If you look up the word ‘eminence’, it is defined as prominent or lofty, so it should come as no surprise that the new Eminence Showroom, an interior design store that’s just opened in Bermuda, is modern, loft-like and truly a standout on the Island.The first-of-its-kind showroom, which looks more like an art gallery than a home base for a contracting business, displays a wide variety of marble, granite, tile, hardwood flooring and other high-end home finishing samples as if they were paintings. It also offers designers, architects, and homeowners something they haven’t been able to get in Bermuda until now: a place where they can find both the materials for the job and the people to do the installation work.“From a supply perspective, we stand out by also providing installation service. No one else on the island that has a showroom also provides installation,” said Kent Holder, president of Eminence. “Some companies offer installation, but don’t have a showroom, or they have a showroom, but don’t provide installation.”“We are looking to have kind of one-stop shopping where you can come and select your floors, your walls, your countertops,” said George Oncescu, vice-president and operations manager of Eminence. “Wood, carpet, tile — whatever you need.”Eminence Contractors, Ltd has been in business since 2004. Their very first project was doing all the interior work (i.e. granite, tile, marble, flooring, etc) for The Hamptons, a residential development of 28 homes near Gibbs Hill Lighthouse. After that, they did the Belmont Hills Golf Club and Apartments, everything at Newstead Belmont Hills (including the apartments, hotel and spa), the new Washington Mall, HSBC building, Seon Place and Magistrates’ Court Building.But what started from the humble beginnings of “just two guys on a bike” running an installation business has now evolved into a company that employs 22 people. They say opening up their new showroom off Harrington Sound Road in Smith’s parish is a natural progression, even in a recession.“It’s the normal course of our business,” said Mr Oncescu. “We just got to the point in the evolution of our company that it felt only natural to open this now. In a way, it’s good timing because we’ve positioned ourselves for when things really turn around, but it’s just the way the business evolved.”“It’s a gutsy move, but I think this showroom is different from any other showroom,” Mr Holder said.Eminence has been supplying materials to contractors for a few years and bought the space they are in two years ago, but it wasn’t until just this week that they opened up their slick new showroom to the public. Now they’re offering anyone and everyone access to interior design materials and advice all in one place.“Our goal is to offer Bermuda a new concept when it comes to interior finishings and the way people decorate their homes. We offer one place where they can get high-end products and excellent service for a decent price,” said Mr Oncescu.“There’s really a demand for new, innovative ideas,” Mr Holder added. “Designers are looking for a place that can supply new, unique materials and we bring that to the table.”Another thoughtful and innovative touch to the showroom is the nice, comfortable lounge area it features where “husbands can wait while their wives look around”.