DIY vs. DIWY: Why Working With an Expert Could Save Your Renovation

Endless scrolling, delayed timelines, and regret purchases—DIY can be risky. The DIWY approach brings expert design guidance to your fingertips, on your terms.

Design: Allison Lind Interiors / Photography: Raphael Soldi

DIY vs. DIWY: Why Doing It With an Expert Could Save Your Renovation

If you’ve ever stood in front of a paint wall, phone in one hand and a sample in the other, wondering whether “Soft Chamois” or “Cloud White” will actually work in your space—you’re not alone.

In the age of Pinterest boards, TikTok hauls, and Instagram influencers, it’s tempting to think you can do it all yourself when it comes to home design. But DIY often comes with high stakes and hidden costs: furniture that doesn’t fit, materials you can’t return, and decisions that don’t age well.

That’s where DIWY comes in: Do It With You—a smarter, more flexible approach to home design and renovation. And TALD is making it easier than ever to do just that.

The Problem With DIY

The idea of DIY has always carried a sense of pride and self-reliance. But when it comes to your home, the risk can outweigh the reward. Common pitfalls include:

• Inaccurate Measurements: That gorgeous sectional you ordered? It doesn’t fit through your front door.
• Paralysis by Analysis: With endless options online, many homeowners get stuck in a cycle of indecision.
• Costly Mistakes: From custom window treatments to tile installations, mistakes aren’t just frustrating—they’re expensive.
• Time Burn: The hours spent scrolling Instagram or reworking your laptop could’ve gone to actual progress.

Simply put: inspiration ≠ expertise.

Design: Olivia Erwin Interiors / Photography: Christian Harder

Enter DIWY: Do It With You

DIWY is not about handing over your entire project—it’s about collaborating with a professional to make informed decisions and bring your ideas to life.

TALD is a curated platform that makes this easy. Whether you’re working on a kitchen refresh, a landscaping overhaul, or a full home renovation, TALD allows you to:

• Find trusted professionals across interior design, architecture, building, and landscape design
• View their portfolios to choose someone who aligns with your vision
• Book a virtual consultation—no strings attached
• Get answers, guidance, and strategy without the overhead of full-service design

What Happens in a Virtual Consultation?

Think of it as your personal home project power hour. A typical DIWY virtual consultation might include:

• Reviewing floor plans or inspiration boards
• Evaluating finishes, paint colors, or furniture layouts
• Troubleshooting design dilemmas
• Getting referrals for contractors or trades
• Clarifying project scope and next steps

It’s like having a pro in your back pocket on an as-need basis—without a multi-month contract.

Architect: Fowlkes Studio / Photography: Jennifer Hughes

Why It Works

TALD’s DIWY approach fills the gap between DIY trial-and-error and traditional full-service design. Here’s why more homeowners are opting in:

• Affordable Expertise: Pay for only the time you need.
• Total Flexibility: Schedule around your life, not someone else’s timeline.
• Trusted Talent: Every TALD professional is invited to the platform based on experience, vision, and professionalism.
• Clear Results: Walk away from a session with confidence and a plan.

Build: RJ Smith Construction / Photography: Shane O’Donnell

Who DIWY is For

• The homeowner who knows what they want but needs a second opinion
• The client who just has a few questions
• The renovator juggling a tight budget
• The design lover who wants a space that actually works
• The real estate buyer who needs a plan before closing or pursuing updates shortly after

No matter where you are in your project, DIWY meets you there.

How to Get Started

1. Visit www.tald.co
2. Search by location, style, budget or service type.
3. View portfolios to find your match.
4. Book a virtual consultation starting at $150.
5. Feel more confident about every decision you make.

Landscape Design: EQQ Design / Photography: Lorenzo Dei