Today we’d like to introduce you to Darlene Roth.
Darlene, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I installed my first dimmer switch as a 16 year old girl in my bedroom, and before that I wanted to change smaller windows to bring the outdoors in. Light and interior arranging were just a small part of interior design that seemed endlessly fascinating to me. I knew exactly what I wanted to study. After two years at the Art Institute of Dallas, I went on to obtain my bachelor’s degree in Interior Design at Texas Christian University (TCU). I started my professional career at Wilson Associates in Dallas where I worked on the lobby, lobby lounge, and several presidential suites of the Venetian Las Vegas Hotel.
Working in hospitality didn’t allow the personal one-on-one with clients I desired. So, Darlene Roth Interior Design was born. For me, it’s very fulfilling to renovate older homes or builder homes that are architecturally incorrect. If needed, I start from the ground up with the “existing home” and create new layouts that make kitchens, bathrooms, living/family room’s function and look as my clients’ desire.
I don’t believe it’s the soaring eleven or twelve foot ceilings that create the most charming homes; rather, it is modest, quality choices using design principles from my training that create a beautiful home. New layouts, color, furniture, draperies, linens, all the decisions have to work together to create a personal feel or function. Traditional or modern, elegant or rustic, I don’t have a signature look…..that exact formula changes for every home.
I have the joyful opportunity to help clients create their dream home and watch their families grow and thrive in a superbly beautiful setting.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Bravery was the only thing I needed when I left the #2 hospitality firm in the country, my secure paycheck, and established, corporate clients. Working independently was worth the risk because now I develop lifelong friendships with clients while pursuing my ultimate passion of working with all styles of interior design.
Of course, a little perseverance didn’t hurt either. Sitting for a two day, or sixteen hour exam, takes many months of study and preparation to earn a Registered Interior Design license. This license is not required for residential designers, but it was a personal challenge that I believe is very important to be a knowledgeable, credible professional. Keeping the license also requires continuing education which is so important with new materials and techniques.
Construction is tough work, but my TCU architecture professor highly recommended building experience. So, I strapped on a tool belt from 8 am – 12 pm for nine months to help hammer, hang insulation, level studs and many other hands-on skills for my own house renovation. I watched and learned some very basic, yet important, techniques that qualify construction as “well built”. Tip: Glue and screw is always better than nailing a sub-floor.
To recognize quality furniture, I knew that I needed to develop a keen eye for construction, finishes, and fabrics. North Carolina is the perfect training ground for a furniture education, so I toured three factories in High Point.
Because it’s my own business, I felt I needed to have those experiences to do my job well.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Darlene Roth Interior Design – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
-Interior Design: 95% residential and 5% small commercial.
-Specializing in complete renovations (interior and exterior), including CAD drawings, lighting, furniture, fabrics, color, linens.
-Most proud of repeat clients, whether it’s two years later or twenty.
-Fostering a relationship with each client rather than a business deal.
-Hearing people say, “Wow, this house looks so beautiful now!”
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Continued world journeys for inspiration that make it into every home.
Contact Info:
- Website: DarleneRoth.net
- Phone: 817.706.1431
- Email: DarleneRothInteriorDesign@gmail.com
- Instagram: DarleneRothInteriorDesign
- Facebook: DarleneRothInteriorDesign@facebook
Image Credit:
Jessica Merrifield – photographer of personal photos
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