Surroundings changed our lives--for the better! Took a builders-grade ho-hum house and ramped it up…read moreto a custom-designed lovely home. Decorator Lori Waters is truly wonderful, a talented blend of good taste coupled with the experienced pragmatism to make your design dreams come true. Over about ten years in several phases, we have completely made over the place upstairs and down, inside and out. Stayed within the budget, gently nudged us into trying new ideas when we were stuck firmly in the mud of 1985, and just generally gave us a new way of using the spaces that perfectly suited our wallet, our taste, and our lifestyle. Could NOT be more proud of the finished product, although as Lori reminds me, "We still need to address that old yellow bathroom..." We will, Lori, as we start the next phase of this immensely gratifying partnership! Surroundings is the place to go when you decide you're ready to turn your house into the delightful home you've always wanted.

From the owner: By appointment only, contact us at 319.351.4653 for your next interior design project…read more Interior design and decor for elegant living. Surroundings is the Iowa City source for elegant living. We are interior designers, we have the decor to furnish your home in style. When you want a beautiful home, turn to Surroundings. Since 1987, our experienced designers have been creating the look you desire for a truly pleasant home. Our design services include: Project management Space planning Accessorizing Holiday decorating Once we work together to determine how to arrange your space, there is no need to shop from several stores. We carry a wide array of products: furniture, flooring, wall coverings, window treatments, lamps and accessories. And you have assistance with the entire project during each step. Our manufacturers include Corian/Zodiq, Duralee, Hunter Douglas, Wood-Mode and many more. Call today to enhance your surroundings!

Every person who works here I'd very pleasant, friendly & helpful. I have 9 items from her, all in…read moreperfect condition. Not rushed to make a purchase, spend time measuring in your home, try to match a current piece in your home give other choices to compliment what you have. Delivery staff are the best I've experienced: careful in your home ensure setup is perfect, and glass/mirrors are clean. Even worked with me to ship an item out of state. Excellent quality of merchandise. All staff are great, my experiences with Stacy we're a pleasure.

We have done two major home remodels with Phelan's, from furniture to carpets to walls. Besides…read morebeing stylish and low priced, the best was their service. They are extremely helpful and knowledgeable.

Loved working with LWD and team! The crew did an amazing job from start to finish working with our…read moregeneral contractor for the design and build for our basement. Lori took a "cookie cutter" basement and evaluated our use and need for function of our basement. It was amazing. She also has helped me professionally with work-space flow out in my work office. It's truly amazing how effortless it is for her, however, it makes my life easier. I look forward to the day when she can help us with our dream home. We won't have to attempt 2-3x times, LWD will get it RIGHT the first time. Thank you so much! I will use you again, and again, and again.

From the owner: Multiple areas of interior design including: space planning for new construction and remodeling,…read morekitchen and bath design, lighting, furnishings, wine rooms, exercise areas, custom closets, fireplaces, etc.

I went to visit the Interior Perfection Design Group store and was amazed at all of the neat…read moreartwork after entering the store. As I strolled through the store, I noticed that the interior was beautiful with absolutely amazing and gorgeous pieces of furniture and art for sale. All of the art and furniture were very expensive!! There were several pieces that I would have bought if they weren't so expensive. It was nice to be able to walk through and admire all of the unique artwork and pieces for sale. I appreciated being able to walk through and see everything, but the prices were disappointing.

From the owner: Iowa's premier destination for fine home furnishings, unique gifts and accessories. Shop our 8,000…read moresquare floor store front for selections you would find in a larger city. Trained professionals to guide you every step of the way. With over 800 vendors to choose from, we can meet any budget.

I trusted a bathroom remodeling project to DeYarman Interiors. I was wrongly assured no building…read morepermit was required. It took ten months to begin work. After ten weeks the project was still unfinished. The biggest disappointment was the installation of the shower surround by Steve Shean. The Onyx panels were out of alignment with unsightly gaps and bulges. I had to find another contractor to fix Shean's mistakes and finish the project. The only fix on the shower surround was to tear it all out and start over. The project cost much more time and money than I bargained for. I would never trust DeYarman Interiors or Steve Shean again.

Luxe Interiors has been on my radar since it moved to the Northside. I am one of those…read more'I-watch-HGTV-so-I'm-basically-a-professional' types. Logically, I wanted to confer with like minds. I stopped in one downtown district shop crawl and was instantly greeted by the shop owner, Jan. What a wonderful lady! I loved the shop. A couple Iowa-centric items, lots of beautiful decor, paintings, furniture-- all carefully curated. I begrudgingly left that night empty handed. (A lot of the items on my radar were not surprisingly pricey. I unfortunately tend to have expensive taste. And this shop definitely has some higher end items.) Then, last week, I realized they sell items ONLINE with free contactless local delivery. *Happy Dance* I'm not sure if you've perused the Northside? But currently an entire street is closed to outside dining which is amazing, but does the parking situation no favors. ANYWAYS. The online shop was filled with candles, tea towels, furniture, pillows, vases, rugs, artwork... the whole gambit. I found an amazing photo of the pedestrian mall in the rain. I couldn't resist. My treasure was well priced. Jan emailed me personally that night to set up next day delivery. I found my package neatly put between my doors, packed with care. The cherry on top was a handwritten note from the shop owner. The picture is perfection. I haven't used Luxe for interior design purposes. (And due to my frequent HGTV watching and inherent designing expertise, let's face it. I probably won't anytime soon. ;)) But Jan is fabulous, the shop has tons of flair. A great addition to downtown! Stop by virtually or IRL.

Fraud is a word I would use to describe how this business is run. We engaged with the owner in…read moreApril, placed an order on July 6th for $17,000. We left a $10,000 deposit. In August, we received another email with an invoice for $2,100 as she had received items in her warehouse which we paid. The owner failed to keep us posted on timelines and deliveries which we were supposed to have in September (after paying for items in August). Our delivery was scheduled for October 22 when I got a call that the truck had been in an accident and all of our pieces were damaged and she would have to reorder. She did not offer a refund. Months later, she delivers $6,000 worth of the items. That was the end of it. I finally called and demanded a refund which they processed (has not reached my card yet). I come to find out that 1) No one at Luxe Interiors ever heard anything about an accident and 2) the order for one sofa was never placed and the other order was placed then cancelled back in December. STAY FAR AWAY FROM THESE LYING CRIMINALS!

Shopping at knilans was a pleasant experience due to the sales lady Joan who helped us with color…read moreselection and furniture styles. After delivery we are very happy with the selection that was made.

Still the same great service and stylish furniture. With their help, redecorating in a breeze…read more I'll be back for the rest of the house!!