Interview with Mary

Mary Elliott sat down with web marketer Sue Thomson to discuss her career.

Q. Tell me about your interests other than Decorating Den Interiors.

A. I have always been a creative person.  I have a degree in Culinary Arts and worked in the restaurant industry for 6 years.  When I met my husband I decided the work hours needed to change and I started working with my mother who managed a furniture business in Southern California. This was where I discovered my love of interior design. In 1992 my husband was transferred to Charlotte and we moved to Matthews where I started my interior design business. I love to travel and taste wine. I went to school for wine and am a second level Sommelier with the International Sommelier Guild.

Q. Have you always had the design bug? 

A. Yes, I love color and have always enjoyed creating beautiful food, gardens and interiors.

Q. What are your favorite styles and why?

A. My personal style is both eclectic and transitional. I love a touch of the old with the new.

Q. What styles do your clients prefer? Is there one that stands out?

A. Most of my clients are looking for a classic design, updated traditional with cleaner lines. Design that will last for decades.

Q. Tell me what a client can expect from you.

A. Personal attention and customer service.  Design that is truly all about my clients and their lifestyle.

Q. Tell me about the process you use with your clients.

A. Our first appointment is time to get to know each other, followed by defining the scope of the project and setting a budget. We will set up a follow up appointment where I will present the design for our project, with samples, floor plan and most often a 3-D Design. I handle all the design, ordering, receiving and installation.

Q. How long do you tell a client a typical one-room project will take?

A. 6-10 weeks.

Q. What do you like about the design process?

A. Finding out about my client.  They are blank canvases to me and I get to create a design all about them.

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

A. Communication about what they like and don’t like is key. It is not about my taste, but theirs that is important. Also not being afraid to discuss a budget so that I can select the best furnishings for our project.

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

A. I work hard to give my clients and enjoyable, fun experience. It’s exciting to design a home and see their dreams come to life. I take care of the ordering and installations. All they have to do is sit back and enjoy.

Q. What do clients like about working with you?

A. We make it fun! I love getting to know my clients and developed many great friendships over the years. I have many clients that I have worked with for 10-20 years.  When working on projects, I make the process as smooth as possible.  If there are any issues with delays or damages, I take care of it as soon as possible. My installers and contractors have worked with me for years and are very trustworthy.

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

A. There are several but my coastal client was really wonderful to work with. We worked together for a couple of years on her European, Old World home that she wanted to update but in the end they needed more space and decided to build a contemporary, coastal home that I had the pleasure of designing as well using grays and aqua’s.

Q. Tell me about your family?

A. My husband and I have been married for 30 years and we have 3 sons, two who live here in Charlotte. My mother lives next door!