Business Beat: Kathleen O'Sullivan of O'Sullivan Interiors

In Business Beat, Patch will talk to local business owners in the Patchogue and Medford area of new and established places in the area. Want to be featured? Email michael@patch.com.

O'Sullivan Interiors opened in Patchogue in 2007 and is owned by Kathleen O'Sullivan, who has 14 years of experience as an interior designer. The design studio is located at 427 W Main St., Suite 2 and its hours are by appointment.

Patch: Describe what O'Sullivan Interiors does?

O'Sullivan: O'Sullivan Interiors is a one stop shop for homeowners. Whatever the level of design need, whether it be a few new throw pillows, mill work drawings for custom furniture or a total renovation of a home's inner space, we provide complete design services, from architecture to decoration. Our philosophy is to take into account the client's needs, budget, and the potential of their home for beauty and function. We do all the work to keep our clients stress-free. Hiring a designer is not just for the privileged. We stick to our clients' budget who benefit from our insider pricing, not to mention outstanding results. Above all, we're honest, doing what we say we'll do.

Patch: Where are you from?

O'Sullivan: I am a life-long islander. A resident of Patchogue for four years now, I previously lived in East Islip for 20 years. I come from a family of artists, musicians and designers, and hold a bachelor's degree from NYIT School of architecture and design. I also studied piano performance, pedagogy, and fine art.

Patch: Why did you decide to open your business in Patchogue?

O'Sullivan: First let me tell you why I decided to move to Patchogue. My other passion in life and second career is a classical pianist. I was asked to open for and perform with Steve Howe from the group Yes in the .

Although East Islip is close by, I really never ventured in this direction. When I pulled up in front of the theatre for rehearsal I was really impressed with not only the theatre but the village itself. I fell in love with the feel of Main Street and the Great South Bay as part of the town and not only accessed by privately owned properties. The art culture is everywhere. Well, the concert went great and my house went up for sale! We moved to Patchogue and decided to open up my business here as well.

Patch: What do you hope to accomplish with your business?

O'Sullivan: I want to give people of all walks of life the ability to improve their living spaces. People's health and productivity are greatly affected by space planning and the colors and forms of their surroundings. My interior design expresses a philosophy of life based upon simplicity, wellness and beauty.

Patch: What kinds of interior design do you specialize in?

O'Sullivan: Space planning is my forte. I move walls around to create space where there seems to be none. I once turned a two-bedroom, one-bath home into a four-bedroom, three-bath home without moving an exterior wall. I also specialize in kitchens, baths, moulding details, fireplace mantels, custom bars and furniture design. I love to do children's rooms. My son's room is a tiki hut with a rope hammock swinging from the ceiling.

Patch: What kinds of clients do you typically cater to?

O'Sullivan: Anyone in need. I have very high end homes on the north shore and very modest homes. Sometimes I am often brought in for only a color consultation.

Patch: What is your favorite and least favorite aspect of running your business?

O'Sullivan: My favorite part is having a client so pleased that they come to tears when they see the final installation. That is why I do what I do.

My least favorite part is having to charge a fee. Putting a price tag on things can sometimes frustrate creativity. Wardrobe is also a challenge. It is not a glamour job.

I spend long hours drawing, following up on phone calls, placing orders, chasing contractors, visiting dusty construction sites, putting together presentations, meeting budgets, approving build outs and attending meetings all in one day. Let's see - that's flats, construction boots, flats again, and heels, not to mention wiping off the glue, paint and sheet rock dust before meeting the new client.

Patch: How can people reach you?

O'Sullivan: I can be reached at info@osullivaninteriordesign.com or 631-834-9383. Visit my website: www.osullivaninteriordesign.com.