nousDECOR

nousDECOR operates as an online interior design platform, providing services and tools for users to conceptualize and execute home decoration projects. The company was founded in early 2014 by Heather Gillette, a veteran of YouTube, and officially launched in the spring of that year. The inspiration for the company came from Gillette's personal experience of trying to find matching home decor items online, which revealed a gap in the market for a platform that could simplify the search and design process.

The firm caters to a spectrum of clients, from novice decorators to design enthusiasts, and collaborates with professional interior designers. Australian-born interior designer Mark Cutler, recognized as one of the top designers by the Robb Report, serves as the Chief Designer. His background in both architecture and interior design shapes the platform's approach, which aims to make the professional design experience accessible to a wider audience, irrespective of their budget. Cutler's design philosophy centers on creating spaces that are a backdrop for people's lives. Before nousDECOR, Heather Gillette headed several departments at YouTube, gaining experience in managing large-scale user-generated content and communities, which she applied to making interior design more accessible.

The platform's business model integrates community-sourced ideas, e-commerce, and professional design services. Revenue is generated through its online interior design services and likely through partnerships with retailers for product sales facilitated through the platform. Users can browse inspirational images and moodboards curated by designers and the community, and then use the platform's tools to recreate looks within their own budget. A key feature is its visual search technology, which allows users to upload a photo of a decor item and find similar products from a catalog of millions of items from various online retailers. The platform also includes a "Same Look Different Price" recommendation engine and a moodboard builder. In 2015, the company launched a mobile app for iOS to provide on-the-go access to these tools and facilitate real-time collaboration with the design team, allowing users to manage projects, share photos, and review 3D renderings directly from their mobile devices. The company secured $2.1 million in seed funding in October 2014 from angel investors, including individuals with backgrounds at YouTube and Facebook.

Keywords: online interior design, home decor platform, visual search technology, moodboard builder, interior design services, e-commerce furniture, home furnishings, Mark Cutler, Heather Gillette, shoppable decor, room design, decor inspiration, design community, DIY projects, virtual design, home renovation tools, furniture finder, crowd-sourced design, affordable interior design, mobile design app