DESIGN CONSULTANT | MBA, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH DAKOTA | HUNTER DOUGLAS CERTIFIED

When Carly Ellsworth was a kid, she redecorated her room on a regular basis.

“I changed it around based on how I felt at the time,” she says.

So it’s no surprise that today Carly makes a living helping people design their own spaces.

“Interior design is ingrained in who I am,” she says. “I’ve done it all my life.”

Carly always knew she wanted to be a designer, but getting a business degree seemed safer, she says. At Montgomery’s, Carly is able to combine a love for design with a brain for business. “It allows me to blend what I know with who I am,” she says.”

As manager of outside design, Carly serves works with contractors and their clients. But she’s equally comfortable working with homeowners. “I am very confident in serving clients in all our verticals,” she says.

No matter what the project, Carly always starts the design process the same way: a catalyst item. What’s a catalyst item? “It could be anything from an item to a feeling,” Carly says. “It’s one thing that the homeowner loves, and we build off that.”

The catalyst item allows Carly to start a project in an abstract mindset. “Then, I break it down piece by piece with a logical approach. … I am creating a room for someone and know they will be here every day. For that reason I try to understand them completely and determine what will make their project most fulfilled.”

Beyond the catalyst item, Carly draws inspiration from everything around her.

“I’m inspired by other artists,” she says. “I love looking at other rooms/designs and analyzing what I would do differently and also what I like and how it makes you feel.”

Carly excels at designing rooms in any style, but she’s drawn to the transitional look. “You can bring the best of every design style into transitional,” she says. “It’s an easy way to capture someone’s style. You can bring in pieces that they love as while as what they inspire to have.”

Her best advice? “Never neglect a window treatment,” says Carly, who is Hunter Douglas certified. “They are worth every penny. They make the room.”

No matter what style a client likes, Carly recommends following your favorite designers on Instagram and Pinterest. “That way, you can begin to understand what style you like.” Carly especially likes Studio McGee and HGTV’s Emily Henderson and the Boise Boys.

“I love when clients bring in ideas, but I’m glad they come to me because I can make those Pinterest dreams a reality,” Carly says.

CARLY ELLSWORTH | DESIGN CONSULTANT | SIOUX FALLS | C.ELLSWORTH@MONTGOMERYS.COM | 605.332.4400 EXT.303