Designer Interview

Since we are all time deprived, I have devised a simple 3 question interview that I will pose to people I believe you all will find interesting.  The questions may change slightly by design  trade.  It will be light and if you want to contact them directly, you will have their contact info. 

Mitzi Metcalf hails from Hickory, NC- the home of furniture in the US & where her father had a retail furniture store.  In NC, she started in retail sales & management then ultimately moved into the manufacturing side with Jeffco Furniture.  In 2007 an opportunity came to relocate to Naples. Here she has been with Fifth Avenue Design Gallery and is currently with Norris Home Furnishings.

1. As a designer, what is the most essential element of a room?

Mitzi-  For me the most essential element of any room is Color. Color has the ability to define a space making it feel larger or smaller. Certain colors can bring warmth or coolness into a space. Color can also make you happy or sad. So, when looking at any room determine your color palette first. Do you have a favorite color? Pops of color can easily be added to walls, decorative accessories, artwork, flooring, or furniture selections.

2.  What is the most important thing you have learned about your business?

Mitzi-  Through the years one of the most important things I have learned about my business is that it is ever changing… Products and trends come and go. The residential interior design business is much like the fashion industry. There are always new fabric patterns that are introduced as well as wall coverings, flooring applications, and furniture designs. For instance, we have seen in the last few markets that our industry and clients have gravitated toward cleaner streamlined designs. Heavy ornate carvings have given way to clean less formal designs where function meets fashion. Coastal Contemporary fresh design is the new wave~

3.  What new technology has been incorporated into the way you work?

Mitzi-   Wow! Technology has definitely changed the Home Furnishings Industry. Gone is the day when a client would visit and sit to view a catalog. With all the online sites and the web we have given the consumer many resources at their fingertips. Consumers are much savvier and have done their research. At times they are overloaded by all the many choices and sites on the internet. My favorite apps for perusing choices and gaining ideas would be Pinterest and Houzz. The collaboration between the designer and client can come together through the selection process. This process can take place thanks to technology via email communication, text, and the list goes on. Technology has allowed my business to be accessible 24 hours a day-7 days a week!

Mitzi's contact information

mmetcalf@norrishomefurnishings.com

239.872.1288

For home projects I also think Houzz is excellent.   I also do a lot with Domain Home 

(newsletter@domainhome.com)  Even if you are making simple changes to your patio or lanai.  Its great to check out new color trends or furniture placement that may spur an idea in your head so when you start the process, you are a better consumer because you know what you want. If you find what you want, you do not have to be sold.  The homes DomainHome feature are spot on for the topic they are discussing, as it should be, but not always is.  As I said before, we are all time deprived and no one has time to waste. 

 Hope you all have a Fang- tastic Halloween.  Jake enjoyed the neighborhood doggie party

as a biker dude!  Enjoy!!!