Neighbor: Sanctuary's Tuttle to create interior design for own biz

Darlene Tuttle enjoys helping people create an interior design plan for either their home or business, but her current project is extra meaningful because the space is her own.

Tuttle recently purchased a new storefront for her business, Sanctuary Design Co., at 202 North Poindexter Street in downtown Elizabeth City. The building is within walking distance of her current location at 601 East Main Street.

Tuttle said she has worked on hundreds of interior design projects across the region and a couple in Virginia. The project at 202 North Poindexter Street will be her 20th in the city’s downtown. Her previous downtown projects have included restaurants, offices and Airbnbs.

Tuttle is looking forward to creating a new interior design for the historic building on North Poindexter. Following renovations, she hopes to complete the move into her new location in the fall.

Tuttle also likes being a downtown property owner, saying she has “a heart for the historic district.”

Tuttle said the building on North Poindexter will provide more showroom space for customers as well as more working space for her company’s six-member design team.

“When you have us to do a project you literally get everybody,” said Tuttle. “You get a whole team who are passionate about design.”

Tuttle said the first two questions she typically asks her clients are: What is your vision? And, what is your budget?

Tuttle said using a design company to design an interior space is more cost effective because it prevents making costly design mistakes.

Tuttle said some tips for people with limited funds who want to make a change to their home’s design include adding new paint to the walls, adding fun pillows to furniture, and adding an accessory to a room.

“A nice piece of art is a great way to add without spending a ton of money,” she said.

Tuttle suggests when selecting a couch, choose a neutral color so that you can later add different pillows, refreshing the room’s design.

She said having the right interior design is important because it allows the person occupying the space to feel good about where they live.

“When you come home it should be your sanctuary,” she said. “You deserve to feel your best when you walk into your house.”

For more information about Sanctuary Design Co., visit its website at https://sanctuarydesignco-nc.com, Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SanctuaryDesignCo.LLC?mibextid=LQQJ4d or its Instagram and TikTok accounts.