I grew up in a home where every room told a story," Marva Don Card reminisced, her eyes lighting up as she shared her journey into interior decorating. "There was something magical about transforming spaces into personal havens." Marva Don has turned that childhood enchantment into a flourishing career, helping clients bring their dream homes to life.
“My best friend from high school told me about the Decorating Den Interiors franchise,” recalled Marva Don in explaining her start. “I decided I should follow my passion and go back to what I had wanted to do since I was 18!” she enthused. Originally from Caldwell, Marva Don managed a professional medical practice for 28 years and brought many of those people skills and empathy from her patient-facing role to her interior design business.
“Each design I do is a client’s dream project,” stated Marva Don. Marva tells her clients they only have to do three things: “First, they need to like me as we need to communicate and feel comfortable with each other to achieve their dream design; second, they have to love the design - it won’t hurt my feelings if we need to tweak the design; and lastly, they ensure I have stayed within their established budget.”
Marva Don, a certified interior decorator (C.I.D.) opened Decorating Den Interiors to help clients transform their homes into what they envisioned but couldn’t seem to accomplish without a little outside help. During a new client’s complimentary consultation—from the comfort of their own home–Marva Don provides expert guidance on colors, materials, textures, finishes and furniture to craft the perfect solution, which may include window coverings, custom bedding, floor and wall coverings, upholstery and fine furniture, or lighting and accessories.
“Color sets the feel and mood of your home environment,” she shared, “Getting it right can be a challenge. When selecting the color scheme for your room, a good rule of thumb is to begin with the rug and fabrics,” Marva Don advised. “Since there are infinite shades of paint, but only a few ideal fabrics, don’t make the popular mistake of selecting the wall paint first. You will save yourself a lot of leg work by selecting the wall paint after all the fabrics have been determined.”
“Determine the right-sized light fixture for your room,” she added. “Size matters.” Oversized pendants are appropriate for large kitchen islands and open dining areas. To select fixture shapes, start with the existing furniture, textures and colors in the room. Consider the dominant shapes, wall covering, and window treatments style. To create a cozy living space, cluster pendants at varying heights.
Marva Don recalled one couple she helped, who needed an objective eye. “We succeeded in transitioning every room in their home to deliver the warm, comfortable ‘Wow-this-is-my-home!’ look they were seeking. marvadon.decoratingden.com
"Color sets the feel and mood of your home environment. Getting it right can be a challenge. When selecting the color scheme for your room, a good rule of thumb is to begin with the rug and fabrics."