How to Build a Thriving Virtual Interior Design Business

If you have ever dreamed of running a thriving design business from anywhere in the world, you are in the right place. Virtual interior design is more than a trend. It is a flexible and profitable way to work with dream clients while skipping the headaches of procurement and installations.

Paige Hayes, founder of Hayes & Co Interiors, has built an incredible career designing short-term rentals—all while traveling full-time with her family. In this workshop, she shared the exact strategies that have helped her create a location-independent business and take on more projects with less stress.

Whether you are an established designer looking to pivot or you are starting fresh in the world of virtual design, there is so much to learn. From setting the right prices to securing passive income through affiliate commissions, Paige covered it all. Let’s dive into the biggest takeaways from her talk and explore how you can build a virtual design business that supports the life you want to live.

And if you’d rather watch the workshop, check out the replay below:

Table of Contents

Why virtual design?

Interior design has always been about creativity and transformation, but the way designers work is evolving. More homeowners and business owners are turning to online design services because they offer convenience, affordability, and expert guidance without the need for in-person meetings. With digital tools, designers can create stunning spaces for clients anywhere, making virtual design an exciting and practical career choice.

Beyond the demand for online design, many designers are craving more freedom in their work. Virtual design, also known as e-design, makes it possible to build a business that fits into your lifestyle, whether that means working from home, traveling, or balancing family life. It allows designers to take on more projects without the stress of procurement and installation, as many e-designers encourage clients to purchase products themselves. And for those who offer support with installation, this is typically over the phone instead of in person.

The benefits of running a virtual design business

Here are some of the top benefits:

Work from anywhere in the world. Whether you are sipping espresso in Paris or curled up on your couch, your design business moves with you. Virtual design allows you to create beautiful spaces without being tied to a specific location.
Faster project timelines. In general, virtual design moves at a quicker pace, giving you the freedom to take on more clients and see your vision come to life sooner. Of course, sometimes the virtual nature lends itself to client confusion and slow approvals.
Lower overhead and fewer logistics. Forget the expensive office space, storage fees, and hiring a team to manage installations. Virtual design keeps your expenses low, making your business more profitable from the start.
No procurement, shipping, or installation management. Once your design is complete, the client takes over purchasing and installation. You focus on creating, and they handle the logistics. This means fewer headaches and more time to design.
Opportunity to scale through affiliate commissions. By sharing affiliate links for furniture and decor, you earn commissions on what your clients purchase. This creates a steady stream of additional income without extra work.

The challenges of virtual design

Be aware of these common challenges:

Less control over project execution. Once the design is in the client’s hands, the final outcome depends on their ability to follow the plan. Without in-person oversight, details like furniture placement and styling may not always match your original vision.
Clients shopping around online. With so many online retailers, clients often search for lower prices on items you recommend. While this can be frustrating, using affiliate links can help you turn their shopping habits into an additional revenue stream.
Lower fees compared to full-service design. Virtual design tends to attract clients with smaller budgets, which means pricing needs to be strategic. Since you are not managing every little detail, you can take on more projects to balance out the difference. (Keep in mind that while Paige doesn’t handle procurement or installation, some e-designers do offer these services and keep their pricing high.)
Difficulty in building an online reputation. Without a local client base or word-of-mouth referrals, it takes time to establish credibility. A strong social media presence and active participation in online communities can help grow your visibility.
Challenges in getting professional portfolio photos. Since you are not physically present for installations, capturing high-quality project images can be tricky. Encouraging clients to schedule a professional photographer or offering styling tips for their own photos can make a big difference.

How to define your virtual design niche

Finding your niche is one of the most important steps in building a virtual design business. Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, narrowing your focus helps attract the right clients and makes you stand out in a crowded market.

Paige Hayes built her business around designing short-term rentals, specifically Airbnb properties. This niche allows her to work with real estate investors and hosts who want beautifully designed, highly functional spaces that attract guests and maximize bookings. By specializing in this area, she became an expert in what works for vacation rentals, from durable furniture choices to layouts that optimize space.

If Airbnb design is not your thing, there are plenty of other virtual design niches to explore:

Small space solutions. Help clients maximize functionality in apartments, tiny homes, and condos.
E-design for busy professionals. Cater to clients who want a stylish home without the time commitment of in-person meetings.
Kid-friendly interiors. Design fun, practical spaces for growing families.
Luxury virtual design. Offer high-end, full-home designs with concierge-level service.
Sustainable and eco-friendly interiors. Focus on sourcing non-toxic, ethical, and sustainable home furnishings.

Pricing your virtual design services

Pricing your virtual design services is one of the biggest decisions you will make in your business. Since virtual design eliminates many of the costs and responsibilities of full-service design, your pricing structure should reflect that while still ensuring profitability.

Choosing a pricing structure

There are three main ways to price your services: flat rate, hourly, or percentage-based. A flat rate works well for virtual design because clients appreciate knowing the cost upfront. An hourly rate may be helpful when you are starting out and still learning how long projects take. A percentage-based model, where you earn a percentage of the total project cost, is less common in virtual design but can work if you are involved in product sourcing.

Here’s a closer look at Paige’s pricing structure:

While design packages offer a convenient way to charge for your services, e-design clients can be hit or miss, which can lead to lost time and money spent on a client that has no plans to commit. This is where a deposit, contract, retainer, etc. can come into play that ensures you are paid for your services, whether they decide to move forward with the design or not.

How to determine the right price

Start by thinking about how much you want to earn each month and how many projects you can handle at once. Consider the time each project requires and research what other designers charge. Make sure your pricing accounts for the value you provide, not just the hours worked.

Additional revenue streams

Beyond design fees, many virtual designers increase their income with package add-ons and consultations. Offering hourly consultations is a great way to work with clients who need guidance but may not be ready for a full design package. You can also create premium add-ons, such as detailed space planning, additional revision rounds, or personalized styling guides, to provide extra value while increasing profitability.

Expanding your services allows you to meet a wider range of client needs while maximizing your earning potential. With the right pricing strategy and service offerings, virtual design can be both fulfilling and financially rewarding.

Keep in mind that you can grow your income with DesignFiles. Our platform offers easy invoicing, online packages, and affiliate link management

Leveraging affiliate marketing for passive income

Affiliate marketing allows virtual designers to earn commissions by recommending products to clients. Instead of using traditional markups, you provide clients with trackable shopping links. When they make purchases, you receive a percentage of the sale.

Best practices for maximizing earnings

To make the most of affiliate commissions, link as many products as possible in your design presentations. Be transparent with clients about how the system works and encourage them to use your links for ordering. Organizing a well-structured shopping list makes it easier for them to follow through.

Recommended platforms

Many designers use affiliate networks like ShopMy, Mavely, and LTK to access commissionable products from multiple retailers in one place. These platforms streamline the process, making it easier to manage links and track earnings.

The pros and cons of affiliate income

Affiliate commissions can provide a valuable source of passive income, but tracking can be unreliable. Some retailers revoke commissions or limit payouts based on sales conditions. While it is not a guaranteed income stream, it can be a great way to add earnings without extra work.

Creating a repeatable process

A well-defined process is the foundation of a successful virtual design business. It streamlines your workflow, sets clear expectations for clients, and helps you take on more projects without feeling overwhelmed. The key is to outline each step from the first inquiry to the final deliverable, making sure your clients understand exactly what to expect.

Start by creating a structured client onboarding process. Use an inquiry form and a discovery call to assess the project scope and determine if it is a good fit. Once the client is onboard, send an invoice and outline the next steps. Your design process should include space planning, design boards, a detailed shopping list, and an install guide to ensure a seamless experience.

To keep projects on track, limit the number of revisions and set clear deadlines. Clients should know how long they have to place orders and what level of support they will receive during installation. A strong process eliminates confusion and makes offboarding smooth, helping you build lasting relationships with happy clients.

With a repeatable system in place, you can confidently scale your business while maintaining quality and efficiency.

Paige uses a 12-step process for her projects:

Finding and attracting virtual design clients

Growing a virtual design business starts with getting your name in front of the right people. Since you are not relying on a local client base, your marketing efforts need to focus on online visibility and relationship-building. The good news is that with the right strategies, you can attract clients from all over while positioning yourself as an expert in your niche.

The power of Facebook groups and online networking. Many potential clients look for design help in Facebook groups, real estate forums, and online communities. By answering questions, sharing tips, and engaging with members, you can build trust and establish yourself as a go-to expert.
Building a presence on social media. Platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok are perfect for showcasing your designs. Consistently sharing project reveals, design mood boards, and behind-the-scenes content helps attract clients who love your style and want to work with you.
Using designer directories and online referrals. Listings on sites like Houzz, Minoan Experience, and Architectural Digest’s designer directories can help potential clients discover your services. Partnering with realtors, home stagers, and property managers can also lead to valuable referrals.
The importance of testimonials and word-of-mouth marketing. Happy clients are one of your best marketing tools. Ask for reviews, share client success stories, and encourage referrals. A glowing recommendation from a past client can bring in more dream projects than any ad campaign.

Setting boundaries and avoiding difficult clients

Establishing clear boundaries with clients is essential for a smooth and stress-free virtual design business. Some clients will respect your process, while others may push for extra calls, additional revisions, or discounts. Having strong policies in place protects your time, energy, and profitability.

Red flags to look for in potential clients

Be aware of these warning signs:

“I’m not picky, I just want to see what you come up with.” Clients who say this often have strong opinions but struggle to communicate them, leading to excessive revisions.
Price negotiation. If a potential client questions your pricing or asks for discounts before the project even begins, they are more likely to push for extra work without additional payment.
Unclear expectations. Clients who seem unsure about their needs or ask vague questions may require more hand-holding than your package allows.

How to set clear expectations in contracts

Your contract should outline exactly what is included in the design package, how many revisions are allowed, and when the project officially ends. This eliminates confusion and prevents clients from expecting ongoing support long after the project is complete.

Handling scope creep and additional requests

If a client requests extra revisions, additional calls, or services outside of your package, remind them of the original agreement and offer an hourly rate for additional work.

Offboarding clients and securing referrals

A smooth offboarding process ensures your clients feel supported while also creating opportunities for referrals and portfolio-building. Setting clear expectations about project completion helps prevent ongoing emails and revisions long after the final design is delivered. Beyond wrapping up the project, offboarding is a great chance to gather feedback, request testimonials, and secure high-quality photos for your portfolio.

Here are a few ways to make the most of offboarding:

Clearly define when the project ends. Outline in your contract that the design process is complete after the final deliverable, such as the install guide, is provided. If you offer install support, clarify what that includes and when it officially ends.
Send a follow-up survey. Ask clients about their experience, what they loved, and if there is anything that could be improved. This helps refine your process and provides great testimonials for marketing.
Secure portfolio-worthy photos. Encourage clients to take well-lit, styled photos of the finished space. You can also offer guidance on how to photograph their home or suggest hiring a professional.
Ask for referrals. Let happy clients know how much you appreciate referrals and ask if they would be willing to recommend your services. A quick reminder can turn satisfied clients into your best marketing tool.

Building a thriving virtual design business is all about creating a strong process, attracting the right clients, and finding ways to scale your income. With clear boundaries, a repeatable workflow, and a focus on visibility, you can design a business that supports your creativity, flexibility, and financial goals.

Ready to grow your business on the right foundation? Get started with DesignFiles, the top-rated platform for solo designers and small firms.