14 February 16 - 29, 2008
Business
www.SanTanSun.com
Custom design store caters to novice, expert
by Sharon Schnakenburg also offered.
These days it seems many are redecorating their Some customers want By the Yard to help with
homes. It’s an oft-discussed topic at the water cooler, their entire house, room by room, reports Simon,
playgroup, among sporting event spectators and even and in-home design consultations are provided.
at the mall when old friends happen to run into each Store owner John Micsko then visits clients’ homes
other. Enter By the Yard, an interior fabric and custom to double-check measurements and complete the
home furnishings store featuring a staff of experienced installation.
designers to help both the novice and the highly savvy By the Yard also works with designers who bring
to pull together an entirely new look. their own clients into the showroom.
Some might think By the Yard offers the same “They’ll work with their clients in the store, and
inventory as larger fabric store chains, but Manager one of us will help them. They’ll have their own ideas
Colleen Simon is careful to make a distinction. generally, and we’ll just price it out,” Simon explains.
“We’re more than a fabric store. We actually have Those opting to purchase their fabric and go it
the service where we can help you design, we can alone, are welcome to peruse the store’s magazines,
make the product and then install it for you,” she
STSN photo
window treatment idea books and displays for design
explains. ideas; however, the store does not sell patterns.
COVER IT: By the Yard customers look at sample books to help
Additionally, By the Yard sells only interior design
them select fabrics for their homes.
Whatever the situation or service requested, Simon
fabrics, not cloth from which to make dresses, for says customers can count on By the Yard.
example, says Simon. Two fabric options are available: yourself route. “There are a lot of fl y-by-night companies that do
order name brands from the store’s books, including “Everyone here on staff is experienced with design, custom window treatments, blinds, products that
Robert Allen, Kravet, Fabricut, Duralee, Stout and and that’s why we’re here.” just one day they decide to sell. Then you go back for
Waverly, among others. Or customers can choose Custom bedding can be created at By the Yard, customer service when something breaks and they’re
fabrics from bolts in the store’s inventory, purchased including comforters, duvet covers, bed skirts, pillow not there anymore. We do good work. We wouldn’t be
directly from a mill and sold for signifi cant savings shams, decorative pillows and throws. here for 20 years if we didn’t,” she concludes.
versus the brand names. The full-service business can also reupholster By the Yard is located at 1761 E. Warner Rd. in Tempe.
“The inventory we have in stock is generally half the outdoor and indoor furniture or create new custom Business hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through
price [compared to] if you were to special order from upholstered furniture including benches, sofas, chairs, Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m.
books that we have,” adds Simon. ottomans, loveseats and the like. Sundays. For more information, call 480-831-1800 or
Whether custom-ordered or chosen from the store’s “We have a company that we use locally that visit
www.bytheyard.com.
inventory, fabrics include silk, chenille, cotton prints builds furniture, and customers can order that directly
and more. through us,” details Simon. “We can build a sofa, and
Sharon Schnakenburg is a freelance reporter who can be
“You can come in and buy fabric and take it with you can choose whatever fabric you want.”
reached at
Sharon@SanTanSun.com.
you and do your own projects, or you can have us do By the Yard offers custom window treatments
the project,” explains Simon, who has worked at the including drapery panels and accompanying choices
store for 12 years. of custom hardware, trim and embellishments, along
She says most people request that By the Yard with shutters, wood blinds, duet shades and other hard
staff create their projects, instead of taking the do-it- window treatments. Pick-up and delivery services are
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