Credit: R Titus Designs
When Robin Schwadron opened up a design studio on Oak Park Avenue in 2023, the veteran interior designer thought a street-level storefront might be a good place to meet with clients, but she wasn’t sure how the bonus of being front and center in the community would play out. After more than a year in her space at 143 S. Oak Park Ave. she is forging connections and spreading her message of design and community beyond the steps of her clients’ homes through R Titus Designs.
Originally, Schwadron thought her shop would be a great way to work with her interior design clients. With clients throughout the Midwest and the East Coast, Schwadron often travels for projects, but for those who are more local, a visit to a design studio can provide vital hands-on experiences.
Schwadron notes that clients can come into the studio to see samples of cabinetry, hardware, wallpaper and fabrics, all in one place. The studio also provides a gathering space where architects and contractors can meet with the designer and clients when homes are under construction.
The colorful combination of store and studio in the heart of Oak Park features a welcoming window that offers glimpses of designer pillows, accessories and art, which draw in passersby. Schwadron found that events in her studio were a great way to connect with design enthusiasts, people needing a small decorative item for their homes, homeowners who want to learn about updating their homes or people who simply want to socialize in a pretty space.
Never miss a headline!
Sign up for our free newsletter to get local news sent straight to your inbox.
Processing…
Success! You’re on the list.
Whoops! There was an error and we couldn’t process your subscription. Please reload the page and try again.
R Titus Designs’ showroom blends design services with retail. Credit: R Titus Designs
Over the past year and a half, Schwadron has hosted numerous First Friday events in the shop. During these events, held on the first Friday of the month, Schwadron highlights the work of local artists, and guests can mingle, have a refreshment and snack and view the items in the shop.
Other events are aimed at helping guests with a particular design issue. A recent night centered on wallpaper choices, and a lampshade making class is planned for this summer. Schwadron and her team also plan other fun nights that center on socializing – like a mahjong evening in the studio this spring.
As she’s jumped into the community that she and her husband call home, Schwadron has also joined forces with local Realtors. She has hosted events for the ATM team, an arm of local Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, and the Dalton Home Collective has hosted a client appreciation event in studio.
Schwadron notes that the studio has been a boon in that it allows her to connect with so many more people than she would be able to if she was tucked away in an off-street office. Heading into summer, she is looking forward to taking part in the Hemingway District’s Hemingway Birthday celebration in July and to bringing more people into the studio for design and home-focused events.
Those interested in learning more about her event schedule and design business can visit: www.rtitusdesigns.com to sign up for a mailing list with notifications about events.
Related
