From the time I was old enough to paint, I began with my bedroom. My parents bought me the proverbial white provincial bedroom set. I took an immediate dislike to the style and proceeded to make sure the interior space of my room took on a less feminine look, mixing the set with different, contrasting accessories that offset that awful “little girl” look. That was the beginning of my interest in space, scale and color.

 

The major influence in my passion for design came through a family friend and mentor who owned Brueton Industries in NYC. Brueton is still one of the top manufacturer’s of stainless steel furniture. I was introduced to many of the top designers. I watched and learned how they designed and produced the pieces all the way through the final distribution to major retailers and design groups. With that experience I knew my passion: Design is where I needed to be.

 

I graduated from Endicott College in Beverly Farms, MA majoring in retail design. My first job was an Associate Buyer for Mercantile Stores, a central buying office in NYC.  It wasn’t my favorite “gig” but it paid the bills, sort of, and it did give me an opportunity for a project on a grand scale. To promote the vendors selected by the central buying office I decorated 30 Christmas trees, each with a different theme. Tree trimming sales that year were the highest ever.

 

My first design job was with Ethan Allen. There I learned my strong skills were color and accessorizing. I had the highest number of follow up sales after the furniture was delivered. I would load up my car with accessories, arriving sometimes the same day as the furniture, stage the room, and frequently drive home with an empty car. Accessorizing, the ability to complete a look, not just place furniture totally energized me. 

 

While raising our children I wanted to stay close to home so I started a costume jewelry business called “Patrinkets”.  Quickly, I discovered that making my showroom look marvelous by displaying the jewelry in exquisite furniture pieces and unusual accessories drew customers in from the surrounding shops.  From Patrinkets I began free-lancing design jobs through word of mouth, friends and family.

​

I would love to put my skills to work to sell your home, quickly and at a fair price.

 

- Pattie Hanley Downer (2016)