Barbara’s inspiration to become an interior designer came from the University of Iowa in 1967, where she majored in Home Economics and minored in Fine Arts. After getting married in 1970, Barbara began to move eastward gaining additional experience working for several federated department stores with the majority of her work involving management and display setup. After moving nine times in just over a decade, Barbara settled in Erie in 1982.
Barbara received her first job as an interior designer in 1985 with Padden’s Paint. Padden’s was the nation’s first full-service design studio, defined by its ability to offer multiple design resources under one roof, including paint, wallpaper, accessories, floor coverings and a drapery workroom. Over the next fourteen years, Barbara completed several IDS projects, attended educational seminars and developed a client-base in many states.
Barbara began her career with Russell’s Furniture and Design Studio in 1999, where she is known for her talents in adapting decorative style to the tastes and preferences of her clients. While maintaining a focus on her customers’ individual fondness, Barbara creates the kind of beauty in a room that they envision. Barbara’s signature is marked by her smile and energy; when it comes to a client’s home, happy endings always lead to new beginnings.
Email Barbara: bwathan@roadrunner.com