Interview with Kathy

Interior designer Kathy McGroarty sat down to discuss her career with interactive marketing specialist Sue Thomson, C.I.D.

Award-Winning Designer

Q. Have you always had the design bug?

A. I had an Aunt and Uncle who were well traveled and their home was very interesting. As a child I remember examining every element of their home, trying to understand how and why it all worked together. Whenever my Mom made an update to our home, I would hop in the car to go with her and help pick out furniture. Even though I had a long career in the insurance industry I always knew that one day I would follow my passion.

Q. Tell me about your career before Decorating Den Interiors.

A. I had a long career in the insurance industry with several positions over the years. I started in a clerical position before becoming an agricultural underwriter. Later, as a commercial underwriter I decided which businesses to insure and at what cost, based on risk assessment. I ultimately became a business consultant for a large system development project, responsible for system requirements, usability, training and problem resolution.

Q. Tell me what a Decorating Den Interiors client can expect from you.

A. The biggest compliment I get is that I am friendly and don’t have that “designer air” about me! I want clients to feel comfortable working with me collaboratively because that way they will get the home they’ve been dreaming of. I take the art of designing a home seriously but I don’t take myself too seriously! As with most relationships, I find that open communication is the key to success.

Q. What do you like about the design process?

A. I like the process for multiple reasons:

— The room layout is like a puzzle and I enjoy getting the size and scale within the room correct to ensure that it is functional.

— Once the puzzle pieces are together it is time to create the scene. Pulling together pretty and often functional fabrics for the furnishings, rugs and window treatments. Planning useful levels of lighting, then finally art and accessories to make the room unique.

— The delivery and installation is where the heavy work happens — not pretty at the time but amazing when it’s done.

— Finally, the big reveal and how could you not like this part? Seeing a client’s vision for their home come to fruition, and their response to it is just the best part.

Q. How long does a typical project take?

A. Once we have finished making the selections the time before the reveal is usually between 8 – 14 weeks. Delivery time since COVID has greatly lengthened this timeline as my patient and loyal clients know.

Q. What do clients like about working with you?

A. I think they enjoy my easy, no pressure nature that allows them to be a big part of the process and the project’s success.

Q. Why should a client work with you on their project?

A. Why not? Seriously, I want to help clients to fulfill their vision. This is not about me putting my stamp on the space, but rather helping figure out what my clients want. I like helping them create their best home. I love getting to meet so many families, getting to know the kids… I start to feel part of the family!

Q. Tell me about a favorite project you’ve worked on, and why?

A. Oh goodness! Every project is a good one. I could come up with something from every project I’ve worked on but I’ll talk about two.

Kathy is an interior designer working in Sussex County, Delaware
Call Kathy at (302) 425-9070