The way we decorate our space is often a reflection of ourselves and is quite personal. Some love a clean aesthetic. Some of us are swayed to change things based on trends. Some of us are at a loss for just how to put the ideas in our heads into play at home. That’s where interior designers can come into play. Who are some of the decorators in Berks, and what do they love? Meet three of them on the pages that follow.
Jennifer Inners
Owner/Designer of Saylor House
Town of residence: Wyomissing
Profession/Place of Work: Owner, Saylor House, West Reading
Educational Background: Interior design is actually a second career for me but has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember.
What guided you to pursue a career in interior design? I was rearranging furniture and asking my mother to wallpaper my bedroom at the age of 7. My mother, being very much into design herself, was happy to support my visions.
How would you describe your design style? Eclectic. I love a mix of modern pieces, antiques and found pieces from my travels. For my clients, I believe one of my strengths is the ability to adapt to different design styles and to help them achieve a home that is a reflection of them and how they live.
What is the most important piece of advice you could offer a homeowner when it comes to making interior design choices? Do not invest a lot of money in trendy pieces. Instead, spend on pieces that are classic and have lasting value.
What has been a favorite project of yours to work on and why? One of my favorite projects was a complete home renovation in Wyomissing. The project turned out beautifully, and the homeowners were a joy to work with.
What would be your dream design job? Right now, I would say my dream design job would be to finish my own home and a recently purchased vacation home! My client projects always come first, and my own always seems to fall to the wayside, but that’s okay. In October of this year, Saylor House will be celebrating our 10-year anniversary, and I am so very grateful to each and every client that has gotten us this far.
What is your most cherished interiors piece? It’s a large antique pharmacist’s cabinet from the 1800s.
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Norman Kohl
Principal Designer/Owner at Norman Kohl Interiors LLC
Town of residence: Wyomissing
Profession/Place of Work: Interior Designer, Norman Kohl Interiors LLC
Educational Background: Degree in Interior Design from Bradley Academy for the Visual Arts, York County, PA
What guided you to pursue a career in interior design? A long-standing love for design, architecture, furnishings, etc.
How would you describe your design style? In three words: classic, tailored, balanced.
What is the most important piece of advice you could offer a homeowner when it comes to making interior design choices? I actually have two pieces of advice: 1. Don't follow the latest trends. 2. Gather a seasoned team of professionals early on to assist you.
What has been a favorite project of yours to work on and why? My favorite project is always what's next! I look forward to finding new solutions, to working with new materials and to making new friends.
What would be your dream design job? A fine dining restaurant.
What is your most cherished interiors piece and why? Our Kravet sofa. I love its clean lines, sumptuous fabric and supported comfort.
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Melinda O’Neill
Empire Home Center
Town of residence: Leesport
Profession/Place of Work: I’m co-owner of Empire Home Center (along with my husband, Harry). We have five businesses together, one of which is South 5th Properties (specializing in remodels). Additionally, I’m a licensed realtor whose clients enjoy my staging services as part of the package!
Educational Background: La Salle University, Business
What guided you to pursue a career in interior design? I had an amazing childhood, but our fabulous hippie lifestyle didn’t allow for certain aesthetics (that I was interested in) in our home. I channeled that dream of creating a space that reflected my own personal style into helping homeowners do the same!
How would you describe your design style? Honestly, it’s less about my style and more about my clients’ style for me. I ask potential clients to tell me something that they love in their home. I work off that main piece that they chose.
What is the most important piece of advice you could offer a homeowner when it comes to making interior design choices? Build your style off of something you love. It’s about how you use your space. We will be in your space; we want to see how you use it.
What has been a favorite project of yours to work on and why? I love staging homes that are about to hit the market. Watching clients sell their homes for substantially more than they would have had we not staged the space is just amazing. Everything that’s staged is sellable; buyers often purchase the products they see there.
What would be your dream design job? My own house!
What is your most cherished interiors piece and why? The functional design of our living room because that’s where we relax and enjoy life as a family.
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