by Doreen Amico-Sorell, ASID
So, here we still sit, and for a lot of us I do literally mean “sit”. But where are we? Some say the curve is flattening and that we should begin resuming life, while others caution about the dangers of resuming things too quickly. However, the one thing all agree on is that we’re not going back to the way things were; there’s going to be a “New Normal”… a way of doing things that will be different from how we did them previously. But what exactly is this “New Normal” going to look like and how will it impact the way we do things both for ourselves and our homes?
I’m here to tell you that things will actually be BETTER!
Thankfully, the interior design industry, and specifically interior designers themselves, have been adapting to evolving norms and making revolutionary changes on their own, well ahead of the crisis. Many in the design industry were already ahead of other service industries when it came to how “we” interacted with “you”, our customers and clients. Initially these changes were implemented to make decorating your home more exciting, convenient and cost effective. But now, those benefits have come to include, and focus on, more safe and healthy practices for all! And, happily, most all in the design industry are well-positioned and genuinely committed to the continued advancement of this trend… this “New Normal”.
So, what are the specifics?
What hasn’t changed is our mission and your goals… to help create beautiful spaces that work for you… to help you achieve the home of your, and your family’s, dreams! What’s NEW is that “Remote Design” (aka “eDesign”) will become more the norm. With companies building more robust multimedia remote technology platforms, and everyone becoming more comfortable with using them, we’re now able to offer greater value and more exciting & intuitive ways of interacting with you on your project. See something online that you like? One “click” and it’s instantly added to your wish list; allowing our design team to immediately get to work on sourcing it for you, or, through the use of Artificial Intelligence technology, discovering an even better option that possesses even greater design esthetics, quality and value. All without having to leave the comfort of your own home. Eventually, 3D Renderings and Virtual Tours of what your new room or home will look like, will become commonplace. And again, all without leaving the safety and comfort of your home.
But what if I am more of a “Do It Yourself” kind of person?
Via these same remote technologies, your decorator can now also help all you Do-It-Yourselfer’s (DIY’ers) out there. Serving as a “Virtual Design Coach” you’ll be able to get as much, or as little advice and help as you feel you need… easily, quickly and in real time! Interacting face-to-face “virtually” with a professional interior designer, you’ll have all your questions answered, and be able to visually share any ideas or concepts you may have,,, ALL without EVER having to actually meet in person or leave your home. DIY’ers will like this new opportunity even more as the cost and time savings of neither you nor the designer actually having to travel and meet in person, can be passed directly on to the customer. An unbelievable value, when you think about it… you’re getting the exact same professional advice from a qualified expert for significantly less. A true win, win! You now have no excuse for stumbling along, going it on your own. And… as I’ve already discussed in a previous blog, see how having an expert by your side can actually save you money and hours of frustration & indecision, while making the whole process more efficient and enjoyable! The final results will be beyond your wildest expectations!
And if you do ever want or have to meet with your designer, thankfully, most times it will be only one-on-one, secure in the knowledge that your designer will be following all CDC, NIH and WHO guidelines for safe person-to-person interactions. Further, by vetting ALL manufacturers, delivery companies, installers and sub-contractors used, for similar strict adherence to these same guidelines, your designer will serve as an additional safeguard in the process of keeping you and your family safe and healthy.
Other aspects to the “New Normal”
Of course, no one can absolutely 100% predict the future and there will probably be additional nuances to how we’re going to live in this “New Normal”. But rest assured… we, as ambassadors of the interior design industry, will continue to adapt and evolve but will ALWAYS have YOU, our customer’s and client’s well-being and best interests, as our primary concern. So, please don’t think of the “New Normal” as just sad and all bad. Think instead of it as “different”; an exciting opportunity to explore and learn how to do things in better and more improved ways that are safer and healthier for all.
Where to begin?
Start by looking around your home and asking yourself, “what can I begin to do right now that will lead me to living happier and more secure within the space I have?” Then, reach out, and see how we can help you achieve those goals in the “New Normal”!
Great post Doreen. Well done.
Thank You very much!
Thank you for the info. Are you currently taking on new clients at this time?
YES!… Absolutely! Although we are not yet meeting one-on-one in person with people due to still being under shelter-in-place orders in our area, we ARE taking on new clients. Just like the article says, using multimedia teleconferencing platforms, like Zoom.com, websites like Pinterest.com, and the good ol’ telephone, we’re meeting “virtually” to share ideas and discuss plans so that, when things open up a little more in the near future, we’ll be ready to hit the ground running without any delay. So, please feel free to contact us to see what we can do for you. Thank you for the inquiry!
Love the idea of a virtual design coach! Perfect for our “new normal!”
Thank You! Yes, a lot of new words and terms these days for everything that’s new, changing and/or evolving due to our circumstances. Seems like there’s a “coach” for everything now-a-days… so why not a “virtual” one for interior design clients and customers. And… Let’s not forget my other favorite new term, “pivotal”.
Difficult roads really do lead to beautiful destinations! Well done!
Thank you for the kind words!
AWESOME Blog! As someone who is thinking about updating parts of my home, I’ve been putting it off due to my concerns about having people doing work within my house due to this coronavirus thing. Thank you for addressing some of my concerns and answering some of the questions I was having. Excellent advice for all! I will keep you in mind when I’m finally ready to take the plunge.
Happy to hear you found the information helpful. We’ll be here any time you’re ready. And feel free to reach out and contact us before then if you have any other questions or if we can be of any further assistance… NO Obligation! Online here or call us directly at (631) 499-4688
This is my favourite line, “what can I begin to do right now that will lead me to living happier and more secure within the space I have?”
A happy and secure space is one that I believe many people are going to want to achieve.
THANK YOU for the beautiful complement! Glad you liked the line. It’s amazing what can sometimes come to you in a moment of divine inspiration. Trust me, they don’t come often… but, when they do… look out! And yes, I agree, people are now looking for “safe & secure” in addition to beauty & function.
I recently read a book that challenged me to think about little area of my life I could upgrade vs. waiting until everything was perfect to make a big change. So I finally bought us nice sheets for our bed. I’d been thinking about it for literally years, and I’m so happy to have the, but also not to think about it anymore.
Glad to hear that you finally just “did it”. I’ve found with some clients, that the protracted turmoil of indecision was far worse and more painful for them than anything else and that once I helped them make a decision, they were the happiest and most ecstatic people in the world! And, you’re right… it’s usually the little things that make the biggest difference! You can always get to the bigger things later.
Thank you for writing a post like this, that details how interior designers such as yourself have pivoted in ways that help clients feel safe, while still getting their needs met for a beautiful home.
Glad you liked the post. Like you said, hope it helps others better understand how we, as interior designers, can still help them achieve their visions and goals for a beautiful and functional home in these fast changing times.
Yes! The design industry has pivoted really well, I think, as it was poised for this anyway! Virtual visual tools and meetings are a definite part of the new normal, and an exciting one that opens up new possibilities!
Thank you for sharing your impression of the industry, past & present, and similar vision for the future.