By Susan Miele

July 14, 2021: With much of the past 15 months spent at home and a spike in home sales, it’s no wonder there’s been an increased focus on home improvement. Thus, the recent arrival of Village Design Studio—an interior-design service and showroom—in downtown Bronxville is particularly timely.

Sisters Erin Hackett and Meghan Hackett-Cassidy, Bronxville natives (whose mother, Diane Hackett, is a real-estate broker), are the forces behind this venture. 

After attending the Bronxville School from kindergarten through 12th grade, Meghan worked with local designer Ken Gemes before attending interior-design school. She then worked for a larger commercial firm in New York City before turning to freelance work. It was then that sister Erin joined in, and Hackett Interiors was formed in a home office. Five years later, they now have a storefront on Pondfield Road, previously occupied by One Love and next to Trapp Opticians. 

Though a full-service interior design team, the Hacketts believe that no project is too small. Some of their clients retain their services to reimagine their entire home, while others might seek their advice on a set of window treatments. 

The showroom allows for projects of varying scope and the ease with which to present clients with a breadth of samples to see, touch, and feel. The Hacketts’ design aesthetic is on display, though their versatility allows them to cater to varying tastes, such as the Moroccan-style décor of a local resident. 

Prospective clients begin by completing an online questionnaire and providing pictures of their home or sources of inspiration. Samples are available to loan out and return via the mail slot after a few days of “living with” the material.

If the notion of engaging an interior design team seems intimidating, the Hacketts will likely assuage those fears. In addition to accommodating small assignments, their consultation fee of $150 (and no minimum spending requirement) promises not to break the bank. Moreover, the trade rates afforded to professionals allows a savings versus shopping directly from a supplier. The Hacketts rely on products made in the U.S. of high quality. 

“When money is being spent, it should be spent correctly,” Meghan noted. “We’re happy to help people.”

Village Design Studio is located at 46 Pondfield Road in Bronxville. 914-274-5201, www.shopvds.com