JEM Personalized Interiors
About us
JEM Personalized Interiors is a complete shop-at-home service offering a comprehensive line of fabric and trims, custom-made soft furnishings, draperies, roman shades, bedding, blinds and custom shutters, slipcovers and window film. Our service includes in-home design consultations, accurate measuring, fabrication and professional installation. From start to finish, we will handle all the details to assure your complete satisfaction.
Business highlights
32 years of experience
Services we offer
., Custom Made Window Treatments. Draperies. Valances. Cornices. One-Of-A-Kind Pillows. Custom Bedding. Roman Blinds. Shades. Blinds & Shutters. Color Consultations. Sunbursts. Custom Wrought Iron. Finials. Poles. Specialty Rods. Table Skirts. Place Mats. Napkins. Lampshades. Slipcovers, Space Planning, carpet, custom purchases, flooring
Amenities
Free Estimates
Yes
Accepted Payment Methods
- CreditCard
Reviews
4.713 Reviews
| Number of Stars | Image of Distribution | Number of Ratings |
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Showing 1-13 of 13 reviews
Henry S.
Jan 2016
unknown
Anne M.
Apr 2015
Jo Ellen was a delight to work with so knowledgable and very professional
Matthew P.
Jun 2014
unknown
Brad K.
Jul 2013
Excellent.
Response from JEM Personalized Interiors
"I was so happy to be able to give (Member name removed) and his wife the wonderful window treatments that provided the privacy they needed, along with keeping with the style of their century home. I cannot thank them enough for realizing that if they had purchased online, they may have had difficulty getting it all right - style, fabric, lining and fit. My installation of the shades gave them full confidence in moving forth on the project with no hesitation. I love folks like this and hope they have friends that need my services also!"
Susan R.
Apr 2013
I think I told most of the story above. It did not go well. Before we started, I told her that I had met with someone else who said that I could not have honeycombs with drapes over them because there wasn't enough to attach them both to. JoEllen said I could have them both; there was a way to do that. It is becoming increasingly apparent that the first person may have been right. This combined with the choice of fabric seem to be the big problems.
Rebuttal to company response: I refute Ms. Rinewart’s version of the story as follows. First, I address her conclusion that “she had a past history of using so many ‘”decorators”’ – I first had a drapery man from Lowe’s look at the windows. He is not a decorator; he does windows. He told me I could not have honeycombs and drapes over them due to the bay window’s structure. Joanne was next and I found her on Angie’s List. She is not a decorator; she does windows. I then met Nancy, who was a friend’s decorator. Nancy is not a drapery person; she is a professional designer and is a very good designer. She, however, would be considered a decorator. Nancy brought in a drapery person who brought in another drapery person who actually makes the drapes. Neither are decorators although I think one lady could be a designer if she wanted to do so. Prior to this, I had not had a decorator for about 30 years when I lived in Clayton, and that all went fine. If this is using “so many decorators”, so be it.
Secondly, she made several nasty comments in her response that just are not truthful. I did not throw her installer out. I did not hang up on her although she alleges I did so twice. I did not go ballistic. I asked her to wrap it up and leave because I was already 2 hours late.
Back to the beginning of JEMs response and following her information in order:
I was thrilled with the honeycombs and still am. However, there appears to be question as to whether or not they can exist on the bay window along with drapes (as she advised they could).
I asked Joanne for suggestions for the entire condo. I asked if I could use blinds instead of sheers in the living room. Joanne suggested shutters instead. I went to look at them at a showroom and they sat flush with the window at the showroom. Joanne wrote up the order. She sent the installer who measured the windows. I asked him how far out the shutters were going to hang and he showed me. I said that’s going to look terrible – the ones at the showroom didn’t look like that. I did not throw him out of my condo as she has asserted.
Her description of the choosing of the fabric is pretty accurate. She recommended the fabric instead of silk because it was more durable than silk and would not fade. However, it appears that she failed to mention that the fabric is very hard to work with and would not hang like silk. I liked the color of the fabric and still do like it. While the fabric looks fine, it does not hang like silk even if the other problems are fixable.
As to the pleats, she showed me several different pleat sample styles and asked me to pick the one I wanted. I liked the goblet the best. She did not suggest other pleats at that time or advise me in any way that they would be tricky to work with; that came after the problems were called to my attention by the new drapery people.
I did not hang up on Ms. Rinewart at any time. I may very well have said that I was busy and needed to go.
I signed a contract and paid a deposit for the shutters she had recommended and was permitted to cancel the contract. I would have challenged her had I not been permitted to cancel as she had failed to tell me the shutters would hang way out from the windows.
She probably did spend some time with the fabric I had. She was going to make drapes for the living room also and working on the fabric is probably what one does. Had she done a good job with the bedroom, I would have moved on to the living room with her.
She called me when the drapes were done. She wanted to install them very soon. I told her that I was very busy and was going out of town and she could install them when I came back. She was very insistent that she install them quickly and assured me that it would only take 1 hour.
On installation day, they got right to work. I was not “working from home” that day; I was home because they were there and intended to leave for my office when they were finished. I went back to the room 2 or 3 times. The noise they were making was very loud and there was a lot of it. I remember thinking that I would have told my neighbors in advance had I known about it. I went back to see how they were progressing. After 3 hours, I went back and told them this had taken too long and I had to get to my office. She had told me 1 hour; it was now 3. She wanted to know where I wanted the holder things. I told her not to worry about them; just leave them. They are not an issue and I blame her for nothing on the holder issue. She did not mention steaming at all or doing anything else to the drapes. She did not ask to come back to do anything at that time. She was quite apologetic about taking so long.
I do not appreciate Ms. Reinwart saying I went ballistic as it is simply not true.
Ms. Reinwart Emailed me a few days after the installation and I responded that I thought the drapes looked funny but would await the designer’s opinion. After the new designer brought in the new drapery people, it was about November and I did Email Ms. Reinwart with the results. I would not let her come back out because she had left the mess without telling me that anything was wrong. I outlined the problems in my Emails and offered several solutions.
Ms. Reinwart is correct that the cost of the draperies only was the $2,600 she referenced. But if I cannot have honeycombs and drapes together, the honeycombs go back also and their cost was about $900 to $1000. The balance is the refund that Ms. Reinwart returned to me and, of course, that is not to be included. Thus the correct amount is about $ 3,500 give or take.
I agree that Ms. Reinwart and I were not a good fit.
I was glad to have Ms. Reinwart state her four-way guarantee in her response to Angie’s List. She did do on-time appointments, no question about that. The Price I do not really know about, but it was close enough to the new people that it’s fine. The quality and workmanship appears to be the big problem. And the 10 year performance. The question is what she will do about it all.
Rebuttal to company response: I refute Ms. Rinewart’s version of the story as follows. First, I address her conclusion that “she had a past history of using so many ‘”decorators”’ – I first had a drapery man from Lowe’s look at the windows. He is not a decorator; he does windows. He told me I could not have honeycombs and drapes over them due to the bay window’s structure. Joanne was next and I found her on Angie’s List. She is not a decorator; she does windows. I then met Nancy, who was a friend’s decorator. Nancy is not a drapery person; she is a professional designer and is a very good designer. She, however, would be considered a decorator. Nancy brought in a drapery person who brought in another drapery person who actually makes the drapes. Neither are decorators although I think one lady could be a designer if she wanted to do so. Prior to this, I had not had a decorator for about 30 years when I lived in Clayton, and that all went fine. If this is using “so many decorators”, so be it.
Secondly, she made several nasty comments in her response that just are not truthful. I did not throw her installer out. I did not hang up on her although she alleges I did so twice. I did not go ballistic. I asked her to wrap it up and leave because I was already 2 hours late.
Back to the beginning of JEMs response and following her information in order:
I was thrilled with the honeycombs and still am. However, there appears to be question as to whether or not they can exist on the bay window along with drapes (as she advised they could).
I asked Joanne for suggestions for the entire condo. I asked if I could use blinds instead of sheers in the living room. Joanne suggested shutters instead. I went to look at them at a showroom and they sat flush with the window at the showroom. Joanne wrote up the order. She sent the installer who measured the windows. I asked him how far out the shutters were going to hang and he showed me. I said that’s going to look terrible – the ones at the showroom didn’t look like that. I did not throw him out of my condo as she has asserted.
Her description of the choosing of the fabric is pretty accurate. She recommended the fabric instead of silk because it was more durable than silk and would not fade. However, it appears that she failed to mention that the fabric is very hard to work with and would not hang like silk. I liked the color of the fabric and still do like it. While the fabric looks fine, it does not hang like silk even if the other problems are fixable.
As to the pleats, she showed me several different pleat sample styles and asked me to pick the one I wanted. I liked the goblet the best. She did not suggest other pleats at that time or advise me in any way that they would be tricky to work with; that came after the problems were called to my attention by the new drapery people.
I did not hang up on Ms. Rinewart at any time. I may very well have said that I was busy and needed to go.
I signed a contract and paid a deposit for the shutters she had recommended and was permitted to cancel the contract. I would have challenged her had I not been permitted to cancel as she had failed to tell me the shutters would hang way out from the windows.
She probably did spend some time with the fabric I had. She was going to make drapes for the living room also and working on the fabric is probably what one does. Had she done a good job with the bedroom, I would have moved on to the living room with her.
She called me when the drapes were done. She wanted to install them very soon. I told her that I was very busy and was going out of town and she could install them when I came back. She was very insistent that she install them quickly and assured me that it would only take 1 hour.
On installation day, they got right to work. I was not “working from home” that day; I was home because they were there and intended to leave for my office when they were finished. I went back to the room 2 or 3 times. The noise they were making was very loud and there was a lot of it. I remember thinking that I would have told my neighbors in advance had I known about it. I went back to see how they were progressing. After 3 hours, I went back and told them this had taken too long and I had to get to my office. She had told me 1 hour; it was now 3. She wanted to know where I wanted the holder things. I told her not to worry about them; just leave them. They are not an issue and I blame her for nothing on the holder issue. She did not mention steaming at all or doing anything else to the drapes. She did not ask to come back to do anything at that time. She was quite apologetic about taking so long.
I do not appreciate Ms. Reinwart saying I went ballistic as it is simply not true.
Ms. Reinwart Emailed me a few days after the installation and I responded that I thought the drapes looked funny but would await the designer’s opinion. After the new designer brought in the new drapery people, it was about November and I did Email Ms. Reinwart with the results. I would not let her come back out because she had left the mess without telling me that anything was wrong. I outlined the problems in my Emails and offered several solutions.
Ms. Reinwart is correct that the cost of the draperies only was the $2,600 she referenced. But if I cannot have honeycombs and drapes together, the honeycombs go back also and their cost was about $900 to $1000. The balance is the refund that Ms. Reinwart returned to me and, of course, that is not to be included. Thus the correct amount is about $ 3,500 give or take.
I agree that Ms. Reinwart and I were not a good fit.
I was glad to have Ms. Reinwart state her four-way guarantee in her response to Angie’s List. She did do on-time appointments, no question about that. The Price I do not really know about, but it was close enough to the new people that it’s fine. The quality and workmanship appears to be the big problem. And the 10 year performance. The question is what she will do about it all.
Response from JEM Personalized Interiors
"The member was ecstatic with the cellular shades we installed in her condo in July 2011 and asked that we measure for Plantation Shutters for the LR/DR and kitchen windows and make Goblet Pleated treatments for her master bedroom. She had a paint chip which was off-white and asked that I look for a taffeta fabric in the same color way for her bedroom. I showed her many, but also showed her a pretty crushed taffeta in a sand color, which she fell in love with, and she approved the sample given her. She chose to have a Goblet Pleat for the Bedroom window, even though I suggested regular pleats and Euro-pleats as alternatives, since they stack better. We stayed with the Goblet Pleat since the windows had cellular shades on them and we were making decorative tie-backs in the same fabric to dress back the panels. She defined exactly what she wanted, as she had done extensive research and apparently much thought had gone into it. I wanted to please her. In the meantime, her signed a contract with JEM for the Bedroom Draperies and LR/DR Plantation Shutters and sent in a deposit for them. My installer went to the condo to measure for the Shutters and was thrown out when he could not give her the type of frame that would work with her window opening. She hung up on me when we discussed the shutters. I cancelled the shutter order with no penalty (monetary or otherwise). I also had spent time working out designs and measurements with her existing partial rolls of drapery fabric that she purchased on line to make suggestions for drapery panels that would work with a large repeat "English Gardens" fabric for the LR/DR. The bedroom draperies were in production at this time, so we went forth in good faith. On the morning of the install, she was working from home and wanted us to get done as soon as possible. I told her we would take at least an hour and would like to get started. The custom bent rod needed to be adjusted on site, and took longer than expected to install, and we made typical noise with the drill and hack saw, which annoyed her. With no clearance above the windows on a low-bay drywall soffit, we did a custom ceiling mounted traverse rod, as planned. When the draperies were hung on the rod, I asked her to come and confirm at what height we should place the tie-back holders. She went ballistic, said we had taken too long, and to leave immediately. We took our things and left, since she said she needed to go to work. We had the rod up securely, but had not steamed, dressed out the drapery nor put up the tie back holders. I asked her when we could come back to finish dressing and she was not cooperative. I called her the next day and apologized that we had taken longer than anticipated and she complained and hung up on me. I left messages later for her to call back to discuss how we can adjust the draperies and she refused to allow the professional installer nor myself back to see what the perceived problem was. I have emailed her asking what would make her happy since she wouldn't let us in to adjust anything, but got no reply except an email about her new drapery people's observations. This Angie's List complaint was sent to me almost 11 months later. I was also curious why she is asking for $4000 when the drapery treatment in the Master Bedroom was only invoiced at $2600.84? Now I understand why she had a past history of using so many "decorators". We don't appear to be the right fit, so I was hoping she would find someone she could work well with."
ANN K.
Apr 2013
The process for each set of windows began with JoEllen bringing fabric books, books of drapery shapes and styles, and books of trim to the house. We'd hash through ideas and she'd leave me swatches to live with. The drapery construction itself takes about 4 to 6 weeks on average. JoEllen is great at keeping me updated on progress. We'd set a date for installation, which even for the largest windows never took more than a few hours.
Response from JEM Personalized Interiors
"Working along side homeowners that are wonderful as well as professional (he is an architect) may make some people run off -- but instead, they are my best clients to work with! We solved every dilemma, found ideal hardware, waited on back ordered fabric and installed gorgeous custom furniture and draperies! Their house is lovingly my sudo-home in the city and gorgeous use of color makes the clients and my heart sing! Wish they would have more additions to do so we would have more projects together....guess its just coffee for now. Love working with people that have no fear of color and trust their decorator!!"
ROSEMARY P.
Jan 2013
JoEllen Reinwart came to my home to provide an estimate on window treatment (sheers) for my living-room bay windows and door. She was extremely helpful, listening to my ideas, providing advice and alternate possibilities, and keeping my cost limits in mind. She pointed out a number of important factors I had not considered, and her professional opinion was very helpful. She had a wide array of fabric samples in all price points and I was able to find one within my price range that I really liked. Measurements were taken. Although I was not yet ready to consider window treatment for my master bedroom, I asked, and she provided, ideas and advice on how I might decorate them, made fabric suggestions, and took measurements. This was extremely helpful. Within a few days I received an estimate on the living room. The estimate was within my budget and better than any other I had received. Upon receiving my acceptance and deposit a mutually agreeable time for installation (also part of the estimate and arranged by JoEllen) was agreed upon, resulting, ultimately, in my complete satisfaction with my lovely living room sheers! JoEllen was wonderful and easy to work with in every way. She is professional in every sense of the word, friendly, helpful, and very knowledgeable. All communications were handled promptly and satisfactorily, and I have complete confidence that should any issues arise, she will be most responsive and helpful. She has provided an estimate for my bedroom, and when financially possible I will hire her again. Without reservation, I would definitely recommend her to anyone needing such services.
Response from JEM Personalized Interiors
"It is wonderful to be able to give senior citizens what they want for their homes in the beauty they are accustomed to without breaking their budgets! We performed in ever sense of the work to be first rate and she will love these sheers for the next decade, if not longer. Quite a beautiful improvement for her privacy over the mini blinds that were hanging previously!"
Melinda S.
Jun 2011
Joellen was professional from the estimate stage to the installation. It was an excellent experience. I was very satisfied with the final product. I love the vignettes.
Response from JEM Personalized Interiors
"We gave [member name removed] the Cadillac of all hunter Douglas roman shades for her sunroom and pushed the envelope of her budget, but I know she will only remember the perfection in which they perform every day!! Get what you need and you will live with it lovingly for the next decade- we guarantee it! Window treatments that function for your particular area are what we suggest and then we make sure they fit and look beautiful, too. Now my client can live in her sunroom year round and watch tv all night long with privacy!! Love her happy!"
Richard S.
May 2011
Overall--great experience. The finished product is even more beautiful than I envisioned. JoEllen was great to work with. I highly recommend her.
RONDA B.
Dec 2010
Jo Ellen is excellent at her job of making custom-made, unique curtains and creating just the right feel for the room. She is extremely professional and I love to work with her!
Response from JEM Personalized Interiors
"To work with clients that want the look of custom window treatments, I will add decorative hardware and custom tassels/holdbacks to ready made, with alterations and pressing done, along with professional installation to make the job perfect. This helps also with altering existing panels when you move into a new home, or recycle treatments into another room. We can add embellishments and hem correctly to ensure the fit and hang will look its best to you. We can also add valances and cornices to create a new look to your existing treatments. Adding custom pillows and reupholstering Dining Room chair seats can add a pop of new color, too. Anything in fabric can be accomplished by JEM since we have access to practically any fabric imported to the USA or you see in Architectural Digest and other publications. We can also cover your windows SAFELY using the new Safety Standards for blinds and shades to ensure your family will not become an issue with cords and lifting mechanisms. We can alter existing bedding to fit different mattresses and have a desire to help you achieve your goals within budget. Professional window treatments will make all the difference in how proud you feel when guests arrive at your home."
RONDA B.
May 2009
The experience was great! Jo Ellen is extremely personable & really "gets it". She has a very good eye for style & is talented at picking a design that works in a room to bring everything together. She is also conscious of the budget & will stay within it by steering you toward fabrics, trims etc. that will be more cost-effective. The person that she had do the installation was also very professional & did a fantastic job. I couldn't be happier with the result & will definitely call Jo Ellen to do our next window treatment!
Response from JEM Personalized Interiors
"I love a challenge and focus on what I can do to make your problems go away and also make the space beautiful! We. Do this with a process of working together to find what will work for the scenario and then what is your color way and style. Finally, we have to make sure the hardware functions and is child safe. When all the plans are aligned, we get it done. My professional installer works hard and fast to accomplish what I have visualized the final treatment to look and operate like. I loved working with these clients and will return again for more rooms as they are remodeling again! Also love that she has referred me to some very nice friends that may become customers! Thanks again!!"
STEVE M.
Dec 2007
I can't say enough good about Jo Ellen and the work that she does - even my husband noticed how beautifully the shades were sewn (and he rarely notices details). The shades were completed as promised, delivered and installed. Not only is the work done extremely well, but Jo Ellen is kind and caring and very easy to work with. I will definitely call her again when I'm ready to do window treatments in the living room.
Response from JEM Personalized Interiors
"Love to work with folks that know what they want - and I can fine tune it and give it to them! Sophisticated customers love having custom treatments that they have in mind made up exactly how they envisioned them! I can be sure the two are the same by doing a rendering on the computer to scale on your digital photograph to confirm we are on the same page. Simple and functional working roman shades turned out so pretty for her master bedroom. I hope further renovation will produce a call back! Such a pleasure to work with!"
JEAN J.
Jun 2007
They are very good, thorough and helpful. They take there time doing the work (no rush). There was a flaw in the fabric, but didn't recognize until later and called her and she came out and replaced the drape. Price doesn't include bed skirts.
Response from JEM Personalized Interiors
"Working with senior citizens is not a problem! Taking a simple fabric and covering two huge walls of windows with sliders, really updated and freshened the unit. There was a flaw in the fabric after hanging and we replaced all the draperies to be sure they got a truly perfect order from us! They looked superb and I hope they will enjoy them for many years to come!"
Licensing
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FAQ
JEM Personalized Interiors is currently rated 4.7 overall out of 5.
JEM Personalized Interiors accepts the following forms of payment: CreditCard
Yes, JEM Personalized Interiors offers free project estimates.
No, JEM Personalized Interiors does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.
No, JEM Personalized Interiors does not offer a senior discount.
No, JEM Personalized Interiors does not offer emergency services.
No, JEM Personalized Interiors does not offer warranties.