News Press

October 24 2011

Confession XXI: Heather Garrett (From http://www.theconfessionals.tv/)

After 7 years working as an interior designer with a showroom in Durham NC, Heather opened a retail design store selling everything from candles and jewelry, to lamps and designer furnishings. Currently, she launched a companion “online interior design” service called hgY (in homage to Do It Yourself-ers).  She feels that those who shop online are savvy bargain hunters, and the proliferation of DIY blogs makes an online design process a natural step. She has recently formed an ongoing dealer relationship with flash sale darling One Kings Lane, offering her most unusual pieces to their members during periodic timed sales. Her online store and design service can be found at hgHOMEdurham.com, and the website showcasing her portfolio and traditional design services is heathergarrettdesign.com.

Where are you from?

St. Louis, MO. Everybody give it up for the Cardinals.

What do you do?

Sometimes I think all I do is send emails.  When I’m not emailing, I’m drawing room concepts or sewing doll clothes with my daughter on her super cool bright yellow sewing machine.

How long have you been an interior designer?

My mother is a decorator, so I grew up with our home interior undergoing constant creative change.  I loved it.  Unofficially, I’ve been redecorating my surroundings since I can remember – but officially, I’ve been working as an interior designer for 11 years.

What is your concept behind hgY and why is this needed in today’s market?  

It’s no secret that the economy (for the worse) and the internet (for the better) have radically changed the business of interior decorating and design during the last several years.  The cache, practical appeal, and resources for aspiring DIY’ers have all skyrocketed, yet people – though highly motivated to tackle projects alone – still need advice more customized than a generic “design tips” column can offer.  With hgY, we offer a custom design plan based on the input of our online client…they submit home photos, measurements, and inspirational images of their dream room.  My team creates a design plan and correlating shopping list, then sets the client free to complete the look with all the DIY zeal they wish to channel.  I’m like a DIY sherpa.

What would you have been doing if not this?  

Sitting at a potter’s wheel.  It’s a neglected love with whom I fully intend to unite one day!

Who are your clients? Demographic?

I tend to attract clients a lot like myself, I guess…families with young kids or messy grownups, looking for a sophisticated interior which is somehow human-proof (peanut butter? Snap!  Dog hair?  No prob!  Red wine?  I got it).

How many projects do you have on the boards?

We’re hustling. My third restaurant/bar is set to open in 4 weeks, a 9,000 square foot beach house at the NC beach in underway, I’m headed to Naples FL next week to get started on a bungalow remodel, and we’re completing a 1950’s icon overhaul in town. Up next, a tapas restaurant (yum, fun, giddyup).

Dream project?

A hotel, where we could put all kinds of theater to work…dramatic dining, sexy rooming, all things sparkly and comfy.  There.

Your confession?

I never brush my hair.  Ever.