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Pointer Salutes: CHESAPEAKE
BAY INTERIORS LTD: Creating Unique Environments for 14 years
“It
has been hard work,” says Dolores Colucci, president and designer
of Chesapeake Bay Interiors LTD, “but it’s worth it to
work for myself.” Colucci came to the Virginia Peninsula in
August 1988 with “$5 and a watering pail.” She had left
her Phoenix, Arizona home, where she grew up, majored in design
at college, and started decorating models in new homes communities.
Colucci joined family in Virginia, where she was looking for a new
start. Her “military brat” background helped her to adjust.
However, her “nontraditional” decorating ideas were accepted
more slowly. A yearlong contract with Cheers Restaurant to water
plants and a large upholstery job for Fort Magruder Hotel were her
“make or break” first successes. She is very grateful
to the clients who “took a chance” on her. Other longtime
clients include Governor’s Inn, Waterman’s Crossing, Virginia
Enterprises, Canon, and Inside Design.
Based in Oyster Point, Colucci’s business is mainly by referral
and appointment. She visits her clients to see the setting and determine
the need. She likes being personally involved and contracts out
a minimum amount of her custom work. Working within the client’s
budget, Colucci rearranges what the client already owns and adds
a few new things.
Colucci’s expertise includes windows, bedding, artwork, and
seasonal decorations. She arranges stage setups for special events.
More clients are also interested in “feng shui,” the art
of placement. She is trained in this area of ‘design with a
spiritual twist,” which fosters energy and harmony in the environment.
The process of getting to know her clients so that she can determine
what they really want and then turn that into a unique, comfortable
living space also results in her clients becoming friends. In addition
to offices, residences, and model homes, Colucci has a lot of government
work. For example, she has added warmth with window treatments to
offices in Fort Monroe and Cheatham Annex.
Colucci incorporated in September 1999 and is developing a website.
She is excited about her business to growing but maintains she will
keep that personal touch with clients.
Colucci has decorated an award-winning Parade of Homes model. She
credits her mother for her talent. Decorating offers variety and
the satisfaction of seeing positive results from her efforts.
Volunteer work occupies much of Colucci’s spare time. She spent
three years becoming certified in wildlife rehabilitation. Rescuing
injured squirrels is her specialty. Her lakeside home offers a unique
opportunity for bird watching. She recently joined the Chrysler
Museum Floral Guild. She describes herself as a happy person who
loves what she is doing.
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