Finding interior bliss

Times Reporter       

 

Remodeling or renovating your home can be a challenge. Some people may have great ideas and need that nudge in the right direction to get started, while others have no clue where to start.

Emily Hogan, owner of Blyss Interiors, Window Coverings and Interior Decorating, took the plunge in October 2013 when she quit her job to focus on her business. 

She is based here in Strathmore and wants to help you with your renovation project.  

“I knew I always wanted to have my own company, I had always had Blyss Interiors on the side but never really had the chance to put all of my effort into it and make it my career and my business,” said Hogan. 

She had worked at Cordell’s Design in Calgary, working with builders, doing interior design for show homes. She had also previously worked for Pendelton Interiors when they were in town. 

She said it was a great company that was always busy, which indicated the need for it, and now especially four years later she said there are so many more buildings and businesses in town that could use her services. 

She would like to pick up where they left off and be the local go-to person for people in Strathmore and Wheatland County. 

“I think the small-town referrals are the best thing. Word of mouth is key, so really treating that client the best that you can and the best communication is really just small town service,” said Hogan. 

Hogan said custom window coverings are her strong point and her main niche, but she is a full interior designer. She deals with Hunter Douglas who custom makes your window coverings. They have tons of different options, said Hogan, and they can go into custom drapery oprtion. 

“My slogan is redo and renew, so the way I look at it is I want to be accessible. My thought is going into someone’s house and utilizing pieces that they already own while adding new pieces in,” said Hogan.

“I like doing the whole makeover kind of look but if someone was doing a renovation and needed someone to look after the trades from day one and do all their selections that way I could do that also. Mostly it is an in-home thing, so I would come over and have that consultation and then pull fabrics and go from there.”

In her five-year goal she would like to own a little store location. It would still be an in home design service, but the shop would be a place where she could have her fabrics and life-size samples of window coverings. 

Hiring a decorator isn’t just for those who own their own home; there are lots of different options that can be done and considered even in a rental property. There are short-term solutions that can be applied that make a huge difference. It could just be good artwork placement and the layout of your furniture, said Hogan. An interior designer is someone that can give good, constructive criticism and direction, and can help the client find the best path to go down budget wise and as far as sustainability in the home. 

Hogan’s goal with the whole redo and renew idea is that if someone wanted to refresh a space, whether it be their living room or master bedroom, they could use existing furniture, maybe upholster and/or repaint a chair, put new blinds up, change the colour of the walls. She likes to use things that are already in that space.  

“My big thing is I think your home should be your sacred place. It should reflect your personality, your travels and be comfortable and so I think incorporating clients existing pieces and making it work is important and a good way to do it budget friendly too,” said Hogan. 

To find out more, or to book a consultation contact Emily Hogan at 403-901-4467, or by email at info@blyssinteriors.ca.