advertising across the Island. A Facebook page and website helped share her services with even more potential clients looking for custom draperies, valances, Roman shades, bedding, upholstery, or interior design. Shopping for ready-made draperies can be frustrating, so Nicholson’s clients love being able to choose the exact fabric, texture, backing, length, and width that will work for their windows. The results are spectacular. “I was installing draperies for a client yesterday and she said ‘Oh, I want to hug you! I just love them!’” says Nicholson. If it’s made of fabric, chances are that Nicholson has made it or altered it, from patio cushions for patio furniture to remaking entire bedrooms with custom duvets, shams, bedskirts, draperies, and upholstered headboards. While it’s a labour of love to reupholster furniture — especially when it’s damaged and needs to be stripped right down to the raw wood — Nicholson says there’s nothing more satisfying than keeping a vintage piece out of the landfill and breathing new life into it.
When she isn’t working on interior design projects, Nicholson also does alterations so people can look and feel their best at life’s important events, like graduations and weddings. Her sewing talents mean she’s able to take on virtually anything her clients can think of, like “taking in” a pair of too-wide leather boots. “I love the variety of projects because it keeps things interesting,” says Nicholson. “It’s not just the same things over and over. Whatever someone is looking for, I’ll see what I can do.” The studio in her New Glasgow, PEI home has expanded to three full rooms, including a showroom where she can sit down and chat with clients while they browse different samples during their free consultation. She has access to fabric and hardware from top designers like Casper Hill, Robert Allen Design, Four Seasons, George N. Jackson, Alendel, Charlotte, and Unique, so it’s fun to pore over their options and find just the right selections. “Our homes have never been more important, as places of comfort, safety and peace,” says Nicholson. “So I love
meeting with people and working with them to make their vision for their home into a reality.” Wanda Weiner called up V.E.N. Design Interiors when she was looking for custom Roman shades, and she loved Nicholson’s work so much that she’s had her back many times to create pieces for her Charlottetown home. “You get exactly what you want, tailored to perfection,” says Weiner. “Her work is impeccable — not just something off an assembly line.” Weiner once provided Nicholson with a piece of fabric and asked if she could use it to make a headboard for her granddaughter, and says Nicholson “worked a miracle” — creating a pleated, tucked, perfectly-stitched, one-of-a-kind headboard. “Valerie is an artist in what she does. She can create anything,” says Weiner. “She’s like magic.”
V.E.N. Design Interiors vendesign@eastlink.ca 902.963.2625 Cell: 902.218.0405
WINTER 2020 www.pei-living.ca
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