Custom Interiors goes interactive

By Julia Boyle
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Over the past few months, one business in Pompton Plains has quietly been making some loud changes.

Custom Interiors at Cedar Crest, the on-campus home design center, has transformed from a few tables topped with sketch books to a showroom full of interchangeable crown moldings, blinds, valances, countertops, wall treatments, and flooring options.

“We weren’t using every square inch that we could to maximize this space,” says Custom Interiors Coordinator Heather Thomson. “We wanted people to be able to be more interactive.”

Redesigning design
With that goal in mind, Thomson worked closely with Project Manager Todd DeLaney from November to December to “redesign the design center itself,” she says laughingly. “People can come in now and actually touch and feel and open and close. It makes them excited to move in,” Thomson adds.

The time was right
Custom Interiors’ transformation came just in time to greet the largest batch of newcomers to Cedar Crest since 2004 and help them get excited to move into their new home.

“We’ve had the opportunity to be a part of the opening of Cedar Crest’s final neighborhood, Woodland Commons, and its residence buildings like Forest Glen, which will be the last building on campus, opening in August,” DeLaney says.

In preparation, Thomson has attended several Priority List events in order to introduce herself and her services to people moving. “I let them know that we’re here for them, to guide them in making decisions for their new home,” she says.

Endless options, competitive advantage
Once a person comes to Custom Interiors with their ideas, they see that their options are virtually endless. “We always say, ‘this is your new home,’ so I make every effort to incorporate any kind of change someone wants. From knocking down walls to the finishing touches, I try not to say no to any request,” Thomson says.