by Rachel Schreiber
Ellen Firn is fortunate in that she can use the creative and logical sides of her brain in her job. Born and raised in Ann Arbor, Ellen went to Aquinas College for three years on a soccer scholarship and majored in math. “I love algebra,” she exclaims. “I took a break and worked at a paint store mixing paints. I was in the wallpaper department and created displays. Then, I figured out that I’m really good at decorating. She enrolled in the Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago. I always knew I was creative when I helped my dad’s clients pick out colors (he’s a professional painter). I have the technical side and the art side working for me.” School was “hardcore full-time design classes, a lot of work.” She planned on staying in Chicago, but during a church mission trip in Mexico she broke her leg playing football on the beach.
Seven years ago, her skills grew when she was hired by The Closet Factory. They create custom closets systems. She began designing there and learned sales. She states, ”I also started developing my own design business on the side. Design is perfect for me as it incorporates many of my aspects and skills like math and design. It’s like figuring out a puzzle, and I love puzzles. Creative visualizing is a skill; it can’t be taught. I have it and I can visualize a space. I love making people feel at home working with me and in their space as well.”
Her most recent client, a woman who is legally blind, presented Ellen with unique challenges. Ellen explains, “The client can see a good amount, not enough to drive. I approached her condo the same way I approach all my clients. She had specific needs. She needed to have a really good flow to her layout, so she wouldn’t bump into things. I presented her with an open layout that she hadn’t thought of and it turned out to be perfect for her. She acquired a lot of second hand accessories and furniture with Asian and African influences and a bit of contemporary. She also liked both formal and casual. She liked so many different things, it was a puzzle. I gave her home style direction, and unified her space with color. This means I selected a color scheme and stuck with it in each room. She has a vibrant personality and she loves color and drama. Her guest room was done in old Hollywood. We used bright colors and old Hollywood artwork and furniture.” In addition to the bedroom, Ellen designed the living room and dining room.
Ellen explains her philosophy of design, “Design is like a funnel, it starts really big with many different ideas, looks and possibilities. The more I can narrow it down the better. The more guidelines I have the easier it is to come up the solutions.” In addition to residential design, she designs for small businesses. A recent commercial client, Advanced Automotive, an auto shop, needed their lobby redesigned. She says, “We started with a blank slate, white walls and random artwork. I created a Mustang theme and added a couple of accent walls with some racing stripes painted. The black and white checkered floor works really well.”
Ellen works with the homeowner’s builder or remodeler to pick out cabinetry, tile designs, etc. In addition, she consults with homeowners who prefer to do the shopping themselves. They may ask for direction, request a design plan and inquire about guidelines they can implement themselves.
She states, “I am a designer that appreciates homeowners on a budget, everyone deserves to have a well put together home that reflects his or her style and I help figure out what that style is.”
If you have found this story, interesting, informative or inspiring, please let Ellen know! Elle Interiors can be found at 734-276-2686, firnell@hotmail.com.