Hawkins Design / Decorating Den Interiors is proud to be highlighted in the August Issue of South Charlotte Lifestyle!
How can Hawkins Design / Decorating Den Interiors help you update your home with current trends, competitively priced, all within your timeline and budget?
Hawkins Design / Decorating Den Interiors franchise owners in Charlotte, NC, Elizabeth and Patrice Hawkins, bring the design process to their clients’ homes by offering more than 100 lines of top manufacturers from upholstered and case-good furniture, and a showroom of lighting, wall coverings, floor coverings, window treatments, bedding and home accessories, the majority of which are no available to most independent interior designers. “Because of Decorating Den Interiors’ national buying power, major upscale vendors are eager to source their products, offering the franchise owners wholesale pricing, allowing us to be price-competitive without charging design fees,” says Patrice Hawkins. “The reality is that most local designers charge an hourly design fee because they cannot buy furnishings at a trade discount sufficient to resell profitability. The benefit of our relationship with these vendors passes to our clientele,” says Elizabeth Hawkins. “In addition, since I do not charge a design fee, I am able to spend as much time as is necessary when working on my clientele’s projects without worrying about affecting my costumer’s cost,” says Elizabeth.
“We call our process Lifestyle Design. From consultation, design, delivery and installation, we save our clients time and money while creating distinctive space based on their lifestyle and their design style for their homes,” says Patrice. No project is too big or too small for the Hawkins Team. “Whether your goal is a repurposed room or a whole new environment for your entire house, we have a solution for you,” says Elizabeth. “A plan is necessary for any successful project, therefore, stop shopping, relax and let us help you with all of the running around, decisions, and implementation for a successful design,” says Patrice.
Patrice, Elizabeth and Edward Hawkins are a mother-daughter-son team. Patrice retired from Bank of America and purchased the franchise in 2004. Elizabeth started working in the business while in college, graduating from Meredith College with an Interior Design degree. Elizabeth’s decision to become an interior designer was heavily influenced by countless summers spent working in the business. “I spent every summer at Decorating Den and fell in love with the business,” says Elizabeth. The most important lesson Patrice and Elizabeth learned is to really listen to their clients. “We always listen to what the client tells us about their vision for their home. The most important compliment we receive most often is that our clients find that we really listened to what they said they liked, didn’t like, and what their vision was. This allows us to collaboratively create the perfect design plan with our clients help,” explains Patrice. Edward joined the business after college learning all aspects, including installations. Hawkins Design / Decorating Den Interiors is present at all installations.
Hawkins Design / Decorating Den Interiors is very passionate about their business. “We love seeing the customers’ reaction when their house turns into a home of their dreams. Many times we leave with lots of hugs and more often than not a few happy tears. These satisfied and happy clients make what we do so satisfying,” says Patrice. “People work hard and they want their home to be a reflection of that hard work. My mother always told me, when you come home to a beautiful home, it makes going to work easier. We want to make sure all of our customers feel this way,” states Elizabeth.
