Page A8 - January2015

Page A8 JANUARY 2015 FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS S ec t i on A
in Columbia City, Indiana expanded by adding an addi-
tional chapel/visitation space. The owners wanted to make
sure that “old” and “new” blended well. This interior dec-
orator understood their needs when she chose furniture,
drapery, carpeting, paint selections and oversaw projects.
The transition from the original entry to the new addition
MaryAnne Scheuble, a graduate of Wheeling Jesuit University, is the
Hekman Furniture Specialist to the memorial industry. Her design experi-
ence began with Ethan Allen as an Interior Decorator in Pittsburgh, PA.
After a move to the education field, which lasted a few years, she joined
Cressy Memorial Group. For almost 10 years, she has been working with
funeral and cemetery business owners, managers, marketing directors,
as well as interior decorators. Her credits include presenter at ICCFA, and
two-time speaker at OFDA, as well as author of articles for Funeral Home
& Cemetery News and The Independent. A mother of two sons, her re-
cent move to Cressy Memorial Group headquarters in Mishawaka, IN
has proved to be a joyful life transition. Contact MaryAnne by email at
MaryAnne@cressymemorial.com or call 866-763-0485.
ences our state of being, our mindset and our emo-
tions. Studies show that relaxed settings devoid of en-
vironmental stress encourage better concentration and
better decision-making. That’s why libraries are so quiet!
For another professional point of view, I asked Interi-
or Designer Barbara Mika, Mika Interiors, Chicago, IL,
how she approaches interior design work for the me-
morial industry. Barbara has been responsible for hun-
dreds of beautiful commercial designs including funeral
home interiors. Her latest challenge is converting a mu-
nicipal library of contemporary-design into a tradition-
al-looking funeral home. In keeping with the architec-
ture, the new owners requested a library theme. Good
interior design will effectively marry the two concepts.
Barbara believes that “Essential elements for every funeral
home décor are a warm, inviting feeling; coordinated uphol-
stered furniture; attractive (patterned) carpeting and good
lighting. Of course, commercial buildings also need practi-
cal finishes for easymaintenance and lasting appearance.” As
one with decorating experience, I couldn’t agree more.
There are three ways to achieve good design. Some
funeral home owners are blessed with a great sense of
design and have the time to research viable options. A
turn-of-the-century funeral home I recently visited in
By MaryAnne Scheuble
All Newwww.nomispublications.com
BLOGS
Designing
Woman
both types of facilities is a
hospitable, welcoming de-
sign. And with a more so-
phisticated consumer, dé-
cor is more important than
ever. The old advertising
maxim that “The packaging
sells the product” has nev-
er been more true. When
you think about it (and we
have to), what is it about
a facility that makes us feel
welcomed? Good interior
design!
Interior design is an
art. Effective art influ-
was stunningly beautiful. Fea-
tures such as the chair rail, crown
molding and pocket doors were
painted in a clean, white con-
trast. This was an in-house proj-
ect done by owners/employees.
Another option of refurbish-
ing might require the services of
an interior decorator. A profes-
sional decorator can save time
and money by knowing the best
sources to fit your budget. Interior
decorators bill by the hour or re-
ceive a commission on sold prod-
ucts and services. A funeral home
Ten years ago, on a cold, rainy fall day in Western Penn-
sylvania this new memorial industry sales rep drove through
Oakmont, New Kensington and Leechburg in search of fu-
neral homes. My targets were easy to spot as they were usu-
ally the most attractive, well-manicured properties in any
town. Waiting to be greeted inside, I could appreciate the
hospitable décor details – charming antique chairs, striped
wallpaper, curio cabinets with interesting displays and rich-
looking draperies. Like every good host knows, a welcoming
atmosphere invites people to feel comfortable and relaxed.
And it takes some planning and effort to get it “just so.”
The funeral home model is changing. Traditional funeral
homes and new hospitality centers both serve as gathering
places for funerals and other events. The one constant for
Newtown, Pennsylvania had just redec-
orated a welcoming room in colors of
coral and light blue. The updated décor
looks seamless due to great decorating.
When only some changes are needed, a
product source could provide simple op-
tions. Two local funeral homes recently re-
placed some chairs and end ta-
bles. As a furniture resource, it
was easy to help them choose
the best table styles being
mindful of sizes and appropri-
ate finish. We took a little more
time to select fabrics to blend
with current furnishings.
In any case, decide what
works best based on your time,
budget and decorating I.Q. If you choose not to work with
a professional, be mindful that it’s difficult to see something
“old” with “new” eyes. It’s always a good plan to get a second
opinion from someone who has great decorating sense.
Yes, the packaging (décor) sells the product. Hospital-
ity is a huge part of your business. The way you present
yourself and your business is a powerful first and lasting
impression. Decorate well!
Lessons For Life With A Funeral
Director Launches New Book
REEDSBURG,WI— Life With A Funer-
al Director has announced the publi-
cation of a new book for families and
funeral directors. Entitled Lessons For
Life With A Funeral Director: Strategies
to Strengthen Your Life, the book is au-
thored by Katy Prange.
“We manage unusual circumstances
and float on the ebb and flow of an un-
predictable business,” Prange said. “We
face challenges others cannot under-
stand. We know the divorce and angry-
marriage rate in our industry is high.
This book is an attempt to change that
by inspiring others who share my life to
make it work in different ways!”
Lessons For Life With A Funeral Di-
rector is a compilation of ideas, con-
cepts and observations divided into sec-
tions to meet unique needs: individuals
are reminded of the good things in the
“Pretty Sweet Perks” section. Engaged
couples, newlyweds or those dating
someone in the industry should check
out the “Things You Should Consid-
er” section. For everyone, there are 18
“Strategies For Your Best Life With A
Funeral Director” section, and even a
section to help you to “Prepare Your
Family and Friends” for a unique life
with suggestions for ways to manage
some of the toughest inter-personal
conflicts faced. Finally, enjoy a “How-
To” section that shares best practices
for funeral directors worst laundry, re-
arranging funeral flowers for home use
and more.
This book is the best and only re-
source for inspiring and support-
ing others who share life with a fu-
neral director and i s available in soft
cover and for Kindle at Amazon.com.
Direct links, more information and ad-
ditional resources are available at www.
lifewithafuneraldirector.com/book.
S END US YOUR NEWS !
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