It’s never easy deciding how to design a room in your home. There’s so much to consider, from settling on a budget to designating enough time in your already packed schedule to tackle the project from start to finish. While hiring an interior designer to handle the job in person is a luxury many are able to enjoy, others might find it more practical and cost-effective to rely on an online interior design service. One of the most popular (and budget-friendly) sites out there is Havenly. But before you sign up, here’s everything you need to know:
How Havenly works:
Havenly, which launched in 2013, is an online interior design service that was founded by Denver-based entrepreneur Lee Mayer. It’s known for adhering to a straightforward design process, which helps users feel less overwhelmed.
To get started, you simply choose the room you’d like to design (you’ll be invited to share photos or video) and then answer a series of questions about your personal style. Based on your responses, Havenly will pair you with a professional designer, who will arrange a phone call to learn more about your vision for the space. This is the time to share what’s not working about your current layout, how you plan to use the room, color palettes you like most, patterns you prefer, furniture styles you gravitate towards, and much more. In lieu of a call, there’s also an option to complete a design brief.
Courtesy of Havenly
Once you’ve finalized the direction of your design, the designer will deliver an in-depth concept for your review. Your honest feedback is key here. Express what you like or dislike about the suggested design schemes. The designer will use your input to finalize your concept, which will include how items will look in your space.
Once that’s set, the fun begins! You’ll visit your Havenly account to choose the furniture and accessories you’d like ordered for your home. Alternate options based on your design aesthetic will be suggested as well. The best part is that Havenly will handle placing your orders and scheduling the deliveries. You’ll even shop from brands like West Elm, CB2, Anthropologie, Serena & Lily, Surya, and Pottery Barn. Plus, if any issues arise after the project comes to an end, your designer will remain available to you.
How much does Havenly cost?
The Full Design Package: $129 Per Room
This Havenly package includes an ideas phase, concept phase, design phase, a personal shopping list, and pointers from a professional designer. Choose this package if your goal is to transform a blank canvas or completely redesign an entire room, complete with layout visualizations and custom floor plans.
Timeframe: You’ll receive a selection of design scheme suggestions two business days after the Havenly designer begins your project, and a design concept two business days after receiving the ideas. After you share feedback, you’ll be given additional revision time to make your dream space a reality. The final concept will include styling tips and furniture placement pointers.
The Mini Design Package: $79 Per Room
If you’re already pleased with your room’s layout and simply need assistance pinpointing stylish accessories like throw pillows, art, curtains, and lighting, this package is for you. Unlike the Full Package, this offering is designed to refresh your space and does not cover layout suggestions or space planning.
Timeframe: In just two business days, you’ll receive a few initial design ideas. Then, your designer will share a design concept two business days after sharing their ideas for your space. Once you rate the design, you’ll receive a final concept and can begin shopping for your space.
Courtesy of Havenly
Havenly customer reviews:
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab asked a number of real Havenly users about how they enjoyed the service, if there were any hiccups, and if they would use it again. Here’s what they said:
Pros
- “I liked that I got to choose the designer and communicate with her easily throughout my process. Working with a designer 1 on 1 was the best part.”
- “The designer understood my wants and worked with me collaboratively to create a room that felt like who I was.”
- “It is cheaper than hiring someone privately, and the Havenly designers listened to my opinions and budget.”
- “Easy, could do it on my own time, liked that I could link to buy.”
Cons
- “Sometimes it’s hard to 100% communicate your style virtually vs. having a designer come to your home IRL.”
- “The room wasn’t necessarily to scale, and I had issues buying and returning through the website.”
- “Perhaps if I would have invested in the more expensive package, I would have had a more customized/extensive experience.”
Bottom line:
There will be pros and cons to every service, but if you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to design a space in your home, Havenly is worth a try. We recommend contacting their customer support center so you can address any concerns before going forward.
