Are you looking for a way to make your home look like a magazine cover? The Expert may be just what you need to bring you a step closer to your dreamy interior. But what does this virtual decorating aide have to offer? Read on to explore The Expert’s benefits and possible drawbacks in the comprehensive review below.
The Expert Interior Design Service
The Expert’s interior design service is one of a kind. It links homemakers with renowned celebrity interior designers, giving incredible insights and advice on projects and design problems. The offer is straightforward, has no learning curve, and caters to different budgets. Plus, it’s fully online, making it a convenient option for gathering expert interior design ideas.
The Expert Design Process: How it Works
The Expert, founded by interior designer Jake Arnold, operates as one of the top virtual design services, linking clients globally to over 60 A-list interior designers for exclusive one-on-one video consultations. The platform also has an exclusive online furniture showroom filled with chic designer pieces for sale. Its innovative concept transcends geographical and budgetary constraints, allowing clients from various locations and financial backgrounds access to high-end services previously out of reach. Here’s The Expert’s step-by-step interior design process:
Step 1: Access Convenient Appointment Scheduling
Your journey begins when you pick a famous interior designer. From there, you’ll be directed to The Expert’s calendar feature to set a date. To find your match, you can filter designers according to style, region, style, price and availability.
Knowing your style helps designers to create your ideal interior. Not sure what yours is? Then try our free interior design style quiz to find out!
Step 2: Select Consultation Duration
Decide between a 25 or 55-minute video consultation session. Some designers have the option of extended calls of 115 minutes. Tailor your choice to match the depth of advice or guidance required. These calls are conducted through Zoom video calls. Before your scheduled session, you will receive an email containing a link to access the video call, where your Expert will be ready to assist you.
Step 3: Personalized Service
Enjoy the flexibility to cater to diverse needs, whether it’s a one-time discussion or a series of sessions for extensive home projects. During the consultation, you can share your space through Zoom’s screen-sharing or video, show photos and inspiration, ask questions, and receive feedback and advice.
Step 4: Implement Ideas
Implementing any of the advice or tips from your designer is your sole responsibility. What you do after the consultation is up to you. There is no follow-up or further interior design service unless you schedule another consultation.
The Expert Pricing: Picking a Consultation Length
Compared to other design services, The Expert offers something unique. Based on virtual design consultations only, the pricing structure is straightforward. The total comes down to the duration of your video call and the designer. Sessions vary between 25 to 115 minutes, with prices ranging from $200 to $3,600. It’s important to note if you run out of time during your consultation, you’ll have to book another session and try to find a slot in your designer’s schedule. The Expert also provides gift vouchers starting at $100, allowing a flexible and thoughtful gifting option for professional design advice, suitable for special occasions or inspiration for a room update.
Package options include:
- 1-on-1 video consultations where an expert is eager to connect with you via video for a personalized session. Here, they aid and guide you with any of your design choices and answer your most pressing questions. Typically, these sessions are 55 minutes long, but some designers offer extended sessions of 85 and 115 minutes.
- 1-on-1 mini video consultations of 25 minutes where the designer will address your targeted questions or discuss any high-level concept you may have. Some designers only have a mini option available.
The Expert Reviews: Feedback from Clients
A one-on-one with an A-list designer is something many interior-lovers dream of, which means there’s loads to adore about The Expert.
Online Feedback from Clients in The Expert Reviews
“It freed me to think about the space in a whole new way. For the novice, you could walk away with the clarity of knowing exactly what needs to be done. For the aspiring expert, your shopping list could be completely sorted. Everyone will leave inspired to get moving on their projects, big or small.”
“Game-changing! My Expert solved 10+ major design problems at record speed.”
“My Expert saved me thousands of dollars by talking me out of a permanent construction solution to a temporary problem.”
Is The Expert worth it? Perks and Things to Note
Among many appealing online interior design services, The Expert design is a compelling option. It’s a quick, hassle-free option that is simply convenient and accessible. However, it might not tick all your boxes, leaving all the design work to you. So, to see if it’s for you, weigh its unique advantages and drawbacks to your needs and preferences.
Perks
The Expert elevates user experience by giving clients the rare opportunity to chat to their favorite interior designers. Here’s all its perks!
1. Personalized Service
With a one-on-one virtual video consultation, you get to ask your designer for advice on your interior’s specific challenges. It’s best to prepare for your session to make the most of the designer’s expertise. You can create a document, video tour or presentation to share with your designer in-call. They’ll give tips and insights to help your design.
2. Convenience & The Expert Furniture Shop
A quick consultation can fit into any schedule, which means you can slot in expert advice whenever it suits you. Plus, your designer may suggest furniture already in The Expert’s furniture catalog.
3. A-lister Design Expertise
True to its name, The Expert grants you access to interior designers who stand as true authorities in interior design. These professionals come armed with years of extensive experience and have earned recognition online and in prestigious design publications. This elevated level of sophistication and design acumen infuses every consultation with knowledge, inspiring change and amazing spaces.
4. Value for Money
Experience a service that goes beyond a mere financial transaction, positioning itself as an investment in your long-term design satisfaction. The more prepared you are for your consultation, the best value you’ll find in your designer. What you make with the advice after the video call, however, is up to you.
Things to Note
While The Expert design brings many benefits, it is essential to consider the limitations of a consultation-only service.
1. Price Point Ranges from $200 to $3000+
The Expert’s pricing starts at $200 for a 25 minute consultation. This can be a significant factor to consider, especially if you’re on a tight budget and have to factor in other design expenses. This structure may be restrictive for those seeking expert advice but require a more budget-friendly option.
2. Absence of Tangible Design Deliverables
The absence of concrete design deliverables can leave clients desiring more tangible, visual, or documented representations of the recommended design solutions. This can, in turn, affect the clarity and implementation of the proposed concepts. The limitation adds a layer of complexity that may impact the client’s ability to grasp and execute the intended vision for their space fully.
3. Detailed Preparation Pre-Consultation
To get maximum value from the consultation, you should prepare meticulously. This involves gathering all necessary details and clarifying your objectives before the call. It’s important to realize that this process can be time-consuming and sometimes daunting.
4. No Refund Available
The Expert will do its best to assist in niggles, but there is no satisfaction guarantee. The consultation is paid for upfront, and you’ll have to make the most of your time and designer’s expertise by being prepared.
The Expert Alternatives
1. Decorilla Interior Design Service
Decorilla’s robust virtual design service is a dynamic blend of online and in-person options, where you can dive into lifelike 3D previews for your room transformation. You get to choose from two distinct design concepts crafted by skilled interior designers and engage in collaborative discussions to perfect your vision. Once you’ve finalized your room, you’ll enjoy multi-angle virtual renderings and exclusive trade discounts, all while saving up to 45% on essential products.
Getting started is also hassle-free. The process begins with a brief quiz, which kickstarts the journey, followed by the personalized selection of a designer. Decorilla boasts a diverse team of vetted designers catering to various budgets. Transparent pricing, ranging from basic to luxury, ensures an ideal option for everyone.
2. Crate & Barrel
Crate & Barrel offers a distinctive free service where clients are assigned a professional designer to revitalize spaces. Those near a local store can even receive in-house designer visits. Post a 45-minute free consultation, clients receive comprehensive design visuals and product recommendations, enhancing both the design and shopping experience.
3. Stuccco
Stuccco is known for its swift virtual real estate staging and premium interior design services. The process starts with a free 30-minute call, followed by a match with professional designers. Collaboration with the chosen designer leads to finalized designs and a shopping list, with service costs starting at $999, offering clients a guided and personalized experience.
The Expert Interior Design Alternatives
| FEATURES |  DECORILLA |  THE EXPERT |  CRATE & BARREL |  STUCCCO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3D MODEL | Yes – Photorealistic 3D Renderings | No | Available | Yes |
| CONCEPTS FROM MULTIPLE DESIGNERS | Yes | No | No | No |
| DESIGNER EXPERIENCE | Interior design or architecture degree required | Interior design or architecture degree required | Room stylists | Interior design degree required |
| DISCOUNTS ON FURNITURE | Yes, 10% – 45% Off Popular Brands | No | No | No |
| INTERACTIVE ONLINE PLATFORM | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| INCORPORATE REQUESTED OR EXISTING PIECES | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| MARKUPS OR SALE PRESSURE | No | No | No | No |
| SHOPPING LIST | Yes – discounts do not expire | No | Limited to Crate & Barrel | Yes |
| TYPICAL PROJECT DURATION | 3-5 weeks | One consultation | Dependent on your schedule | 2 weeks |
| IN-HOME CONSULTATION AVAILABLE | Yes | No | No | No |
| ORDERING CONCIERGE | Complimentary white-glove purchasing service | No | Order directly from Crate & Barrel | No |
| CUSTOM WORK & CAD DRAWINGS | Yes, with gold package | No | No | No |
| RENOVATIONS | Yes | No | No | No |
| PHONE CALL AVAILABLE | Yes | Video consultation | Yes | Yes |
| COMMERCIAL AND OFFICE DESIGN | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| PRICE | $75-$1,849 | $200-$3,000+ | Free | $999-$1,499 per room |
The Expert FAQs
Can I meet The Expert designers in person?
The Expert operates primarily online, focusing on virtual consultations, hence in-person meetings are not available.
How long does a design consultation with The Expert typically take?
Consultations with The Expert are typically streamlined and efficient, ranging from 25 to 115 minutes, depending on the client’s preference and needs.
Can I request revisions to the advice or design concept provided by The Expert?
The Expert values client satisfaction and allows for discussions and clarifications during the consultation to ensure the advice provided aligns well with the client’s vision and needs.
How do I prepare for my consultation?
The level of preparation can be tailored to your specific needs and objectives for the consultation. It is recommended that you assemble a basic document or presentation that comprises photographs of the areas requiring assistance and any queries you wish to address.
How much can I achieve in my consultation?
Clients are often pleasantly surprised that they can have all their queries addressed during a consultation. The team of experts specializes in designing rooms day in and day out, which enables them to swiftly adapt to new spaces and provide efficient and effective advice as a result.
The Expert Review in Summary
The Expert interior design service brings innovation to the forefront, offering access to esteemed designers who infuse fresh perspectives into the design landscape. With transparent pricing and convenient online consultations, it caters to a wide range of clients, from novices to design enthusiasts. The Expert’s dedication to quality and client satisfaction distinguishes it as a notable player in the competitive design industry.
For those in search of a wide range of choices in virtual interior design services, it’s crucial to explore alternatives to The Expert. Try something different to find what you need!
Want to design your home with a hands-on approach?
Discover the perfect match with designers tailored precisely to your requirements. Simply schedule a Free Interior Design Consultation with Decorilla’s leading team to get started today!
Comments