products, you need to understand the install,” she explained. She worked on her husband’s construction crew for 6 months, learning how to do just about any job related to bathroom and kitchen remodeling. She put her knowledge to use when Muse was being built, installing some of the tile in the store. The gallery is a wonder. From colors to texture, to structure, the space gives clients everything they
By Natalie Downey
Offers An Experience That Truly Feels Like Home “Bring Us Your Dream & We Will Be Your Muse” After Christi Richardson earned her degree in education, she expected to begin teaching.
need to choose the right products for their home. Floor to ceiling tiles display an array of patterns, while sections of the store showcase various design styles from traditional to industrial. “I wanted to create an environment that is inspiring to people,” Christi said. Hence, the name, was selected to pay homage to her parents who are also her partners in the business. In addition to giving customers a physical example of products, Christi strove to cultivate a space that would be enjoyable to visit. “Remodeling and building can be so overwhelming,” Christi said. “There are so many options.” In large home improvement stores, one doesn’t have the opportunity to sit back, relax, and consider the options in a comfortable and unrushed setting with one-on-one attention. At Muse, the customer finds all of this, and more. Christi is not a designer, but she does have an eye for it. “I’ve always loved colors and design,” she said. “I love putting all of the products together
Christi & Mother Claudia, Owners of Muse
Instead, she was inspired by her husband with a surprising question: “Do you want to take a risk?” Not usually one to take risks, Christi did decided to take the plunge this time, and three years later, she’s glad she did. As a builder in Columbus for over 20 years, the idea behind the business was his in part. Understanding that a lot goes into designing a kitchen and bathroom, they had the idea of a one-stop shop, a showroom where clients could see and touch products in a home-like setting. From tile, to lighting, to cabinets and everything in between, Muse Kitchen and Bath Gallery was built from the ground up to be a showroom and retail store in one. Before beginning the process of opening the gallery, Christi took on the task of learning the construction trade. “If you’re going to sell the LocaL
like pieces in a puzzle.” Even though she doesn’t work with clients as a designer, she is always happy to help customers find just what they’re looking for. “I help guide selections because it’s a huge investment. I want the client to have no regrets when the job is done.” In the case of an indecisive client, Christi says she has an almost foolproof way of steering 14
JUNE-JULY 2021
