During the last 25 years they have worked on projects as diverse as restoring a cottage in Ireland, refurbishing a large London Georgian house and furnishing a ski chalet outside Geneva - as well as redesigning numerous principal and vacation homes in the United States, mainly in the Princeton area. Mary Dampier studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology and New York School of Interior Design and at Christie’s in New York. Tara Dennison has lived in Europe and the Far East and brings an “eclectic European feel ” to her design style. She recently received a diploma for garden design from the English Gardening School in Chelsea, London. Tara and Mary work together on all aspects of the design process. They "paint” a portrait of their clients, helping them clarify their own tastes. As Tara says, “a house needs to reflect the personalities and preferences of the people who live in it – not the vanities of the interior designers”. Mary adds, “We love to mix styles and periods adding energy and interest to a setting. Our goal is to make a home for “real life”, not a stage set. We create interiors that are timeless and comfortable.” They achieve this by having an unparalleled network of resources – whether it’s architects, builders, faux-finish painters, specialist showrooms, antique shops, furniture repairers or even flea markets. As one of their clients recently said “they know where to go for everything”. Allied with two pairs of very good eyes, Tara and Mary are able to obtain outstanding value for money for their clients. Tara and Mary have worked for many of the same clients for over 20 years. They regard this as the sincerest form of flattery - to be asked back to do another home for a different stage of their clients’ lives. In order to determine a client’s tastes, Tara and Mary have an in-depth initial consultation with a prospective client, focusing on who they are and their particular needs. They try very hard to make the home a true reflection of the client, so that each home is individual. Whether it’s helping couples just starting out, empty nesters looking for something new, retirees moving from a large to smaller house or advising people on the intricacies of new construction, Dennison and Dampier try to ensure that each job is interesting, unique and fun!