Have you ever been stuck in your own home? Are you surrounded by half-finished house projects? Has an inspiration been languishing on your to-do list? Maybe it’s too overwhelming and you don’t know where to start? Consider hiring an interior decorator to help guide you through the process.
Image by Trixie’s List
Meet PJ Mehaffey, Decorating Dynamo
PJ Mehaffey moved to New York City from South Carolina to pursue a career in acting and theater, but was always really into interior design as well. “As part of my theater training, we were required to take set and costume design courses too, which I ended up loving. I took a temp job that become a full time position at Real Simple magazine in their Style department. A big part of my job was to help produce the photo shoots in the homes that were to be featured. And also create sets and bring in props for other stories shot in a studio. I’d have flats brought in and wallpapered, staircases built, a chandelier rigged above a dining table for a home section story on lighting, for instance. Eventually friends started asking if I would help them with decorating their living room or picking out a paint color, choosing a sofa…I’ve had my company, Alchemy Eclectic, based in NYC, for over ten years now…since the pandemic, I’ve been upstate more frequently, so I wanted to expand up here too.”
If someone is considering hiring an interior decorator, what should they expect?
PJ explains his process as “a combo of listening to my clients’ needs and wishes and then putting my creative spin on it. My goal is to create a one of kind home for people that reflects who they really are – it’s about you and your personality. Maybe you like handmade pottery and have a massive collection that needs curating and displayed in an intentional way, or you are a musician with a ton of instruments that are starting to overtake your space? Perhaps you’re more of a ‘boho’ artist, but are married to a ‘traditional’ accountant – you both should live in a space that speaks to who you are – something that’s a cool, chic and clever mix. And of course, fun! When I meet folks for the first time, we do a consultation tour in the space they want help with. This can be a single room or the entire house, or even super-focused, like just window treatments…whatever they need help with. I also work on commercial projects, like devising the overall decorating concept of a restaurant, an Airbnb property…I even work with real estate developers and contractors on selecting and sourcing fixtures and finishes on their projects. I get to know you, we walk through your space and talk through everything you’re wanting to do…I share initial ideas and from there I put together your Wish List.”
The Wish List
PJ Mehaffey helps clients focus their Wish Lists from what they share:
I wish I had wall-to-wall bookshelves.
I wish I had a place to put all my blankets and linens.
I wish this room had more light.
I want to paint and revamp this kitchen, but I don’t want to spend a lot of money.
“What I bring to the table,” explains PJ, “is decorating that is really creative, approachable, super functional that maximizes your budget. There are tips and tricks I learned through all my years in the NYC production trenches working on prop/set styling for magazines and catalogue photo shoots, PR events, interiors…even real estate staging, on effective ways to define and deliver truly unique, personality driven spaces with real heart and soul.”
PJ Mehaffey loves problem-solving
“Sometimes, there’s an awkward room and you think, where do I even put a sofa in here? Or, what paint color would be good in this windowless room? I want to reassure and help people feel safe and excited to collaborate.” PJ helps you make the tough decisions. “There’s infinite shades of white paint. There’s an infinite number of sofas. I bring my skills and point of view, to help you hone those infinite possibilities. I want my clients to know, We’ve got this, as well as, I’ve got you. Together, we will make your space sing.”
Does an interior decorator change lives?
“Yes…absolutely” says PJ. “I am working with folks to find their truest expression of themselves, in their home. And a lot of it is really just problem solving, like, ‘I need more storage for my books’. Once you’ve addressed these problems, in uniquely stylish ways, their lives do change. They live better. They are more organized and less stressed. And they love where they live.”
Where do you start?
I’m overwhelmed.
I don’t know where to start.
“The starting point can be anything,” explains PJ, “Maybe we start with, ‘my favorite color is navy blue‘ or ‘I inherited this Persian rug from my grandmother’ and we build from there. Maybe you like a big chunky knit sweater on a fall day. We can even start with that – and bring in that cozy feeling. We can find that same chunky knit pattern or texture in a quilt or even a wallpaper to add the same vibe. There might be that one beloved piece of furniture you’ve been lugging around since your first apartment that you saved up to buy. Then let’s reuse and repurpose it in an unexpected way, as opposed to buying something brand new, ’off-the-rack’. Working with and incorporating items you already own, into your ‘new ’interior, automatically adds your history into the mix…same with vintage and antique pieces…it may take a bit more effort, but it brings so much more depth and joy.”
Are you ready?
“A lot of folks feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to even start in this process,” says PJ, “and that’s quite normal…but don’t stress too much. You’ve taken a huge step forward and I’m totally here for you. Plus it’s my job to tackle all the pieces and parts, so one day you’ll literally be able to sit back and relax in style!”
To contact PJ Mehaffey, visit his website: Alchemy Eclectic and see more examples of his work.
He can also be reached via Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest or email.
I worked with PJ on multiple rooms in my home in Maplewood, NJ. He is a decorating GENIUS. A creative powerhouse with a distinctly unique vision that will transform your living space into something that is both beautiful and livable. He’s also a joy to be around and quite hilarious. I could not recommend him more!