Daily Herald (September 27, 2005) Couple blends talents at
décor store by Kim Mikus
The owners of a new Geneva shop say their business is all about romancing the
home.
Janeen and Morgan O’Brien mixed their business
backgrounds in operating Janeen Home Décor, 402 E. State St.
Janeen handles the interior decorating aspect of the business.
She has been decorating for the past 25 years and describes herself as a very physical
person. “I do it all myself,” she said. Janeen said she enjoys using what her
clients already have in their home and then brings in additional items.
She has always enjoyed decorating. “I always loved moving
furniture and changing things around,” she said.
Janeen usually brings an assitant during a home visit.
“We do it all,” she said. “We install and everything. I’m very hands
on.” She charges $95 an hour.
Her shop, which opened three months ago, is a showroom for her
work. It features everything from candles and jewelry to potpourri and furniture and fine
art. Throw blankets and wall hangings are other highlights at the shop which Janeen
describes as having mid-to-higher-end pricing. Custom trees, silk arrangements and home
accessories are also part of the mix.
Prior to opening this shop, Morgan ran O’Brien the
Florist in Elk Grove Village for the past 30 years.
The couple was living in Elk Grove Village at the time and
recently moved to Geneva. Janeen, who also did fresh flower and silk arrangements earlier
in her career, spent a great deal of her time working at the Straw Flower Shop in Geneva.
She then ran her own design business.
The couple decided to start their business in Geneva
because it’s near her client base.
Janeen, 53, said Morgan has been vital in the venture.
“He’s the backbone of the business,” she said.
For more information, call (630) 232-7885.
