Something special is happening at 817 South Washington St.
For months, the space in which Houseworks Interiors is located has been closed to the public. During that time, owner Dee Thornton was inside, directing painters, faux artists, seamstresses and her design staff.
On April 9, the cover was removed to reveal a newly modeled design showroom. Obviously pleased with the results, Thornton greeted guests at a private grand opening celebration. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held and wine and hors d'oeuvres were served.
The showroom is now open to the public and there is plenty to see. While items in the showroom are still for sale, the emphasis is on the design process rather than the retail store itself.
ìI wanted to focus on the design business, which is really my strength,î said Thornton. Clients hoping to get a sense of what Thornton and her designers can do for them can stop by the store and view elegant groupings of tables, lamps and mirrors.
The artwork being shown is either original or photographs. A line of artificial orchids looks so real that a customer stopped by to ask if they could help with repotting her live orchid.
Office manager Kelly Campagne said that more people are coming in now and requesting interior design services. He likes the fact that they now have more space to show off custom-made window treatments. The space separating the showroom from the workroom is now a see-through window.
Above the doorway is a catchy phrase, "Can you describe yourself in five fabrics or les?"
"That was from one of our advertising campaigns, and we decided to incorporate it into our design," said Thornton.