Design Guide Online Editorial

Dallas interior designer Kristin Mullen of Covetable Designs is making waves with the introduction of her own very unique and tech-savvy interior design service with online design with Skype. By using Skype, a free to download video and phone conference software program that enables visual conversation via your computer, Kristin is able to offer her out-of-town clients this personalized and mutually beneficial online interior design service. Kristin first began this viral form of communication with a client in Switzerland and is now debuting the service this week on her blog, covetabledesigns.com/blog.

Kristin Mullen, hard at work consulting with a client via her online design service

“In an increasingly impersonal world where we have become separated due to email, Skype design enables me to communicate with my client(s) face to face and establish a personal rapport from miles away,” says Kristin. From a mechanical point of view, it’s also very helpful because the client can log into Skype, chat with Kristin and literally “carry” her around their room or home, giving Kristin a vivid and clear visual of the project at hand. “Clients want to interact in a personal way and get to know me as their designer,” she adds. And, through streaming video, Kristin is able to read a client’s facial expressions and body language during their meetings when she is presenting ideas, a concept that is impossible by utilizing only email - making Skype the perfect online tool for interior design.
So how does it work? Initial conversations begin through email with a series of question and answer dialogs so Kristin can understand the client’s vision, design style, budget and get information on the scope and dimensions of the project. Then, Kristin begins brainstorming ideas and inspiration that she feels will be a potential fit for her client’s home and then presents them online during a Skype conference. Kristin shows samples, fabrics and accessories and together they mull through the details of the project. Additionally, Kristin uses various vintage containers to package samples to be shipped to the client – a thoughtful element that allows the homeowner to physically view fabrics and color swatches before an order is placed. One thing that’s very helpful for Kristin when conceptualizing a design scheme is the fact that she can literally see into the room, over the homeowner’s shoulder and often spy elements that the homeowner might not even be aware of. Another added benefit? Even without physically being present for the installation of a project, Kristin can join via Skype and supervise the entire project from start to finish, making sure it's done to hers and the client's satisfaction.

One of Kristin's sample containers ready to be shipped to her client

“Online design opens up opportunities for successful design collaboration with clients from hundreds to thousands of miles away,” says Kristin. Through her website, www.covetabledesigns.com, she is offering this online interior design service package for a set price based on the room or project that allows a certain amount of Skype time with the client.
Modern, online interior design made personal and interactive by Covetable Designs …. Genius!
 

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by: Rayven