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In light of COVID-19, many small business owners across the state are finding ways to adapt during social distancing. Casey Sarkin of Casey Sarkin Interior Design is one such creative. She launched a new aspect of her business, e-design, last week. Here, we spoke to her about what inspired this addition to her business and how it works.
At Home in Arkansas: What made you decide to launch this new service to potential clients?
Casey Sarkin: You know all those things you’ve always wanted to do, you just don’t have the time? I realized this was the perfect time to start offering e-design. It’s actually something I already do for clients based in Little Rock, because we’re not going to drive back and forth for every meeting. So we’re using some of those practices we already use, like talking about their vision over the phone and emailing design boards for approval.
AHIA: Who is this service geared toward?
CS: This is for people who are looking for what I call “the lighter side” of design. It’s for the person who likes to DIY, who loves design, who reads all the design magazines and watches the TV shows, and are like, I could do this if someone would just give me direction.
AHIA: Tell us a little bit about how it works.
CS: During an initial 30-minute phone call, we’ll talk through everything. What are your expectations? What is your timeline? What are your favorite things you already have that you want to keep? Who do you follow on Instagram whose style you really love? Then I’ll send them a questionnaire that has more detailed questions like budget and size of the room, and they’ll send me photos and measurements.
My team then picks out furniture and puts it into a floor plan and design board. The client gets a shopping list, a proposal for everything featured on the design board, and a how-to guide with everything from how to style the coffee table to where to hang drapes.
AHIA: What are some of the ways the COVID-19 crisis has impacted your day-to-day as a design professional, and what else are you doing differently right now?
CS: I’m talking with clients about possible delays on installs, getting orders in with our vendors so we’re first in line when they’re manufacturing again, and doing lots of drawings. Some other friends and designers, Whiteline Designs and Harper Howey and I, have been finding ways to help and support each other, like doing “ask the designer” days on our Instagram accounts together. We want to help lift people’s spirits while also giving some real advice to homeowners who might be spending much more time in their homes right now.
To find out more about Casey’s e-design service, the costs involved, and a full list of deliverables, visit caseysarkinginteriordesign.com.
