NEW LOOK: “The advantage of the showroom is the opportunity to display everything so that people can see the items firsthand. Clients enjoy meeting me here now, and browsing through the collection.” Interior decorator Iris Houlihan, owner of Iris Interiors, the design firm, is shown by a selection of charming items in her new showroom.

“I love the unique items I find. It gives me such joy when I discover these things!”

Iris Houlihan, certified interior decorator and owner of of Iris Interiors LLC design firm, is delighted to have a new showroom to display her wonderfully eclectic selection of treasures.

Opened in October, and sharing space with Yellow Finch Antiques at 78 Main Street in Flemington, this is an additional location to her office in Hillsborough.

“This space became available, and I had always wanted to have a showroom so that clients could see what I have,” explains Ms. Houlihan. “I offer unique items that are not found in many stores. I find them all over the U.S., including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and San Francisco. I go to the High Point furnishings trade show in North Carolina to see the latest trends, and I can offer a variety of unusual merchandise. I always look for something unique and high quality, reclaimed, and preferably, American-made.”

Eclectic Array

The new showroom offers an eclectic array of custom window treatments and pillows, upholstery, home decor items, furnishings, and appealing miscellany.

Its location on Flemington’s Main Street, which is historically significant (nearby is the court house where the Lindbergh trial was held) focuses nicely with Ms. Houlihan’s emphasis on vintage items.

“The historic location is the perfect fit because I’m sentimental at heart, and I mix past and present in my designs,” points out Ms. Houlihan. “I use clients’ old family treasures, existing pieces that evoke fond memories, or antiques and vintage items to create a unique space. The pieces in the showroom embody my approach, and each carries its own special story.”

Clients are discovering a variety of intriguing items, including a striking antique chandelier from Bordentown, which will certainly be the highlight of a design in a dining room or living room.

A painted sideboard, made of reclaimed wood, is extremely impressive, and illustrates Ms. Houlihan’s emphasis on using reclaimed items. “Reclaimed pieces are very important,” she points out. “For example, we have wonderful candle holders that have been repurposed from old solid wood columns. All of these pieces will be available when the opportunity presents itself for the right person. Some things definitely speak to one’s personality.

“Some reclaimed items have a very rustic look,” she continues.“I love animals, and with these rustic finishes, it doesn’t matter if the owner has pets, and if, for example, a cat jumps up on the piece or even scratches it. It can just give it more character!”

Industrial Look

A series of colorful bowls are made of coconut shells; and beautiful coasters, handmade by artisans in Peru, using vintage glass, feature reverse painting, with many lovely designs.

Smaller items, including an assortment of picture frames in many styles and sizes, have been very popular with customers. “The industrial look is also favored,” reports Ms. Houlihan. “For example, a small ‘cricket’ is made of reclaimed metal from a factory. It is charming, and can be nicely used as a place card holder.”

Lovely custom-made dried flower arrangements will add luster to holiday home decor, as will Ms. Houlihan’s collection of accent pillows in many designs and colors, including a number featuring an equestrian motif.

“Pillows can really change a room,” she points out. “There are two things you can do to change a room that give it the most impact. First, paintings and artwork, and second, pillows. Changing something in the room adds great interest. You can even change the pillows seasonally for a whole new look.”

The showroom’s selection of artwork features a group of very colorful collages of animals, including horses. In addition, an eye-catching collage “Rooftops” from Reykjavik, Iceland in fabulous colors will captivate many customers.

Window treatments are a specialty for Ms. Houlihan, and there is a display of high quality silk draperies, and gorgeous sheers from Italy. Honeycomb shades are also displayed and feature automatic control. A number of sample books are available for customers’ convenience.

Story and Space

Ms. Houlihan continues her active schedule of interior design, and now having the showroom enables her to show clients possibilities in one place.

“As a designer, I am very flexible,” she notes. “I don’t mind mixing low and high end. I am very, very in tune with my clients. I make the design according to their space and their story. And, I create stories for my clients through my interior designs. My approach is about listening to and giving clients what they want, and then, ultimately, giving them more than they want.

“From a design standpoint, I start with texture and architectural details — for example, moldings, windows, doors. Layering is what makes a room interesting, and color is one layer; architectural detail is another.”

Budget is a starting point, of course, and Ms. Houlihan notes that many clients choose to do a design over time, focusing on one room and then moving on to another later.

“I am there to be their advocate and partner,” she observes. “The client will say ‘I have X amount of money’, and I’ll say ‘you can do this, this, and this.’ I have wonderful clients, and I am very flexible for them. I always try to accommodate their appointment schedule.”

Her clients come from all over the Princeton area, as well as from Philadelphia and even farther away. Many are referred by current and former clients.

In addition to her regular design work, Ms. Houlihan takes on projects for the Make A Wish Foundation of New Jersey. She does room makeovers for children in the program.

Items in the Flemington showroom cover a very wide price range, from $10 up to $3,000, and everything in between. In addition, a number of items are on consignment.

Hours are Wednesday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and by appointment. (908) 265-7688. Website: www.iris-interiors.com.