The grand opening of new Hamilton store Carey's Visual Designs tomorrow marks the realisation of a dream for its owner Patrina Carey.

Ms Carey has a passion for helping people add style to their home interiors and started her business from the basement of her Smith's Parish home three years ago.

Now she has moved into her own retail outlet at 129 Front Street, where Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Kim Wilson will cut the ribbon to officially open the premises tomorrow at 3pm.

Ms Carey will offer professional interior decorating and redesign services. She also oversees home staging, which entails preparing a home for sale, putting right any of the interior glitches that might put off buyers, and making the property look its best.

On display in her new store are products that can add to home comfort, as well as appearance, such as blinds that come with battery-powered motors and are operable by remote control and luxury bedding.

For Ms Carey, her business represents a labour of love.

Her background is as a purchasing manager. She has worked for Butterfield Bank, Works and Engineering, Belco and Universal Electric. But her passion since her early teens has been interior decorating.

“Coming from a family that took pride in their interior decor, it was clear that this is what I most enjoy,” she said. “I would always challenge myself by making fancy and elaborate window treatments for my bedroom and home.”

She decided to act on that talent and formed Carey's Visual Designs in late 2007. Her basement was not the ideal place for it and after displaying at the Coldwell Banker Home Show, she realised the value of having an office/showroom where she could displayher products and meet clients in a more professional setting.

“When this space became available, I thought it was ideal,” she said. “It's on the ground floor and also right next door to a furniture store (Casual Living). People shopping for furniture may also be looking for help with interior design. It's a win-win situation for everyone.”

Ms Carey is a member of the Association of Design Education (ADE) and a Certified Professional Home Stager/Redesign Services (CHSR).

Designing the decor of a place where we spend much of our time is a “personal journey” for which Ms Carey says she can be the guide.

“Your home or office is a reflection of who you are,” Ms Carey said. “We just bring the best out of you and your home or office space.

“We pride ourselves on taking any anxiety out of this process and help you trust your own taste.”

A range of personal character traits will influence the decision of the preferred interior design, Ms Carey suggests. These include personality traits, passions and memories, hobbies, family rituals, entertainment desires and personal style.

“Your home or office design should feel like new clothes or a favourite outfit,” she said. “It should feel fresh, exciting, give you total confidence and allow you to move about freely, fitting you perfectly.”

Opening hours at the new showroom will be Monday to Friday, 12pm to 5pm; and on Saturdays, 10am to 5pm.

For more information, call 234-4851, e-mail visualdesign[AT]logic.bm or go to the website at www.careysvisualdesign.com