Transform any space with the help of Lori Schoeneman and her team at Inspired Interiors and Fabric. Stop by their showroom in Allentown to peruse one of the largest selections around!
How important do you think it is for people to really love the space they're in?
I believe every home or space should be a place you love to be in. You should take energy from a space as well as feel comfortable, and it should reflect your personal vibe. My home is my sanctuary and, at the end of each day, I truly look forward to spending time in it. [At Inspired Interiors], we consider two major categories during our design process. First and foremost is always listening to the way our client and family live and use their space in order to understand their functional needs. The second piece of our process is taking the time to understand the unique aesthetic of each client so that the end result is truly their own.
How easy is it to transform a space without breaking the bank?
It can be an easy process when you start with developing a budget range for the project as well as the ideal scope of work. When transforming a space that looks dated, one of the most impactful changes that can be made is replacing light fixtures like chandeliers and sconces; we often refer to those as the jewelry of a room. The next thing about a space that tends to look dated is the window treatments. Replacing them with a more updated style, like simple pleated drapery panels or roman shades, and some new fabrics can truly bring the space to life. When clients are on a budget, we will often reupholster some of their existing pieces and then add a few new pieces of furniture. Finally, changing the paint color or adding wallcoverings can make a room feel entirely different and can be completed within days.
Tell us about the variety of services offered by Inspired Interiors.
We provide design services like floor plan design and material selections. We offer in-home consultations and will measure, design, deliver and install the furniture and window treatments. We can provide project management when required. We don't have a one-size-fits-all approach to any project. It is best to find out from the client about their needs and then see if we are both a good fit for each other. We enjoy partnering with people and want everyone involved to have an excellent experience.
Tell us about the range of projects you work on. Do they tend to vary, big and small?
Our range of projects is broad, and we have residential and commercial clients. Our jobs vary in size, from working with a client on a whole-home renovation to just transforming one room or an aspect of a home like lighting or windows. I am selective in that we always have some larger-scale projects continuing, but we pick up smaller jobs on a daily basis. We take pride in being able to serve the smaller projects well by following an efficient process and often completing them within a very short time period.
Describe the array of fabrics and linens in the Allentown showroom.
I would venture to guess that the fabric library in our showroom has the most selection you could find anywhere in the Valley. There have been many advances in the manufacturing of fabric recently. We represent the latest technology in performance fabrics, like Inside Out and Crypton, and have thousands of choices just in this category alone. These fabrics are easily cleaned by hand and stand up against some of the worst culprits like red wine. You will find every type of upholstery or drapery fabric, including indoor/outdoor, and leathers in every price range. We even carry wallcoverings made of every kind of material, from basic paper to wipeable vinyl and specialty silks. If you see a photo of something you love, it is likely we have and can easily identify it.
Tell us about the other brands that you carry.
The majority of products we sell are made here in the USA. We represent more than 50 high-quality furniture brands, like Chaddock and Hickory White. The size, style, fabric and wood-finish selections can all be customized, but we also offer quick-ship items with a turnaround of only a few weeks. There are a variety of lighting brands we work with and some offer customization—some of my favorites are Visual Comfort and Hudson Valley. For blinds, shades and shutters, we have a variety of brands, including Hunter Douglas. We sell a lot of mirrors, custom rugs and other accessories.
What's something that readers might be surprised to know?
Undergoing a move, renovation or any sort of change to your space while the rest of your life doesn't stop can be overwhelming, even for me. We have all seen home makeover shows where the client's space is entirely transformed in a matter of days. This approach doesn't fit most people mentally or financially. We work with many clients to develop an overall plan and then have it implemented in many stages—this way they can be working toward something but not have to wait by having some new things to look forward to each month.
What's on the horizon for Inspired Interiors this fall?
My goal is for every client to experience excellent service from my team. One of the ways we do this is through staying on top of the latest trends and innovation in the design industry. We will attend fall classes and shows to educate ourselves about window treatments, furniture and lighting. There are always ongoing projects, but the best thing about rolling into a new season is that it draws clients who are also looking to make changes. The most exciting aspect of this business to me is meeting interesting people, learning more about their aspirations and being invited into their homes to help them fulfill a need in their everyday lives.
3055 W. Tilghman St., Allentown | 484.891.0805 | inspiredinteriorsandfabric.com
