Sisters Lee Mayer and Emily Motayed found themselves commiserating over the phone one night as they stared at blank walls and boring rooms on opposite ends of the country. Both had just moved into new homes (Mayer in Denver’s Country Club neighborhood and Motayed in New York City); neither had the budget to hire a pro or the time to design a whole house. “I kept wishing that someone offered an affordable decorating service,” Mayer says. Soon thereafter, havenly.com was born.

The Web-based interior design service, which launched last November, generates custom decor ideas for living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, offices, and nurseries for a flat (and affordable) rate of $185 per room. Here’s how it works: After taking a quick, image-driven online test to determine your design “style,” you are matched with an accredited personal designer. You’ll chat with him or her for 30 minutes on the phone and within three to five business days receive two room concept renderings via email, including picks for pillows, rugs, light fixtures, and more (all within your established budget and to fit your room’s dimensions). After a round of revisions, you get a final concept and links to the products to purchase.

5280 Home Autumn 2014
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Moving forward, the duo is planning to add a “refresh” option offering room-update ideas (including “accessories and whatnot”). Which means you’re out of excuses: time to start decorating.

Havenly’s Three Favorite Online Stores

1. Lulu & Georgia luluandgeorgia.com

“Always right on-trend and a go-to for colorful, eclectic pillows.”

2. Furbish Studio furbishstudio.com

“We are obsessed with founder Jamie Meares’ style. She’s trendy and daring in her design decisions. You won’t find a ton of larger furnishings, but you will covet every single item.”

3. 1st Dibs 1stdibs.com

“Find seriously good deals on items you desperately crave—and know they will last a lifetime.”