Abode Virtual Design was founded by Kate Burnell as a way to offer boutique interior design services to clients without the need for the fully custom, in-home service that a typical interior design firm provides.

Our passion lies in getting to know our design clients on an individual level, then creating a design scheme that reflects their lifestyle, design tastes and needs for their space. This relationship begins during our initial consultation, which happens via video call.

What sets Abode Virtual Design apart from the other virtual design companies is that all clients get personalized service by an experienced interior designer - start to finish. There are no algorithms, no AI generated designs, just one-on-one meetings with a designer, a personalized scheme customized for your lifestyle and space, and expert guidance along the way

3D Rendering Video of a completed project

Meet Kate

Founder & Principal Designer of Abode Virtual Design


My passion for interior design started at a very young age - it was the only thing that I ever wanted to do professionally. I got my start in the industry in 2005 in furniture sales, moved on to design showrooms and then design studios before opening my own businesses.

I’ve been in the luxury residential design realm for a long time, however with Abode Virtual Design, I’m excited to work with clients who are look for a different type of design help, in a more accessible format. Because of my background, AVD will always have a boutique feel, and I’ll bring the same design values to every that I work with:

  • We need color, pattern, texture & shine

  • Your home should be livable and comfortable for the whole family

  • Don’t wait for the nice occasion to use your nice things

  • Buy the best quality you can afford

  • Take the design risk

    Happy Designing! X Kate

All design purchases are made via our online store. After your purchase, you’ll schedule your initial consultation - a 30-45 minute video call where we’ll get to know each other, which allows us to hear about the design challenges you’re experiencing, your style & design preferences and how your lifestyle might impact your design scheme.

After the call, we’ll request pictures & measurements of the space. At this point, we welcome any other inspiration images, and after that, we get to work!

Two weeks after we receive the details in step 2, we’ll have our second video call where we’ll present our design of your space, complete with a new layout, design boards with furniture & material selections, as well as concept renderings.

After our call, we’ll send this entire package to you - whether you’re planning on hiring professionals to help achieve the end result or going the DIY route, you’ll have a road map and all the information you need to have a beautifully designed space.

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Abode Virtual Design Frequently Asked Questions Interior Design
  • Yes, we can absolutely take existing furniture into account. This is something we’ll discuss during the initial design consultation. At that time, we will ask to see the pieces and chat about how you’d like to see them used in your space. When it’s time to send us the pictures and measurements of the space, we will ask that you send details on the furniture pieces as well.

  • No you do not! We operate on a flat fee for the design services. Once you have all of the design documents it’s up to you how you implement the design. You could hire contractors to paint and hang artwork and shop at high end furniture stores. Or, you could DIY and thrift your way to completion in phases. The goal is for you to have the space of your dreams in the way that works best for your budget and lifestyle. The design scheme that you’re purchasing from Abode Virtual is your tool to get there.

  • Yes, appointment times vary week to week, but we do have evening and weekend availability for our consultations and presentations.

  • Absolutely! Once you have the design scheme in hand at the end of the interior design process, you can implement it however you choose. If you are a do-it-yourself’er, that’s great. The design scheme will call out general furniture styles and sizes with examples presented on a mood board and provide finishes throughout the space. You can follow that exactly or modify to your ability as you tackle your projects.

  • Yes, you can do everything in phases. At the end of the design process, we will go through the presentation together, answer all of your questions and then you will receive all of the design documents via email. There are no links or downloads that expire - they are yours for reference as long as you need!

  • No need to buy new - we love what thrifting and antiquing does for wallets and the environment! You’ll get design boards with furniture inspiration, including guidelines for styles and sizes, so as you shop you’ll know what to look for. Doesn’t matter if its new or vintage, as long as it fits the bill, it works for us!

  • The Abode Virtual Design Process is a several-weeks long process between the purchase on our website and receipt of the final design documents. Beyond that, its important that you leave yourself enough time to source and order all of the design items. We recommend giving yourself about three months if possible, but the more time the better.

  • Yes, we can perform minor edits and advise on alternate solutions during our final presentation.

  • We’ll send you our measuring guides after our initial consultation that has all of the details. You can also find them here.

  • The most important information that we need will come from our initial consultation - an open, honest dialogue with you. Tell us about who you are, what your lifestyle is, what you like, and what you don’t like. The second piece of information will all come from the measurements and pictures we request - don’t panic, we’ll walk you through what we need each step of the way.

  • No! Leave the design programs to us. All you need is a device with the ability for a video call and email. The design calls can be done via phones, tablets or computers- but it is important that we are able to meet you and be “flipped around” so we can see the space via the call. Secondly, we need to be able to correspond via email to set up meetings and email documents back and forth. Other than that, you’re set!

  • The design fee does not include any revisions BUT we want you to be happy. If you’re not happy with what you see, we’d love for you to bring it up during the presentation call and we can talk through options then. Secondly, always feel free to follow up with an email as needed as we are always ready and willing to continue working to make it right. If you’re really struggling with something after the fact we can always come up with a way to fix it.

  • Absolutely! Just let us know that it’s a rental space and what you can and cannot with the space per your rental agreement in the initial consultation so we know what parameters we need to work within.

  • Yes, we do, on select items. More to come on this soon!

  • Yes - custom window treatments typically are the way to go, and unfortunately they are an investment piece. And, yes, in the design world, they do usually make the space. We work with two workrooms that offer “semi-custom” that we source. We’ve found this to be the best option as it’s less expensive than custom and doesn’t come with the need for a specialized installer, but also allows for us to tailor them to the height of the space, wall and window dimensions and design scheme of the room.

  • Yes, we will take on select commercial projects. Feel free to email us prior to purchasing online to see if your commercial project would fit our parameters. We are happy to answer any questions!