By Nancy Brumback, Contributing Writer
Worcester??”Porro's Custom Interiors has moved to a new location, 305 Shrewsbury St., giving the longtime interior design firm more retail display space. This location also expands the workroom space where custom designs are fabricated on the premises, something that sets Porro's apart from other interior designers.
“We fabricate all our window treatments in our on-site workroom. Our clients can come in and get involved in every aspect of their project,” said Eileen Gareau, better known as Wicky, who has been working at Porro's for 27 years, and bought the business, formerly located at 1098 Pleasant St., over 20 years ago.
Porro's just moved into this new location in early December, and Gareau commented that she can sympathize with clients redecorating their homes as she and her staff? work to get the display space fully set up. The location was occupied by the Sweet Bakery, and Porro's has completely renovated the interior, uncovering windows to provide lots of natural light.
“This location is more convenient for our customers to get to and offers great visibility,” Gareau said, adding that the neighboring businesses have been very welcoming.
Porro's specializes in custom window treatments, wall coverings, carpeting and area rugs, reupholstering, and decorator fabrics and accessories.? In addition, it is a Hunter Douglas Centurion dealer, offering that firm's complete line of window fashions.
With the additional space, Gareau is adding more furniture and expanding the range of accessories, from floral arrangements to bedding, including a new line of French bedding and linens from Anne De Solene.
Gareau and her interior design staff work throughout central New England, Worcester County, metro Boston and Cape Cod. Working with Gareau are Cherry Dupuis and Judy Hanna, designers and seamstresses who do most of the custom fabrication, and Lisa Farber, decorator.
A project often starts with a call from a client to discuss her needs, then an in-home consultation with product samples. “We can help customers prioritize what they want to do, depending on their style and budget,” Gareau said.
Once the new showroom is fully set up, customers will also be encouraged to check out materials in the store and shop the array of home accent pieces and Hunter Douglas window fashions.
“The new Lite-Rise blinds and shades are very popular,” Gareau said, lifting easily from top or bottom with no cords. “And the Duette shades are our number one seller. The cellular construction provides great insulation and they are available in a wide range of colors.”
Homeowners today are taking a more eclectic approach to interior decorating, Gareau noted. “Years ago, everything had to be matching traditional mahogany pieces. Now people will take antiques they may have inherited and add contemporary pieces, accenting with interesting artwork. Their home reflects who they are.”
Gareau is doing a brisk business with customers moving into over-55 communities, and finds many of those customers are opting to start with new furniture and new looks. “It's a feeling of now it's time for me” after years of accommodating the children, she said.
Porro's is located at 305 Shrewsbury St. in Worcester, just off Route 9. The store is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. For more information, visit the website, www.porroscustominteriors.com or call 508-754-7692.
Editor's Note: The preceding is not an endorsement and is presented for informational purposes only.
