Kamila has come a long way from decorating her bedrooms as a little girl in the Czech Republic. Her accolades are adding up, including staging Parade Homes and huge re-design projects around Oregon and Washington. Kamila has an international flair about her that sneaks out sometimes. She is honest and knows what she likes and dislikes. She is hopeful and motivated but also humble. Maybe it is from her international background, or maybe it is just her personality, but she has a great trait of keeping a good humor about situations. It was an honor to have the opportunity to interview Kamila:

Kamila Greutman, Owner of Detailed Design & Staging based in the Tri-Cities, Washington

Lexi: When did you realize interior design was your calling?

Kamila: There were actually two times; when I was younger and then later in my 20’s. When I was a kid, my family had to move a lot because of my father’s job. The scenery was always changing and we did not have much money back then. I loved decorating my bedroom with pictures, paint and inexpensive things. I made it special to me. Later when I was married and living in Albuquerque New Mexico, my husband and I built a home together from the ground up. We got to design it. I got to pick out the beautiful bamboo floors and all of the tile, paint colors, counters, cabinets etc. The builder was so impressed with my choices and the look of the final home, that he asked me to work with him on 2 other homes with designing the interior elements.

It was those homes and the confirmation from a third party that I was actually a good designer that made me think that perhaps this could become something besides a hobby. I was an elementary school teacher at the time.

Lexi: When did you come to the USA from the Czech Republic?

Kamila : I was 11 years old and lived in New Mexico until moving to the Tri-Cities Washington.

Lexi: Do you think coming from a different country influences your style?

Kamila: YES. I come from a background of homes and styles that are not overly done. Simple. A modern side. The Czech Republic has a long and interesting history, the towns have buildings dating from the Gothic period of the 13th century intertwined with postmodern and utilitarian style barracks of the Iron Curtain period. The styles and blends of cultures are amazing.

Lexi: Is there anything “kitchy” that the Czech people are known for in their homes?

Kamila: Not that I can think of. My grandparents always put a horseshoe above the inside of the front door however for good luck.

Lexi: What was one of your proudest accomplishments of your career so far?

Kamila: I was driving from a staging project in Pasco, WA - kind of tired out but I decided to stop in at an apartment complex on my way home to drop off some business cards to see if they would need any help staging units. A few hours later, the head honcho in Seattle called me and proposed that I do a complete re-design for the clubhouse. This was totally out of my comfort zone but incredibly exciting. After talking to the owner, and getting a little pep talk from my husband, I jumped into the project! Covid made it a little challenging with ordering supplies, and scheduling contractors but I did it. The media room, offices, main space and billiard room got a complete re-fresh.

When I was younger, I was introverted and a little shaky when I had to get up in front of people to speak. Being an interior designer (stager), has built my self - esteem with every new project and challenge and has made me a confident businesswoman. One has to change and adapt or the business will not last long. Making connections with realtors, builders and people in the home industry is very important to keep the business operating. I am proud of how far I have come since those days.

Lexi: What kind of hardships do you face in the industry?

Kamila: Juggling everything. Each week is full of visits to the warehouse where I keep all of the staging items, transporting it to various locations, staging, taking down the staging, scheduling the movers, driving to out-of-town locations, writing and sending contracts and invoices, etc. Thankfully, I have a few assistants to help and occasionally my husband steps in to help too (he is the official furniture assembler and my support when I need it most). I have a 1800 sf warehouse that stores up to 20 homes worth of inventory. This is the hub. This warehouse situation actually gives me nightmares sometimes and I often do a mental game of Tetris before bed, thinking of ways I can pack things into the warehouse so it all fits, when inventory starts to return, and the market starts slowing down.

Lexi: What would your ultimate design project be?

Kamila: (with no hesitation) A beach house. I would absolutely love to design a beach house. From the walls to the paint to the furniture. If the house was in Hawaii that would be a bonus.

Lexi: Describe your personal design style?

Kamila: My house has white living room furniture and special art on the walls that are mementos from travels with my family. You could say it is a mix of Pottery Barn meets Williams Sonoma. That carries over with my company’s aesthetic too. Eclectic, comfort, clean lines and expensive mixed with affordable items. Also, -no clutter.

Lexi: Before I let you go, what is a design trend you are ready to retire?

Kamila: Farmhouse.

Detailed Design and Staging offers occupied staging, vacant staging, builder staging and interior design services. If you are looking for a hand with concepts for a new construction home, Kamila would be happy to consult with you. If you are looking to re-model, she is also a good person to meet with. Visit the WEBSITE for more information.