Interview with Sally

Sally sat down to discuss her career as an Interior Designer with web marketer Sue Thomson, C.I.D.

Q. How long have you had your Decorating Den franchise?

A. After managing the Home Furnishings department of a department store, I purchased my Decorating Den Interiors franchise in 1988.

Q. Have you always had the design bug?

A. I grew up in a beautiful New England home that my parents enjoyed decorating. It was certainly ingrained in me at an early age.

Q. What are your favorite decorating styles and why?

A. Having grown up in New England I lean towards the traditional, but over the years have moved toward a more transitional, less formal look.

Q. What styles do your clients prefer?

A. Mainly transitional or casual, with some more formal.

Q. What can a client expect from you?

A. They will get honesty and great customer service. I think my reviews say more clearly what they get!

Q. Tell me about your process.

A. Starting with a phone conversation, I set up a first appointment. Depending upon the complexity of the project, like window treatments for example, I like to get started right away while I am there. If the project is more involved, I will ask a lot of questions, possibly take room measurements, and get back with them with suggestions, images and a floor plan. I also discuss the budget so that I know how to proceed.

Q. How long does a typical one-room project take?

A. Approximately 6 weeks depending on items being in stock.

Q. What do you like about the design process?

A. Getting to know my client so I have a vision for the project. You know – their lifestyle, their budget, etc. I’m good at all the technical and organizational part of it which I don’t have to think about too much. But in the end, there is nothing more pleasing that to see a smile on my client’s face.

Q. How could clients make a project go easier for you?

A. It’s always easier when a client can make a decision. I would hope they would take into consideration all that I suggest as the expert, and not second guess themselves, bringing in family members and friends who just confuse everyone.

Q. Why should a client work with you and your company?

A. I like them to know that they are the most important client I am working with at the time. I pay attention to detail and provide good follow-up. I don’t keep them waiting for answers to their questions or concerns. My client’s likes, dislikes and budget are my highest priority, to be sure that the home reflects their personal taste, not mine.

Q. What do clients like about working with you?

A. My easy-going personality. I listen to them, and guide them along the way explaining why I suggest this or that.

Q. Tell me about the best project you’ve worked on, and why.

A. Sometimes it’s hard to pick just one, but in a way this current story is similar to many others. A middle-aged couple moving from Maryland purchased a villa here in Florida. They were pretty much renovating the whole interior and would be travelling back and forth between Maryland and Florida during the renovation. They called me from an ad in the local neighborhood newspaper.

I worked with them from September thru December of 2019. We worked together in person when they were here and online when they were up north. They were delightful to work with and pretty much wanted me to take control. They gave me a budget to work with and we got things started.

The first order was shutters and a few other window treatments. We picked living room furniture first, added accessories and moved from room to room placing orders and choosing dining, master bedroom and guest bedroom furnishings as well.

While the window treatments were installed first, the furniture was all delivered and set up while they were up North for the holidays. Though I had sent them pictures, they actually saw everything completed when they arrived at the end of December. They were beyond happy.

I loved working with this couple. They were decisive and they trusted me and my design capabilities. They were the perfect clients.

Q. Which type of projects do you prefer?

A. I love doing window treatments. I also prefer working on a specific room and when completed move on to the next. I feel a sense of accomplishment that way. It’s hard to do a whole house at one time – too many decisions and often difficult for the client. Of course that’s not always possible!

Q. Describe your perfect client.

A. Someone who can make decisions and recognize that I am there to help them. Someone who trusts in my expertise and isn’t interested in shopping around for a better price.

 

Q. Tell me about your family.

A. I have been married to Tom for 29 years. He is retired and does a lot to help me including installing window treatments, assembling furniture and helping with deliveries. We don’t have children, but we do have two beautiful Maine Coon Cats – Rufus and Riley.

Q. What do you do in your spare time?

A. I love being outside, walking, biking, swimming almost every day of the week. I also enjoy cooking, a little yard work, and eating out at really good restaurants. My days are full.