Sometimes your life’s work happens almost by accident. For Doreen Meland, designing and staging homes came naturally, even before she knew it could be a business. “I didn’t know I was doing it, but I was. A Realtor came through our home, and asked if I staged homes. After thinking about it, I decided it would be fun. My business has grown from there,” she says.
Doreen’s work covers a broad range of projects. She has a natural ability for interior design, and is a gifted landscaper. Both interior and exterior projects fill her portfolio. She has helped clients efficiently stage their homes for sale. But she has also worked with clients who require a more thorough decluttering.
Doreen loves organizing. Recently, she assisted clients who needed to move on, after living in the same home for decades. The process of going through items felt daunting. Doreen came in, worked with them, and helped them declutter, box by box. “Clients like this quickly become dear friends,” she says. “Working with people on this level allows you to really get to know each other, and develop a shared understanding.” In this particular case, they were able to get their home sold, and move to a better layout. They hired Doreen to return to their new home, and help them design the interior.
“It doesn’t matter what magazines say. I really believe the best designs are the ones that make you happy,” she says.
She applies this concept to her work, utilizing clients’ existing items, or helping them identify colors, styles or pieces that fit their own personal style. She also understands the need to make a home truly livable. “I want each client to be able to incorporate their styles and preferences into a design. If they need more storage, we find effective ways to do this in a usable way.”
She helps clients identify paint colors (Hint- she is a big fan of neutral shades on the wall!). She also designs mantels, shelves and storage areas to look beautiful and functional. She recently created a play room that also had appeal for other purposes.
“I do this because I love it. I love people, and I enjoy helping them enhance their homes and gardens.” Doreen can be hired for complete renovations, or she offers her services a la cart. To learn more, contact her at dmeland@tds.net.
