The Best of Both Worlds

Transitional Interior Design

Photo: Michaela Satterfield

If there is one style that James Décor is known by, it would be transitional interior design. A mix of traditional and contemporary pieces, seamlessly brought together in the same space, is the trademark of this timeless style. While many are deeply divided between traditional and contemporary styles, those who can’t decide will be happy to know there is a middle ground. With the transitional style, you can truly have your cake and eat it too.

It’s important to note that transitional design is different than eclectic design. Eclectic design is more scattered, combining things that typically wouldn’t go together. Transitional design is intended to be cohesive.

The key to pulling off transitional design is making sure the two styles are mixed together well. You don’t want there to be too many pieces of either style—balance is essential. Typical color palettes are neutral. Nothing should stand out, because it should all work smoothly together. The style veers on the side of minimalism, but isn’t too cold and stark like some modern spaces. You won’t want to overdo it with the accessories. The ones you choose should be tasteful and well-planned. Large pieces of artwork are common.

To see what the transitional style is all about, take a stroll through our showroom. Our interior designers are experts on the style.

Out with the old and in with the new? Neither. You can keep both.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Sources:

https://freshome.com/transitional-design/

https://www.housebeautiful.com/design-inspiration/a24895237/what-is-transitional-design/

Behind the Scenes

An Inside Look at James Décor with Owner Lee Haik

Photo: Michaela Satterfield

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