Online interior design FAQ - What makes The Living House different

Written by Sophie Clemson

If you’ve never worked with an interior designer before, especially through an online interior design service, you’ll probably have plenty of questions. How does it work? What do you actually get? And is it the right fit for you?

Not all online interior designers work the same way, and at The Living House we know that can make things feel unclear if you’re exploring your options. That’s why we’ve brought together the most common questions our customers ask before working with us, along with honest, straightforward answers that show exactly how we work and what sets us apart.

If you’ve looked at online interior design before and weren’t quite sure it was right for you, this is for you.


Transitional Bedroom Design The Living House

Question 1
"Would I be working with the same interior designer throughout the project?"

You don’t just get one interior designer, you get two, and the same two throughout your project. You’ll work with us both from your very first call right through to the final decisions. No handovers, and no having to get to know someone new halfway through.

We design together as a team, which means the people who understand your brief on day one are still the ones refining the details at the end.

The Living House Online Interior Designers

Need to talk through your plans with an expert?

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Question 2
"Will I receive a layout plan with exact furniture dimensions, along with carefully selected pieces?”

Getting the layout right is the foundation of everything. During the inspiration stage we explore different options together, so by the time we land on a plan, it's not just aesthetically right, it works for how you and your family actually use the space. We're not handing you a moodboard and leaving you to figure out if the sofa fits; we're planning the room around your life. We make sure every piece of furniture is going to fit in the space, with the right space in between, the right flow, everything is thought out thoroughly. 

Living Room Moodboard The Living House
Living Room Layout Plan The Living House

Question 3
“On the shopping list, do you include specific pieces?”

Every item we select comes with a direct link to the retailer. No hunting, no guessing, no “something similar.” You can browse at your own pace, purchase when you’re ready, and feel confident that everything has been chosen specifically for your room and how it will come together as a whole.

This is one of the parts of our online interior design service our customers absolutely love. As one customer shared, “I loved working with the team. They really helped me. My favourite part of the service is the shopping list. It gives me the opportunity to buy items when I've got the money, making budgeting easy.”

The shopping list makes executing your design simple and completely stress-free. We even include every detail, from the frame for your piece of art to the feather filled insert for your cushions, so nothing is left for you to figure out.

Question 4
"Am I obliged to purchase the items through you?"


That’s not how we work, as we don’t purchase the items for you. Every item we include in your design is chosen for one reason only, because we genuinely believe it’s right for your room.

We don’t design around affiliate links, we don’t push products for commission, and we don’t base rooms on brand partnerships. Instead, our focus is entirely on what matters most, creating a space that feels cohesive, personal, and beautifully put together, with every piece carefully considered for how it works within your home.

Cosy English Country Bedroom Design The Living House

Question 5
"Do you offer different options for each item, such as three rug choices?"


No, and there’s a good reason for that. Every piece we select is chosen to work together as part of a complete scheme. Change one item and it can affect the entire scheme: the balance, the tones, the proportions.

We also find that offering multiple options per item doesn’t make things easier; it often brings back the same overwhelm you’ve come to us to remove. Instead of presenting several possibilities, we focus on selecting one well considered choice that works beautifully within the design as a whole.

You don't need three rug options that could all technically work but leave you still unsure. You need one rug that's right. That's what we give you.

Question 6
"Where can you choose items from?"


Anywhere. High street, high end, independents, Etsy, and even Facebook Marketplace. There are no restrictions on where we source from. That might be from well known high street brands, independent makers, luxury pieces, unique Etsy finds, or second hand gems discovered on Facebook Marketplace.

With our years of experience, we know exactly where to invest and where you can save. A £900 sideboard paired with a £50 lamp can still feel completely intentional and cohesive when it’s curated properly. That’s the expertise we bring. It’s not about spending more, it’s about spending in the right places so the whole room feels thoughtful, balanced, and considered.

Eclectic Living Room Design The Living House

Question 7
"When is the right time to ask for your help and get started?"

Earlier than you might think, and ideally before booking in a decorator. If you have your floorplans and photos, you’re ready. Getting us involved early, especially on larger projects, means you go into the process with a clear plan rather than making decisions under pressure.

The layout plan we provide you with does more than tell you where the sofa goes. It answers the questions your builders and tradespeople will ask before you even know to think about them, like where the plug sockets need to be. With a plan in place, you're not guessing, you're directing.

And if you’re refreshing an existing room, it’s worth holding off on the decorator. Choosing a paint colour before the full scheme is in place is one of the most common ways things go off track. A rushed decision can end up dictating every other choice in the room.

Work with us first, get the full picture, and then bring in the trades. The whole process will run more smoothly, and the end result will reflect that clarity.

Still have questions? That's exactly what the first call is for.

You now know exactly what to expect, and what makes us different. No commissions, no confusion, no decisions made in isolation. Just two designers with you from the very first conversation to the very last detail.

If you're ready to stop putting it off and start seeing your home differently, get in touch and book a free discovery call. We'd love to hear about your space.


If you want to avoid costly design mistakes, take a look at our affordable online interior design packages to give you all the help you need. Whether you're looking for guidance on choosing a colour scheme, struggling with your room layout, or planning a full redesign, we can take the stress away and give you the confidence to move forward. Our online interior design packages are a flat fee and can work to any budget, large or small, saving you money along the way and ensuring you get the results you want and expect!


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