by Mary Runser
Interior design is interested and concerned with anything that has to do with the inside of a space; from walls, windows, and doors, to finishes, textures, light, furnishings and furniture. It draws on such disciplines as environmental psychology, architecture, product design, and traditional decoration, as well as the arts; drawing, design and the use of color and shape.

“As a little girl, my parents always pushed me toward the arts and artistic endeavors. My mother owned a dance and art studio. And my passion, as I was growing up, was always to draw. I remember distinctly at eight or nine years old, not only moving all the furniture in the studio around and repositioning the pictures, much to my mother’s dismay because of all the holes in the wall, but I would also draw architectural layouts of houses. When our family would go on trips, my mother would ask if I wanted a comic book for the ride, instead I would ask for House Beautiful. For a nine year old, how insane! But I just loved it.”

Elizabeth had always thought that interior design was only for the very wealthy, and that the only way to perform in that field was to move to New York or Los Angeles, until a friend told her about the interior design program at the University of Michigan. She knew she just had to attend and she came to realize that interior design was not only for the elite, but that anybody can benefit from great design. “I never limit myself to one or a few certain styles. I have a passion for design from A to Z, and can make it work for just about anybody.” Elizabeth explains.

With her degree in hand, along with several years of experience working for other designers, not to mention a great deal of encouragement and prodding from her husband, Elizabeth Jarzembowski finally opened her own studio. “I had a lot of trepidation about being able to run my own business.” Elizabeth says. “But I’ve got such a wonderful team of people who work with me. I trust each and every one of them.” And that goes a long way in giving peace of mind to her clients.
Elizabeth J Interiors will not be found in a shop in downtown Ann Arbor, rather the studio is in the upper floor of the Jarzembowski home. She says, “What started out as a temporary condition has ended up being an amazing location in the sense that I don’t have the overhead that many other designers have, and I can pass that savings on to my clients. In this economy, that can be a rather important factor. Keep in mind, however, that one does not have to incur the cost of a complete overhaul in order to benefit from the talents of an interior designer. If you have pieces in your home that you really like and are full of sentimental value, they can be refurbished, fluffed up, and made to look pretty again, or just repurposed to another space. A total makeover isn’t always necessary.” Elizabeth believes that “interior design is really a validation of who you are and how much you cherish yourself.”

When Elizabeth is not designing, she admits to being a voracious reader and enjoys to looking at art and houses. “I’m going to visit my sister in Boston,” Elizabeth says, “and the week that I will be there, they have the home tour, and that’s just totally fun! But my family is really the glue that keeps me together. So spending time with my family is the most important thing.”If you have found this story, interesting, informative, or inspiring, please let Elizabeth know! Elizabeth J Interiors, 4539 Links Court, Ann Arbor, Michigan. 734-662-5390, elizabethjinteriors@comcast.net

Elizabeth J Interiors
Elizabeth Jarzembowski
4539 Links Court
Ann Arbor, MI
Phone: 734-662-5390
Email: elizabethjinteriors@comcast.net