If you're looking for more than furniture – perhaps some help in designing living areas that suit your lifestyle – start at The Guest Room Furniture in Leesburg. Mother-Daughter team Debbie Mattens and Stefanie Powell are joined by full-time designer Christina Coffman, forging an experienced trio of experts who can help you select from not just furniture, but thousands of upholstery and window treatment samples, and custom pillows to match your décor.
For Debbie, the design process begins with one question, whether it’s a refresh or a new home that requires their expertise: “What do you want to keep?” Most families have pieces they’ve either grown up with or acquired on special occasions, so the first step is to determine what’s staying and then work around that.
Stefanie agrees, saying it’s not her place to dictate style, but rather to help her clients bring a vision to life based on their personal taste. “What makes them a family? We want them to feel like it’s been their home for years and we’re just adding to their story.” Her goal as a designer is to bring people together through creating environments that everyone can enjoy. An artist, she has created custom artwork to accent a room or highlight customers’ interests – even contracted for custom dog beds that help to make rooms where the whole family can gather.
Their clientele ranges widely: from growing families investing in quality pieces that will stand the test of time, to those with older homes in need of a refresh. Noting one growing trend, Debbie said, “We’re finding a lot of people in my generation who have retired and moved out of the area that are now moving back to be close to their grandchildren.” The latter often start entirely new, decorating to suit the next generation. One of the first things they’ll share is, “Will this hold up to my five grandchildren?” Stefanie adds, “...or their pets!” For both ends of the spectrum, high-performance fabrics that are pet-proof, kid-proof and even spouse-proof are all the rage.
Design projects often come full circle. Because Stefanie and Christina have assisted in furnishing homes for both parents and their children, they are especially gratified to recognize pieces that have been revitalized and passed on from one generation to the next. Stefanie uses words like “heritage” and “legacy” to describe a décor that blends the old with the new to create a warm, welcoming embrace. When it comes to giving new life to much-loved heirlooms, their reupholstery team is an invaluable resource. Based in Leesburg, they’ve refurbished hundreds of pieces for The Guest Room over the years for their clients of all ages.
After nearly 25 years in the industry, The Guest Room has a select portfolio of well-crafted, American-made brands. Their carefully curated lineup of vendors provide not just exceptional quality but excellent customer service. Many will even create custom pieces based off their client’s vision, including not only casegoods, but custom window cornices and draperies. Local vendors assist the designers in fabricating coordinating pillows, blankets, and various decorative accents including wall hangings.
The store’s new Leesburg location in the Shops at Dodona Manor leverages the character of a 100-year-old building with the charm of exposed wood beams, original wood flooring and plenty of natural light from the front windows. After taking a stroll through, you are sure to feel inspired for your next home project, whether it’s freshening up a space with their wide assortment of accessories or perusing their selection of fabrics and rug samples. No matter the scope of your project, the entire team at The Guest Room will make you feel right at home.
Visit online at https://www.theguestroomfurniture.com/, or stop by the new showroom at 312 E. Market St., suite D in Leesburg.