A Woman Owned Business / March 2007
A Room With a View
 Stephanie Diehl
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By Pat Lawrence
Every window offers a frame of reference for interior designer Stephanie Diehl, owner of Room with a View. The Charleston native moved to Teays Valley three years ago and in 2005, began designing window treatments for clients from her home. Clients liked what they saw through her eyes, in their homes and offices. In 2006, Stephanie opened a shop in Hurricane’s downtown historic district. Stephanie says, “It’s nice to have a show room where people can see things for themselves. Plus, we needed space for all the fabrics, books and samples we use!”
Stephanie knew in high school that interior design was her field and it was her major at WVU and later, University of Charleston. She married and had children, and worked in her husband’s family business for a while. “But, when my youngest hit kindergarten, I thought ‘The timing is right.’” She started Room with a View LLC in my living room.”
Now she works “full time and then some-more hours than I would like!” She works with residential and commercial clients, choosing blinds, shutters, curtains, fabrics, window trim and drapery hardware.
“Plantation shutters and blinds are our biggest sellers. We do the installation at no charge and are glad to provide complimentary temporary window coverings for new homeowners, if they need it.” The showroom is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10-5, but she also spends time on appointments after hours.
The majority of their work is in Charleston and Huntington. “There’s a lot of contrast between the older, often historic homes, and the newer, suburban homes in Putnam County. Each home, each business and each client has different requirements.” She’s sympathetic to anyone in the process of remodeling. “In Charleston, we completely remodeled a 75 year old house. Maybe someday, I would do it again, but there’s a lot to be said for a new house. Now when we go to Lowe’s, we buy light bulbs instead of chandeliers; picture hangers instead of sheets of drywall!”
Stephanie says one of the advantage of owning her own business is working with her husband. “I really enjoy it. He does the measuring and installation of wall coverings and wallpaper and works with the contractors on commercial accounts.”
Although most projects start with windows, there is a natural overflow. Few home owners or business owners can resist asking for more of Stephanie’s advice once she is there. “Windows and walls are our focus. But, we also provide bedspreads and tablecloths. And, we work with upholstery people. We’ll figure yardage, pick up and deliver.”
The business is still growing. There’s a library of fabric and wallpaper sample books. They’ve added three new fabric lines and Stephanie says they’re considering a new, cost-saving shutter manufacturer. She’ll be attending the International Window Coverings Expo in Washington DC this year, to see what’s new, check out the latest products and make contact with new vendors.
For 2007, she says, There’s a lot of leather, faux leather and faux animal furs in home interiors. Earthy colors and neutrals are in style. Blues and greens are more natural colors. Even oranges have a subdued tone.” She doesn’t see as many big florals now, “There is always a certain amount of print, but I see more pattern and texture, more linen looks.” One example of the emphasis on textures includes the return of flocked wallpaper.
Since she opened the storefront in October, Stephanie says she hasn’t had time for much else. When she’s not at the shop or choosing fabric, “The kids keep me busy, running them to all their activities. If there is any free time, it goes to them.” But she takes pleasure in beauty, in art and artistry, whether it is in the garden, on the walls, or through the window.
To contact Stephanie Diehl of Room with A View, call 304-562-4444 or email roomwith aview711@aol.com.
Copyright © 2007 A Woman's View. All rights reserved.
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