BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH
Shelly Walker, the owner of Finishing
Touches Home Decor Inc., said it was not
until later in life that she decided to follow
a career dream that took her back to the
Saratoga area.
After studying in California, Walker
decided to return to her hometown and
go after her true passion. Now, after years
working in the interior design field, working
for others, and learning a lot along the way,
Walker has opened the doors to her own full
service design business.
“I got started in the interior design
field about 18 years ago when I decided
to change careers and go into something
more creative,” said Walker. “I have always
loved decorating and wanted to take it to a
higher level. I moved to California to go to
school on the west coast but returned to my
hometown to be with family. After working in
a few different retail/interior design stores,
I decided to start my own interior design
business.”
She said Finishing Touches Home Decor
is different from simply hiring an interior
and exterior designer. Walker’s business
offers services from room restyling, using
the existing furniture and accessories, to
full service interior design. She is also a
merchandiser, offering home decorative
items and gifts.
“Anyone who is updating any part of
their home and would like some unique
items can stop in and find something for
themselves or a great gift for a friend or
family member,”said Walker.
Walker said she thought a lot about where
to start a business, and the Saratoga area
seemed like the perfect choice.
“I have always wanted a home decor store
of my own as I love merchandising as much
as interior design so last year I started
looking for a location. I have always loved
the area, from the people to the restaurants
to all of the art and history, so it was a
perfect place to open a home decor store,”
said Walker.
Convenience and ample parking were a
factor. Walker said, “The location at 217
Ballard Road in Wilton just off Exit 16 met
those needs.”
Finshing Touches Home Decor provides
products such as: artwork mirrors, frames,
pillows, bedding, tableware, florals, plants,
area rugs, candles, lamps, accessories,
furniture and of course we offer interior
design services.
Walker’s mother is the main reason she
became involved in the business.
“As a child I would always want to change
the color of my bedroom,” said Walker. “Well,
with that comes new bedding, new window
treatments. She would let me paint, then
hand-sew the things I needed to complete
the remodel. She taught me how to make my
own floral wreaths and accessories. I have
loved it ever since.”
Walker earned her degree at the
Interior Design Institute in Newport
Beach, California. She has over 18 years of
experience in the design field along with a
degree in accounting.
Walker has participated in the Saratoga
Builders Association Showcase of Homes and
the Capital Region Builders & Remodelers
Association Parade of Homes, winning
awards in both. Her work has also been
featured on “Trading Spaces” on the TLC
television station.
“I didn’t pursue this career until later in
life, first starting out of college on a different
career path, but it just goes to show, never
give up on a dream,” said Walker.