New furniture, accessories store opens in Ruskin

Owner also offers in-home design services

LOIS KINDLE PHOTOSThe staff of Connie's Home Décor & Design welcome you to check out their new retail location at 3818 S.R. 674, Ruskin. From left is in-house florist Sally Anne Barclay, owner Connie Kennedy and merchandiser Betsy Baker.

By LOIS KINDLE

Area residents looking to freshen up a space or redesign one need look no further than Connie's Home Décor & Design.

Owner Connie Kennedy opened a retail location Oct. 29 at 3818 S.R. 674, Ruskin, in the Cypress Village Plaza near Sun City Center. Kennedy specializes in what she calls "providing solutions for change for the lifestyle people live."

The former mortgage broker has many years of experience helping folks redesign their homes and is a specialist in home consulting. Her services include in-home consultations, home makeovers, room redesigns, space planning and furniture placement, closet organization, color consulting and more.

"I know a lot of people here," the former Kings Point resident said. "They buy and sell homes and have a need for services (and merchandise).

Kennedy's specialty is taking what you already own and using it to recreate something new, she said. That saves folks lots of money because they can keep what they love and refresh their space by integrating new items and design ideas.

When the economy crashed in 2008, Kennedy lost everything, she said. She moved to Florida three years later and has since established a client base going into people's homes, decorating and designing, while working full time writing mortgages.

Now retired, Kennedy decided to open a retail store to go hand in hand with the design work that's her specialty.

"I know a lot of people in the area," she said. "They buy and sell homes and have need for my services.

She also provides residential service that appeals to a wide range of people and income levels.

Ninety percent of the items in Connie's Home Décor are new and 10 percent are consignment. Kennedy carries a diversified collection of traditional, contemporary and coastal décor with furniture and accessories by major companies like Thomasville, Trade Winds and Uttermost. And what she doesn't have on hand, she’ll order.

The store is filled from corner to corner with furniture pieces, rugs, lighting, mirrors, home accessories and wall décor at moderate, affordable prices. The inventory changes as Kennedy continually brings in new items.

The owner provides free, 30 minute in-home consultations.

Connie's Home Décor features a wide selection of furniture and accessories to meet every taste and budget that goes hand in hand with the owner's design services.

"We happily provide special and custom ordering and pride ourselves on customer service," Kennedy said. "We know that's what people want, and we certainly give it to them."

Kings Point resident Rosie Clifton is a satisfied customer.

"Connie is very patient and listens to what you want," she said, adding Kennedy directed her to some excellent reupholsterers. "She's very focused on satisfying the customer and I would recommend her to anyone who wants help with a home décor project."

Now until the end of the year, Connie's Home Décor will be open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

For more information or to arrange a consultation, call 813-331-3543 or email [email protected].