Designing Women

Your home should be a place of refuge from the stress of the outside world. It should be your cocoon, your nest, where you can relax and be yourself. But, sometimes who you are changes. That kitchen with the stenciled ivy border and the bedroom with the sponge painted accent wall that used to sing your heart’s song, the one that now sounds more like a dirge, and if it doesn’t, then maybe you just aren’t listening, because those walls are definitely crying, “It’s time for a change.” Even though we all know when we enter a space that makes us feel happy and comfortable, we aren’t all gifted to know how to create that space, but there is help, and where there is help there is hope.

Main Street Village on Hilton Head is filled with excitement and chatter as people pour into The Gallery, carrying half their home with them, seeking the free advice of design experts Deb Copeland, Debi Lynes and Ann Evans.

Back when these designing women started, Ann says, “We didn’t know what to expect. The first Saturday we had 10 clients bring in their design dilemmas. They came in with fabrics, pictures and iPads. It was fascinating how organized they were and how much fun everyone had. The clients we meet are such interesting people. They are from all over the country and have so many stories about their lives. It’s truly a blessing to help them with their homes and be part of the excitement.”

This talented trio melded together over their genius for design and their passion for helping people. Pouring their hearts and souls into each space, they are thrilled to be able to bless others with their expertise. Debi Lynes of “Lynes on Design” says, “What a gift came into my life when I met Deb. It is a wonderful experience to work with The Gallery and to collaborate to assist clients as they create their home environment.”

Ann expressed the same sentiment when she said, “I enjoy working with Deb and The Gallery. She is an amazing person with incredible talent in so many things. Her heart and soul is in everything she does.”

Since then, Designing Saturday has turned into a collaborative decorating party with food, friends and fellowship. Deb, Debi and Ann sit at different tables attending to individual client needs, often calling upon each other and coming together to get things done and done quickly. Problem areas turn into natural vignettes, which suddenly appear planned. Customers leave with lamps, rugs, and accessories to try in those places, allowing them to “kick the tires” so to speak and see what The Gallery is all about.

These designing women believe your home should reflect you, and your design should reflect your style. Back in the day, it was within style to walk into a home and say this home is a Carlton Varney home. Today people want to hear, “This home is so you. I certainly see what you enjoy, who you are, and appreciate your style, just by entering your home.” The design of today is your design.
Deb, the owner of The Gallery, doesn’t come from a formal design background. Her talent is like that of a naturally gifted musician who plays impeccably but doesn’t read music. She’s obsessed with customer satisfaction. If “A” doesn’t work, then we will find “B,” which may consist of four choices for the client. Always thinking, and a master at her craft, she will find what is needed for a specific space.

While Copeland comes from a business background, her creative artistic side has flourished during the last 11 years of what she calls retirement. Reinventing oneself is simply living life to the fullest and capitalizing on the gifts you’ve been given. Deb doesn’t believe in the cards you were dealt, but rather making a winning hand out of the cards you have. In addition, she works tirelessly to help others make a winning hand out of their “cards,” too.

Designing Saturdays are both fun and functional. Grab your pictures, fabrics, favorite things and biggest decorating dilemmas and go ask these designing women. The next designing Saturday is November 12 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Call to reserve your spot: 843.341.5483