A patron walked into the downtown Clarkston shop last week and seemed immediately to forget the cold drizzle falling on Main Street.
‘It smells so nice in here,? the woman said.
Her companion agreed.
For Kevin Harrison, owner of KH Home Interiors, that’s the idea’or part of it, anyway.
‘First impressions are so important,? he said. ‘Whether it’s your business, the home you’re living in or a home you’re trying to sell, you want it to feel beautiful and effortless.?
With more than 20 years experience in design, it’s a concept Harrison understands.
‘Design is not only for the wealthy anymore,? he said. ‘With the popularity of HGTV and a number of design-focused retailers, it has moved into every segment of the population. People want their own unique touch.?
To help clients achieve a personal effect, Harrison also offers a broad spectrum of services, with two designers available to provide a level of service to fit any budget.
Many years assisting with furniture layout, selection of colors and patterns for drapes, upholstery, carpeting, and china in 800-square foot homes, multi-million dollar mansions and everything in between, has shown him the key to making a homeowner hapy.
‘It should never look like my home,? he said. ‘It should look like the client’s home.?
The most successful rooms, he explained, are those that mix periods.
‘While true eighteenth century design is beautiful, it is a bit standoffish, like a museum,? he said. ‘And a place that’s ultra modern can feel pretty cold.?
Mixing oak, maple, painted pieces, mahogany, however, can cause a crisis of confidence in just about anyone, he noted.
‘People want their home to feel like it evolved over time, not like it came from a trip to a large furniture store chain,” he said. “You want it to be layered, with a mix of antiques, and contemporary pieces.?
In addition, he said, the eye needs movement created by pattern and height.
‘You don’t want a room with all solids,” he said. ‘But people get nervous when they start mixing patterns, because it’s not something they do every day. But it is something we do every day. It’s more economical to hire a designer for a few hours than to buy something you’re ultimately not happy with.?
When he first moved to Clarkston to be closer to his sister and young niece, who also live in the city, Harrison ran his design business out of his home’just a stone’s throw from the store.
‘As a designer, I’ve found it’s much more powerful to have a storefront where I could also offer gift items and home accessories in a location where customers feel good just walking through the door,? he said. ‘Clarkston is perfect location, people have really embraced me.?
Harrison recently acquired extra space in the rear of the building, thus doubling the square footage of KH Home. With the mini design showroom, he’s able to highlight custom window fabrics, furnishings and other elements.
In addition to the design service, Harrison also offers a selection of retail goods like handcrafted jewelry, home d’cor and tabletop items at KH Home.
‘We offer something different, at a good price,? he said. ‘Things you won’t find in Detroit, or in any city that isn’t New York, Los Angeles or Chicago
And he would know.
For years, Harrison worked in Chicago for a manufacturer of office furniture, and was charged with ensuring showrooms across the country were appealing in appearance, product and hospitality.
‘I controlled what flowers people saw when they entered the showroom, what flatware was used and what food was served,? he said. ‘It all goes into the first impression people get. My intent, when a customer walked into the showroom, was for them to feel their business would be better because of our products. People want their homes, again, to feel the same way’beautiful, but effortless.”
No matter what the job, Harrison’s core principles include exceptional customer service and attention to detail. He’s happy to place special orders and gift-wrap items at no extra cost.
KH Home, 6 North Main Street in downtown Clarkston, is open Sunday 12-4, Monday-Wednesday 11-6, with special holiday hours Thursday-Saturday 11-8. Call 248-625-1655.