Are you doing a whole kitchen remodel? Or are you just installing new counter tops? Or maybe you are dreaming of new carpet in the living room or tile in your entry way? If you want to make improvements to your home or make improvements to your business, Interior Design Center is ready for you.
When you walk into the Interior Design Center, you quickly notice a large sign high up on the wall stating, “Inspire, Design, Create.” It could be said that that motto is the compass for the company and they utilize every bit of the 12,000-square-foot show room to make it happen at competitive prices. Owner Rick Fisher referred to the sign and said in good humor that they could have one more “C” word up there – Cheaply. While he said this in jest, the message was intentional that if their clients want to invest in a complete remodel or install a kitchen in a newly built home, Interior Design Center is ready and equipped to give them what they want. They are equally ready to help the client who doesn’t want to make a significant investment and perhaps update only some aspects of their kitchen.
Rick developed his business approach many years ago. He started working in the cabinet industry in 1976 at a location just about one block from his current Chehalis location. He then purchased Ken’s Custom Cabinets and changed the name to Showcase Kitchens in 1987. Then just six years ago, Rick opened Interior Design Center.
Showcase Kitchens is running strong still today. In fact, it is the parent company of Interior Design Center. The cabinet company has a five-man crew in custom cabinets along with the six staff at Interior Design Center. Walking into the latter is a pleasant surprise for someone looking to improve their home. They pretty much have it all – counter tops (including granite and quartz), unique plumbing fixtures, backsplash, carpeting and more.
Rick said in addition to carpet, hardwood and laminate flooring, they likely have the largest tile display in Lewis County. And, of course, they build mid to higher-end kitchen cabinets, bath cabinets, bars and commercial centers as well as carry a line of semi-custom cabinets. Rick demonstrated the “slow close” of today’s cabinet and drawers. He said there’s no such thing as kids slamming the doors anymore; the drawers and doors are designed close slowly.
But even beyond the products they build and sell, the company’s level of customer service is amazing. “We offer a full-service CAD design (computer aided design) and have a design person on staff to help with picking out colors,” he said, all at no charge. “Our sales staff have well over 100 years of experience,” he said, adding that it’s not like Home Depot where you never know who will be wearing the apron. Interior Design Center ensures consistency.
The staff will go to the client’s home, take the needed measurements, consult with the client and create the design. Rick said they even go out and mark the locations for electrical outlets and plumbing fixtures. And, of course, there are no charges for designs, whether the client decides to use the design or not.
However, if the client does decide to move forward to complete the project, once the plan is finished, Rick takes over and sits down with the client to finetune it. He projects the image of the design on a big screen television on the wall and together they come up with the final touches such as drawer pulls, other hardware, and the like.
Interior Design Center offers a consistent staff. Rick gives his employees credit for a great deal of their success. He specifically pointed to Randy Macomber, their flooring expert; Rhonda Raney, their color and design specialist; and Brenda Schmitt, the officer manager who keeps everyone in line, saying that they have been very key in ensuring the continuity of expertise and customer service.
Interior Design Center is a busy business. “We pretty much service Lewis County, Pacific County and Thurston County,” he said and went on to add that his future plans are to expand to include outdoor designs for things like outdoor kitchens, bars and other outdoor cabinet needs.
The local showroom is located 915 NW State Avenue in Chehalis and is open Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and available on the weekends or evenings by appointment. Rick assured that he and the staff are very willing to meet the clients in the evening or on weekends, they just don’t keep the storeroom open during those times. To make arrangements to meet after hours, call at 360-748-0116.
