then, we work our magic, designing your Virtual Room Planner™. You implement the purchasing* and installation process on your timeline.

  
  

  Even though we're not at your home, we're with you every step of the way. Just call or e-mail us at any time.

  
  

  *If you're really busy, we're happy to purchase on your behalf, too.

  
  
• How does this all work? Can you walk me through the process?
  
  

  Sure. The website leads you through this process:

  
  
  1. Start at the home page or, if you're redesigning your Kitchen or Bathroom, start at Kitchens & Baths.
  2. Go to: 1. Select Your Style and Palette. Browse our styles, select one, or select Your Custom Style. You can order directly from each style page or...
  3. Click: 2. Order Your Room Design Online to place your order.
  4. Now go to: 3. Sketch, Measure, Snap and Answer for simple step-by-step instructions on:
     

     How to sketch your floor plan

     How to measure your room

     How to measure your furniture

     How to photograph your room

     How to photograph your furniture

  5. Complete your Virtual Room Planner™ Questionnaire online.
  6. Send it all to us.
  7. We'll send you an email confirming receipt and asking when it would be a convenient time to schedule your first phone consultation. If you prefer, we can also consult via email.
  
  
• How can I contact the interior designers at RoomDesignOnline.com?
  
  

  Call us toll free at 888.270.9822 or drop us a line at Designers@RoomDesignOnline.com. We'll get right back to you.

  
  

YOUR VIRTUAL ROOM PLANNER™

• What's the difference between the Portfolio and Express Virtual Room Planners?
  
  

  The Portfolio is an actual physical product. All the main elements of the portfolio are detachable, as well as the product samples on your concept board. Express is an e-decorating option, where the entire package is delivered to you, virtually, via e-mail. The Express, Kitchen and Bathroom Planners are all 100% virtual.

  
  

  Being a physical product, the Portfolio costs more than Express because it takes longer to put together and has actual material costs associated with it. Each has its advantages, but one is not better than the other.

  
  
• Can I buy the items in the Virtual Room Planner™ by themselves or do I need to buy the whole package?
  
  

  We'll work with you to design a package that suits your needs. Give us a call!

  
  
• Where do I buy the products Room Design Online™ recommends for my room?
  
  

  All product recommendations can be purchased online from well-established retailers. Some products can be purchased at a discount directly through RoomDesignOnline.com from our To-The-Trade resources. If your product recommendations do include something that's To The Trade, you'll always be provided with an online retailer for that option as well.

  
  
• Once I get my room design is it going to cost a lot to do it?
  
  

  We design your Virtual Room Planner™ based on your budget. You're in complete control of your purchasing, so you'll never be over budget unless you put yourself there.

  
  
• How can my room be a custom room design? Won't it just look like the rooms ordered by everyone else?
  
  

  Absolutely not! This is custom online interior design. That means the room we design is for you and you alone. Within each style and palette there are zillions of possible permutations. We design your room based on your unique preferences.

  
  
• Why do I need to measure and photograph my room?
  
  

  When we design your space plan, we consider the volume of your room, door and window placement, furniture placement, proportion, and scale. Additionally, if there are items you want us to integrate into your room design, we need to know what they look like and what size they are to meld everything together in an aesthetically pleasing way. All of these factors allow us to customize your room design.

  
  
• I don't want to photograph or measure my room. Can I still order a Virtual Room Planner™?
  
  

  Sure, no problem, but the space plan will be generic rather than customized.

  
  
• I really like some of my furniture and accessories. Can I use things I already have in my new room design?
  
  

  Absolutely! We love to integrate your existing treasures into your new room design. Just make sure you provide us with a photograph of each item you want to keep and the measurements of that item.

  
  

YOUR DESIGN STYLE

• Why are your design styles different than the standard design styles I read about?
  
  

  We've personally created a lush, up-to-the-minute selection of decorating styles and color palettes for you to choose from. They range from the most sumptuous to the most soothing; the most exotic to the most sophisticated. We've found that standard style terms such as transitional, traditional or modern encompass such a vast design vocabulary. Our style categories break it down a bit and allow for some fun.

  
  
• Do I have to use the same design style for each room I order?
  
  

  You can select any design style you like for each of your rooms.

  
  
• What if I change my mind about my design style or color palette?
  
  

  Call us as soon as you realize you want something else so we can immediately stop designing your Planner. We would never demand you take what you originally asked for, but we do put a lot of time and thought into each project, so try to be certain when you order.

YOUR COLOR PALETTE

• What if I like a certain design style but want a color palette from a different design style?
  
  

  You can have any color palette you want, whether it's something you see on our site or something you've seen somewhere else. Simply select the "Your Custom Color Palette" option on any of our style pages.

  
  

ORDERING YOUR ROOM DESIGN ONLINE

• I'm really busy. Can you order my product recommendations for me?
  
  

  We're happy to place and expedite your orders for you. We charge a 7% fee for this service.

  
  
• Do I have to pay for shipping or sales tax on my order?
  
  

  Shipping and sales tax charges only apply to Virtual Room Planner™ Portfolio. Shipping within the Continental United States is free. There is a $20 shipping fee for items going to Alaska or Hawaii. Shipments made to California must pay 8.75% sales tax.

  
  
• How long does it take to receive my room design?
  
  

  Once we've had our initial phone consultation, you'll get your Express, Kitchen or Bath planner in about two weeks. Allow three weeks for your Portfolio.

  
  
• What if I don't like my room design?
  
  

  As professional ASID interior designers, we know how important your environment is to your happiness, health and well-being. We truly are committed to you feeling great in your space. Take a look at our guarantee.