Little did Barbara Ziebron know that a love of sewing which
begin at the age of 7 would become a lifelong passion.
Little did Barbara Ziebron know that a love of sewing which begin at the age of 7 would become a lifelong passion.
“I watched my mom do needlepoint when I was little,” said Ziebron, who owns Barbara Ziebron Interior Design. “But my desire was to construct things like doll clothes. Back then we didn’t have Barbies so I made outfits for my baby dolls. My aunt had a sewing machine and got me on the right track.”
Ziebron couldn’t wait until sewing started in school in seventh grade, and took sewing classes from the basics through tailoring. As a senior in high school she won an award for a coat she made.
“That was when I recognized I was doing something right,” she said.
Ziebron took sewing and interior decorating classes in college, which helped her continue to expand her horizons. She used her skills to make decorative items for family and friends, including pillows, window treatments and bedspreads. After the birth of the first of her two sons, she begin sewing professionally, making everything from prom and wedding dresses to choir robes.
Her skills in interior design were not only broadened by classes, but by the experience of buying homes and fixing them up for resale. During this time, Ziebron’s husband Michael suggested she become a professional interior designer.
“I enjoyed helping friends and family with their design projects,” she said. “I thought it would be great to expand my love of interior design into a business. Obtaining a certificate in interior design would enhance my skill set as a professional and would allow me to help a broader range of people with their design projects.”
Ziebron, who designs home and business interiors, enjoys making things people find pleasing.
“Someone renting a home has just as much right to feel comfortable in their place as a homeowner,” she said. “It doesn’t have to be expensive, either.”
Ziebron gives ideas to her clients.
“First we start off with what they have,” she said. “Do they have plans to purchase new items? Do they want to change their wall color or carpet? We’re bombarded with a lot of products. I help the client cut through and tailor a plan to fill their needs. I recognize there are certain types of architecture that lend themselves to certain styles. It can be a simple as the size of a tile. Then there is the client’s lifestyle. Do they have kids, dogs? Some clients don’t allow shoes in their homes while others rollerblade in them. It all has to do with them.”
Once Ziebron has an concept of what she’s working with, she’ll put together a written plan combining the client’s needs, desires and budget.
“I like the feeling of a house that comes together over time, a collected look,” she said. “And if someone has a unique item, such as a family heirloom or something they’ve gathered in their travels, we can incorporate these into a room. For example, maybe they have a piece of heirloom lace, we can design it into a wall hanging, personalizing the room.”
In addition to helping clients maximize the enjoyment of their homes, Ziebron shows prospective home-sellers how to effectively show their homes to buyers.
“The only time you may want to tone down the personalization of your home is when you are preparing to sell it,” she said. “Prospective home-buyers try to visualize their own belongings in your home.”
Barbara Ziebron’s consulting fees are $60 per hour, which includes a written plan. Appointments are available Monday through Saturday. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 637-2100 Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
