A Family Legacy Lives On

Decorative Interiors started as a paint and paper store back in 1975 and has evolved to become a complete interior design resource center.

Rooms set up to inspire clients provide an immersive experience.

STEPHANIE WENTWORTH is proud of her family’s legacy as Decorative Interiors in Laconia celebrates 50 years. The business was groundbreaking when her parents, Stephen and Marcia Cotter opened it in 1975 and some wondered if it would survive. “It started as a paint and paper store,” she recalls. “There was nothing like it in the Lakes Region. People questioned if customers would come, but they did. As the years passed, the shop evolved, and my mother gradually added services such as window treatments, furniture, textiles, flooring and tile. She went back to school to study interior design so she could offer expert advice to our customers. Her instincts were right, and look where we are!”

Today, Decorative Interiors no longer offers paint, and provides wallpaper services based on customer needs, but all other options remain. Wentworth, who grew up in the business and is now the owner, believes the key to their longevity is their combination of hands-on expertise, years of experience and the relation-ships they have with local contractors. “We know how to work with vendors at all stages of a build or remodel so that things get done on schedule and the work goes smoothly,” she says. “Tackling a build or remodel is stressful, and many clients have never been through the experience. There are a lot of decisions at every stage, whether you are planning how spaces will flow or picking out flooring. It can be overwhelming. We make it easy for clients and remove as much stress as we can.”

Personalized service is a hallmark of Decorative Interiors. Here, Wentworth assists a client in making a selection.

After school, Wentworth left the area for a time and worked in the fashion and furniture industries. Her time away made her see the need for expert guidance in the home design world, and she earned a degree in interior design. Her parents welcomed her into the business with the plan that she would one day take over, which she did in 2022.

“I love the fact that we are a small team, so if you work with us, you are get-ting our full attention,” she says. “We get to know our clients so that we understand their style, how they want their homes to function, and any special requests. When we are done, the home they have reflects who they are, not designs that are chosen because of a trend.”

The store is a certified Hunter Douglas gallery, offering a complete window treatment shopping experience.

Wentworth acknowledges that there are challenges, but loves meeting them. “The schedule is always the challenge!” she says with a laugh. “Any building project has deadlines and requires flexibility. Situations can be beyond your control.

Items may be delayed. It’s my job to find a work-around and keep things moving. It’s also important that we stay current and become adept at using new technology. Today, that means using some AI tools, which can be very cool—they can show you how your house will look with differ-ent paint colors, or allow you to display different furniture styles in a room. It helps clients get the full picture.”

Decorative Interiors’experienced team is comfortable tackling remodels and new-builds of all types.

The Cotters are retired, although Marcia “pops in” to lend a hand from time to time. As Wentworth guides the business to its next chapter, she reflects on what led to Decorative Interior’s success and what remains its hallmark today. “We are your resource for high-quality, unique and fun design elements. Whether it’s a new home or a remodel, we can help you create spaces that reflect your tastes, your lifestyle and your dreams.”

To learn more about Decorative Interiors, visit decorativeinteriors.net or call 603-524-6656.