create your space to
THRIVE
Sandy Kozar, Owner/Principal Designer
Rachael Sheridan, Interior Designer
“A great interior designer possesses extraordinary listening skills.”
S
A N DY KO Z A R , ow n e r of Decorating Den Interiors, is an award-winning and professionally trained designer, and her talented design team has been featured on HGTV as a Pro Network Designer, Best of Houzz three years in a row for customer service, and Dream Room Winner. Featured in “The Kitchen Bible” book by Barbara Ballinger and “Love Your Home,” a book by Carol Donayre-Bugg, Sandy has also been featured in well-known trade publications such as Elle Décor and House Beautiful. Her creative planning and design of residential homes is well-known and respected throughout the Knoxville area for the past 12 years, and she remains a frequent cont ributor to Ever y thing Knox ville magazine. We talked to Sandy about how the
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EVERYTHING KNOXVILLE
March 2022
pandemic has affected peoples’ home décor needs, how she and her team go about filling those needs, and the most rewarding parts of being an interior decorator. EK: Before beginning a home decorating project, what should people look for when considering a professional interior designer? Sandy: Whether you are redecorating your existing home or beginning from the ground up with a new home, the greatest challenge starts with choosing the right interior designer. Good listening skills are crucial to working with clients. We have found that many people just can’t articulate exactly what they want; they just know what they DON’T want. It’s up to us to not only listen to what the client is saying, but also guide them through the millions of design options to discover their own unique style.
We know every project presents its own unique set of circumstances. We take the necessary time to help establish the scope of your project with the style you desire; our initial consultation is always complimentary. Your designer should ask you questions about your overall project goals, your family and lifestyle, personal preferences, and a budget should be discussed. Beyond listening skills, look for a professional interior designer that is a capable facilitator and communicator. EK: What design changes have you witnessed in light of the pandemic and the trend towards working from home? Sandy: If you thought you knew your home backwards and forwards before, odds are you’ve come to know it even better post the pandemic lockdowns! Many of us have been working virtually since early 2020.
