When Modsy closed in the summer of 2022, thousands of homeowners were left in the middle of the project, wondering what’s next. The sudden closure left a void in the e-design space, and anyone who had relied on Modsy’s 3D renderings that could be purchased needed a reliable alternative.
What services today offer real designers, accurate renderings and full support to complete a project from concept to final space? See how Decorilla is helping former Modsy clients and others get back on track.
Why did Modsy shut down?
Modsy ceased interior design services at the end of June 2022 and quietly dissolved its corporate entity by early July. The San Francisco company had raised about $72.7 million over its lifetime, backed by Comcast Ventures, Norwest Venture Partners, NBCUniversal and TCV. Report from Business of Home he traced the shutdown to a failed acquisition deal and capital constraints that left the company without a path forward. CEO Shanna Tellerman also cited uncertain market conditions in her message to staff. Within days, most of the company’s employees and contract designers had lost their roles.
The shutdown is within a larger arc at electronic design services category. Laurel & Wolf* and Homepolish were finished by the end of 2019, with Décor Aid to follow in 2021.
* Later reopened as part of the Indexsy Group.
Pro tip: Looking for alternatives now that Modsy has shut down? Make your reservation Free Online Interior Design Consultation to explore special options for your home and start creating a space you’ll love.
What made Modsy popular?
Before Modsy closed, he built his reputation on a strong visual hook. Customers uploaded photos of their actual rooms, and the platform returned shoppable 3D renderings, furnished with pieces from well-known retail brands like West Elm or Crate & Barrel. Seeing an actual space redesigned gave people a concrete read on whether a design direction would work before it changed hands.
Pricing also played a role, with the entry point being much lower than traditional interior design fees. This approach opened up the category to first-time renters and homeowners who had never considered hiring a designer. With the addition of the iOS app and the Lennar home model partnership, Modsy has positioned itself as an accessible front door to the design world. The appeal made sense and the loyalty it generated explains why so many former customers are still looking for one worthy replacement.
What were Modsy’s limitations?
The same standard that made Modsy affordable also limited what it could offer. Designer access was limited, usually filtered through the platform itself, which left clients less room to develop a real working relationship. The renderings looked polished, but the design logic behind them was often based on predefined configurations. Layout decisions and lighting designs followed patterns more than responding to a particular house. Material choices seemingly did the same.
Continuous support was the other weak point. Once a final performance was delivered, the relationship effectively ended. Customers managed the supply and installation themselves. However, people looking for alternatives after Modsy shut down are almost always trying to solve some version of these loopholes.
What to look for in a Modsy alternative
Some indicators separate a substantial replacement from a more subtle version of the same model.
- Real designer access matters first. A branded professional with a visible portfolio and a style that fits the project defines the entire experience.
- Performance quality. Renderings should be photorealistic enough to allow you to read materials, scale, and light accurately.
- Pricing. Transparent at each level, with a clear scope of what is included in each level.
- Support beyond the final deliverable. This is the deciding factor for most customers. Ordering rounds of tuning and revision turns a performance into a complete room.
- Trade discounts on furniture. It often offsets a significant portion of the design fee, which matters when a Modsy alternative is weighed against the total cost.
Why Decorilla is the best Modsy alternative
For anyone weighing alternatives after Modsy’s closure, the difference lies in the depth of the designer and what happens after the idea is approved. Decorilla has been active in this space since 2010 and works with thousands of vetted designers across the country.
Unique to Decorilla, clients receive initial design ideas from two designers, allowing them to revisit their vision and choose the direction that best fits. Working with the chosen designer continues one-on-one through reviews, floor plans, 3D renderings and a final curated shopping list with exclusive trade discounts.
Visualizations are produced by interior designers working with photorealistic tools, so material choices and lighting are accurately displayed at every stage.
Pricing for the package ranges from $479 to $1,699, depending on the level, with hourly consultations starting at $119. With exclusive trade discounts at over 350 retailers, clients can often recoup a significant portion of their design fee, making professional design more affordable than ever.
THE plan The model includes ongoing support, with the designer available for months after the project closes. What this means in practice: If a problem arises, such as a desired piece of furniture not being available, you will again receive professional help to resolve it.
What Decorilla customers are saying
Gina on them Luxury spa inspired home design:
“You definitely nailed it! I am in love with my kitchen and everything looks beautiful. I will definitely be back to design the rest of the house!”
Frank on them Men’s Modern Industrial Home Makeover:
“We love everything, it’s more than we imagined. Thank you so much”
David on them Modern earthy bedroom design with natural touches:
“Thank you so much, Maya. Hiring Decorilla to design my bedroom was definitely one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
Lisa on them Sophisticated contemporary home design with dark accents:
“Thank you so much for your help in renovating our house! It looks great. I will definitely send you pictures of how beautiful our house looks.”
Ram’s Google review for the Classic Elegance Timeless home renovation:
“Working with Marine on my year-long custom home venture was an absolute joy! From the initial floor plans to the final touches, Marine’s dedication never wavered. She was incredibly patient with my specific requests and went above and beyond in revisions to ensure I was 100% in love with the results. It’s rare to find a designer who has a passion for the needs of the client. seamless, creative and collaborative design experience, Marine is the best in the business. I’m so grateful for her hard work!”
Transform your home with experienced designers
Modsy is no longer an option, but your dream space is still within reach. Connect with Decorilla’s professional interior designers for accurate 3D renderings, personalized guidance and support from concept to completion. Make your reservation Free Online Interior Design Consultation today and watch your vision come to life!
