Olioboard is redefining the experience of virtual shopping and what it means to be an interior designer.
Olioboard is a web app that removes the technological barriers separating armchair enthusiasts from interior design pros – techie being complex 3D programs like CAD and Sketchup. It allows users and consumers with a flair for décor to quickly realize a space and define their style.
It’s been around for two years now, but it recently grabbed our attention with several high profile partnerships. Their recent Zinc Door contest featured Design Milk and Freshome Blog as judges, and you know how much we love them. They’ve also worked with some of the web’s larger brands and apps, including InStyle, DailyBurn, Geeknet and Pond5.
We reached out to the company’s co-owner, Sheilah MacSporran, to discuss how the company is redefining the experience of virtual shopping, broadening what it means to be interior design, and their future plans on sustainability. Also included: ten truly superlative Olioboards.
Who are your top Olio Boarders?
That is really tough to say. There are so many talented members…who have simply mastered the art of Olioboard and 3D spaces. Some are professional interior designers and others are DIY décor enthusiasts. You can learn a lot by following our top members and studying their designs.
Moore Designs by Benjamin by Olioboard member Wilmanadine
I’ve seen some amazing boards. Do you offer tutorials?
I’m glad you brought this question up. We have just started to offer video tutorials for those that are looking for a few extra tips and tricks in creating 3D spaces.
This video gives a detailed lesson on the Olioboard toolbar and how to use the tools to alter the images you drag onto your canvas to create the visual illusion of depth.
Somber Lounging Time by Sanasontag
You work with some top brands and bloggers on your contests: how’s the design community reacting and interacting with the brand?
Our community is always excited for the addition of new brands on Olioboard. Each new brand just gives them more to experiment with in their designs. Since the beginning of 2012 Olioboard’s contest calendar has been booked solid. We are so pleased to be able to offer our community these great opportunities to win amazing prizes…and we are equally thrilled to work with the brands to help promote their latest product lines. It’s a win-win scenario for all involved.
Homage to India by Pinache
What does Olio Board offer the consumer?
Olioboard’s main goal is to allow members to try it before they buy it. On Olioboard you can browse over 150,000 products…and experiment with different looks in the form of a 2D or 3D moodboard. Once you have created the look you desire, you can shop it with the click of a button. Members can compare similar looking items and keep track of the overall budget of their room design. All items link through to the retailer’s site for purchase. By allowing consumers to actually test out a look ahead of time, we give them confidence in their choices and make the process of shopping for the home a fun and exciting one.
Gallery Wall by Designasauris
Do you consider a company’s eco-policies, ethic’s standards or sustainability practices before working with them?
We’re fortunate to be working with several brands that feel strongly about including eco-friendly and organic products into their lines. Many of our more popular brands have bridged the gap between style and sustainability: Crate and Barrel, CB2, West Elm, Layla Grayce and Poshtots all carry eco friendly and organic product lines within their collections. Inhabit has a particularly strong focus on eco policies with about two thirds of their product lines being derived from certified post-consumer recycled materials such as plastic bottles and milk jugs.
This question gets us thinking though! It’d be great to create a category on Olioboard for green focused brands and product lines. This will provide members concerned with sustainability and a conscious lifestyle access to brands that share those same beliefs.