I'm Betsy Barmat Stires. I am an experienced Interior Designer and Allied Member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) based in Washington, D.C. and Downeast Maine. My design focus is trained on classic style with a fresh perspective. I create environments that are beautiful to look at and relaxing to be in. My favorite projects end with a successful mix of symmetry, quality furnishings, interesting finishes, personal art, and a sense of fine architecture. I love multi-layered interiors that are rich in texture and patina. My goal is always to find the essential elements of my clients' taste to help them create and then deliver a unique and inviting environment. 

 

My education is in Marketing and Fine Art. After graduation from Lehigh University in 1983,  I pursued my first career in broadcasting and television production.

 

By 1994, my second career began as I became a retailer managing my own home furnishings boutique in a suburb of Washington, D.C.  I often found myself consulting with shop customers on the design of their homes.

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By 2005, I had left the boutique behind and was working exclusively as an Interior Designer. Today more than 20 years later, I continue to help clients with all aspects of residential home design. I am often involved in the planning and construction phases in addition to decoration of a wide range of projects types--- small or large in scope.  Often, my role is exclusively as Manager for the construction aspects of a project; often acting as a General Contractor.

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My design practice is based on several important pillars of value: First, I aim for a trusting client/designer relationship that insures I can meet your objectives. Second, I have developed a spectacular group of tradespeople and artisans that work with me very carefully and conscientiously on everything they do to deliver a very high level of quality in their field. Whether developing a custom paint for your front door, a pattern to paint your floor, carefully applying a challenging wallpaper, planning a kitchen or bath, reupholstering and re-designing a favorite chair or laying new stone on your exterior walkway, my team will protect your home and my vision. Third, every budget is different and every home and client is unique; I pride myself on bringing all of my extensive experience, sound design judgement, and transparent business practices to each project. I guide my clients to all the best and most interesting and practical design products in our region as well as ultizing the vast offerings that can be found around the world today via the internet and various distributors.  

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I look forward to collaborative design projects with a profound focus on quality products, materials with integrity, and timeless design within many different style vernaculars.   I work on both interior and exteriors of my clients homes.

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I work by the hour or project and am very happy to discuss my fees and explain my consulting structure via telephone or email.