An Inside Look at James Décor with Owner Lee Haik

Sitting behind a desk covered in samples and papers from current projects, Lee Haik proudly reminisces on how she came to be the owner of James Décor, Springfield’s first interior design firm.

After obtaining a degree in home economics at what is now Pittsburgh State University, Lee says she spent some time with her daughters Martie and Jacque as a stay-at-home mom before purchasing the business. In 1982, Lee and her husband John took over James Décor.

The store was originally opened in 1946. Wallpaper and paint were two of its mainstays, and Lee says she enjoyed matching colors. The original plan was to work part time as an interior designer, but Lee says running the business quickly became a full time endeavor.

When the Haiks decided to move the business to its current location on Republic Road, Lee says they stopped selling paint and turned James Décor into a full furniture store and interior design firm.

Opening the John-Richard showroom in 2010 was a highlight for the business.

“That was probably one of the smartest moves we made,” Lee says, “because it gave us something to get excited about and people in town were excited about it.”

The line is a favorite among designers and clients, known for carrying unique furniture. Lee says the pieces are designed to work together.

“It’s still one of our best lines,” she says.

Lee says two of her other favorite lines are Marge Carson and Century, but she likes every line the business carries.

Two of James Décor’s goals are to offer a variety of price points and to offer both traditional and contemporary styles, Lee says. This style is called transitional—Lee’s personal favorite.

The variety the showroom displays carries into other aspects of the business.

Although Lee says residential design is her specialty, James Décor has ventured into other types of projects as well. Among the projects tackled are doctors’ offices, law offices and even a dairy.

“I really love what I do,” says Lee Haik, owner of James Décor.

“I really get bored if I do the same thing over and over,” Lee says. “I really like the mix. I like to change. Each individual project is so different and the way people live has to dictate the way we design.”

One of the trademarks of design at James Décor is that it’s centered around the people.

Lee remarks that some of her current clients have been working with her since she took over the business in 1982. She is even working with the children and grandchildren of some of her first clients.

“You can be the best designer in the world but if you don’t have customer service and you don’t care about the people you’re working with, it doesn’t matter,” Lee says.

Relationships are what gave the business success in its early years, and they promise to keep the business running long into the future.

The business is family-owned and Lee says she hopes her daughters will eventually take over, with the help of a team of designers currently working at James Décor.

“I have a staff of young designers that are very talented,” Lee says.

Aside from a dedication to clients and other people involved with the business, the heart behind it all is a love for interior design.

“I really love what I do,” Lee says.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

How to Pull off This Timeless Black & Gold Space

This vignette is modern with a glamorous Old Hollywood twist. Timeless black mixes with gold to add some shine. Crystal accents, like the lamp stands and accessories displayed on the shelves, add texture to the otherwise sleek look. Simple shelves add a place to display whatever you want without overpowering the décor itself. Black leather recliners create a sophisticated space inviting you to rest in style. The little details pull it all together, like the upholstery tacks in the chairs and gold frame on the artwork. The glossy, agate patterned cabinet steals the show and creates a focal point. This space is certainly one you’ll want to recreate. Here’s how.

Shop the Look:

Cabinet

“I Dream of Agate Four-Door Cabinet” from John-Richard. 34”H x 72”W x 18”D. Glass top.

Lamps

Kate Spade “Castle Peak Table Lamp” from Visual Comfort. Lamp height: 38”. Linen shade.

Recliners

“Black Leather Recliner” from Century Furniture. 47”H x 31.50”W x 35.25”D. Black aniline leather.

Shelves

“Modernist Étagère” shelf from John-Richard. 82”H x 18”W x 18”D. Antique brass cubes with glass shelving.

On the Shelves

“Black Box with a Silver Stone” from John-Richard. 5”H x 12”W x 7”D.

“Selenite Sprite” sculpture from John-Richard. Various sizes.

“Celestite Hoop” from John-Richard. Various sizes. Oval hoop with celestite crystal.

Stop by our showroom, where our designers will be happy to show you exactly how to take this look home.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Photos: Michaela Satterfield