An Interview with
Suzanne Christie

Q.  Tell us about your life and career before owning Decorating Den Interiors.

A. I was born in New York and moved to Florida as a seven-year-old. I lived in Orlando but moved to Clearwater after graduating from the University of Central Florida with a degree in advertising. I wanted to start a business and worked as a floral designer before deciding it wasn’t for me. I had seen an advertisement for Decorating Den (DDSI) in a magazine and the rest is history! I have now owned my interior design business for over 30 years.

Q. What styles of interior design do your clients ask for most?

A. There seem to be three main requests. They are looking for a coastal feel, an urban loft look, and updating to a more contemporary feel.

Q. Do you have a favorite style for your home?

A. I love a casual, homey feel with lots of color and texture. Some contemporary elements thrown in with some distressed pieces. However, as an interior designer I love the multitude of styles people want in their homes.

Q. What do you like about the design process?

A. I really love seeing the space come together as we’re designing it. It’s always exciting to find the perfect piece to align with the rest of the pieces. I love sharing my finds with the client and expanding their ideas from what they would normally do — making them see “out of the box”. I explain how coordinating, not matching, is key; that to get a great finished space is a combination of design elements and that Wow Factor. I love the reveal day when everything comes together. To see my client beside herself with joy and satisfaction. Those are good days.

Q. What do clients like about working with you?

A. I am down to earth and easy going. I really try to connect and treat them like a friend, involving them in the design process. Anyone who allows me to decorate their home deserves my time and respect. This is where they spend their time and feel safe so I want them to feel good throughout.

Q. Why should a client work with your company?

A. I will treat them fairly, include them in the process, be sure they know what they are getting and what it will cost. I work hard to achieve their desires within their budget. I do all the design work, ordering and am there for deliveries and installation.

Q. How can clients help make the project run smoothly?

A. Being honest about their budget up front because I select furniture and furnishings based on what they tell me. By avoiding trying to shop online at the same time I am making selections. They must trust me to do my job. Another important aspect for an interior designer is that the client does not ask a multitude of friends and relatives for their opinion because everyone will be sure to differ in their opinion and it gets too confusing! A client hires an interior designer to create a space that suits them, not their friends.

Q. What is the most enjoyable project you’ve worked on?

A. It’s very difficult to choose just one. I recently completed three projects that were complete whole home interior design. All three clients were wonderful to work with. We had budgets but they were open to ideas and we had such fun making selections. On delivery day it is a dream to have everything new from the flooring, to the window treatments, to every piece of furniture and artwork. All the clients were as happy as me.

Another favorite was a client who purchased a new home in North Carolina. I worked from the blueprints, had everything delivered to a receiver in S.C. then flew up and had everything delivered and installed in one day. It was awesome!

Q. Tell me about your family.

A. I’ve been married for over 30 years and have two sons.

Q. What do you do in your spare time?

A. I am actively involved in my church singing in two choirs and a 3-part harmony group. I try to go to Crossfit training several times a week, and also love running and paddle-boarding. I attend a Trivia Night once a week and always learn something new! My aim in the future is to help at an animal shelter and look forward to that.

If you are looking for a smart, creative interior designer for your home, call Suzanne at (727) 572-9574 or contact her by email.