A Mother Daughter Duo

Detailed Design Through The Generations 

Welcome to our latest blog post, where we delve into the world of business and interior design with Kim Pettigrew, the founder of In-Detail. In this Q&A, we explore Kim's journey through the industry and how her passion for detailed design has been passed down through the generations. As a Dallas native, Kim has experienced the changes and challenges of the industry firsthand, especially in her early days in the industry as a woman in a male-dominated field. But rather than letting those obstacles deter her, she's chosen to be a mentor for other women starting out in the industry. And her biggest success story? Her daughter Brooke, who shares her mother's passion for product and connecting people. We're thrilled to share this inspiring story of a mother-daughter duo who are making their mark in the world of interior design, and we hope it encourages you to pursue your passions, no matter how challenging the journey may seem. So without further ado, let's dive into the Q&A with Kim Pettigrew.

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kanju: How often are you able to collaborate with each other as a mother-and-daughter duo?

Kim: Brook and I play different roles in the business, with Brook handling customer-facing tasks on the front end, while I work primarily on the back end. However, our collaboration is crucial when it comes to discussing product needs. This happens frequently, if not daily, then weekly. Whenever we face a shortage or need to restock a particular product, Brook takes charge of the situation seamlessly. Our mutual understanding and teamwork works nicely.

Image taken by kanju interiors at the In-Detail showroom. 

kanju: Design-minded or otherwise, what’s one thing you admire most about each other?

Kim: I believe that we share a similar approach when it comes to doing business. We are both highly strategic in identifying the needs of our customers and then satisfying them. As a result, I think that we are a great match for each other. While Brooke is still learning and adjusting to the ever-changing nature of our daily projects, I am happy to collaborate with her and help groom her to become the best salesperson she can be. Ultimately, this collaborative spirit is more important to me than anything else.

Image taken by kanju interiors at the In-Detail showroom. 

"Ultimately, this collaborative spirit is more important to me than anything else." - Kim Pettigrew

kanju: What’s one of the greatest interior lessons you’ve learned from one another? 

Kim: Both Brooke and I have business degrees, and even though Brooke didn't consider herself a designer, and was also drawn more to the business side of the company, we believe that the best way to learn is through collaboration and gaining insights from others. Our business involves working with industry experts, mostly intelligent women, who know what they are looking for and have superb sensibilities to what it takes to create beautiful rooms. Collaboration plays a significant role in our business, and we learn from the customers we serve. Each customer brings a unique perspective and teaches us something new, making every day a learning experience. We value our teamwork and enjoy the opportunity to share our knowledge with each other.

Image taken by kanju interiors at the In-Detail showroom. 

kanju: Where do you turn to for fresh interior inspiration?

Kim: Certainly, fashion is closely tied to interior design trends, and attending international tradeshows like High Point Market can be very inspiring. It's fascinating to see the various brands and their unique perspectives. From my experience, fashion tends to focus more on static color and intricate details, which highlights the artisanal aspect of the industry. As someone who aspires to create beautiful interiors, I often look to fashion designers for inspiration on incorporating texture in items like pillows or adding embroidery to bring unique details to the home décor world. At High Point Market, color is also a significant aspect that is emphasized.

kanju: Any tips for someone interested in starting their own business?

Kim: Love what you do! When you genuinely love what you do, you'll be successful at it. It's the greatest gift to be able to pursue your passion. 

Image taken by kanju interiors at the In-Detail showroom. 

kanju: Are you seeing any interior design trends that are starting to manifest, that we will see in your collections over the course of the next year?

Kim: It seems that accessories are becoming more purposeful, and therefore they should not only be artisanal, but also on a larger scale. Instead of having collections of items on shelves and coffee tables, there is now a trend towards having edited, curated pieces that tell a story. This trend is resonating with younger generations who are moving away from the idea of "more is more" and towards a more purposeful lifestyle. They prefer items with a story and a clear reason for being in their possession. This is a departure from previous generations who inherited and collected items that were passed down through generations. The new generation values simplicity and minimalism and prefers to spend money on experiences like travel rather than collecting material possessions. The change in attitude towards possessions is interesting to witness, as families are passing down less to the next generation and opting for simplified lifestyle.

Image taken by kanju interiors at the In-Detail showroom. 

kanju: If visitors are coming to Dallas, where would you recommend they go to find a place to eat & play?

Kim: Oh gosh, the artisanal Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine in Dallas is the best! Personally, my go-to spots are Ojeda‘s for their delicious drinks and El Fenix for their mouth-watering enchiladas. Although a tragic event, the The Sixth Floor Museum is absolutely a must-see that offers an informative history lesson. It was a pivotal moment in our city's history, and I highly recommend experiencing it if you haven't already. Many people are grateful for the opportunity to visit and love it.

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