It's all in the DETAILS
December 24th, 2009
Becky Hatch's Sugar House store is a home away from home for her customers
by Rebecca Edwards
Once you step into the inviting world of DETAILS Comforts for the Home, you may never want to leave. Owner Becky Hatch has brought a special mixture of unique, beautiful, and eclectic finds to her Sugar House store, creating a welcome alternative to cookie cutter home stores like Pottery Barn and RC Willey.
"For Salt Lake we are a unique store. We are the only one who has this look," she shared. "People walk in and I can often hear an audible sigh. Even if it's not their style, they still feel the lightness."
Becky's style is elegant, timeless, and welcoming--and there's certainly nothing shabby about her chic. DETAILS sells both new and vintage pieces. The items she chooses to showcase at DETAILS are ones that she hopes her customers can enjoy for the rest of their lives, and even pass down to their children. This is a concept she shares with customers, especially those who may balk at some of the prices.
"Someone may see a $400 pillow," Becky explained, "And they don't understand why. An intricate, hand-embroidered pillow is a work of art. It can be handed down for generations. A $40 pillow won't last, but in 100 years, ours will still look beautiful. The difference is whether you want something you can live with for a couple of years or something timeless that you can live with and love forever."
Browsing through the two delightfully tempting stores (they are right next door to one another on 1100 East) it was easy to understand what Becky was talking about. From gorgeous beds with luxurious bedding to handsome cabinets and tables, I could envision these interesting, graceful pieces in my life for a very long time. I also noted a wide array of pricing throughout the store, making the special ambiance of DETAILS accessible for nearly every budget.
"I try to keep the pricing so that everyone can afford something," Becky said. "I want to have really good quality and things that are in keeping with our style and our look, but I try to reach out to a lot of people with different incomes."
Becky started in the home decor business 21 years ago, selling wholesale to designers. She bought out her original partner after just four years, and moved downtown. The wholesale business started to struggle, and when Becky found the building that currently houses the store, she expanded into consignment. Nine years ago, she decided to go completely retail and dropped the wholesale aspect of the business.
Her relationships and reputation followed her into the world of retail, and have contributed to the success of DETAILS. She said that fifty to sixty-five percent of her business is still with designers. Becky's experience also gave her a strong appreciation of the difference good bedding makes.
"Good quality bedding is a joy to sleep in," she said emphatically. "Once you've slept in wonderful sheets it's hard to go back."
One of the store's most unique features is their personalized bedding service. They will sit down with you and design the perfect bedding -- and not just for your home, but for your quality of sleep.
"We pull bed sets together, mix and match different collections. We really start with how you like to sleep," Becky shared. "There's a science to sleeping, and it's more than whether you sleep on your side or on your back. Some people like to have heavy weight on them while they sleep, others like nothing. Some people prefer crisp bedding, others something soft and satiny. People don't realize the difference it makes to have quality, all-natural materials that breathe. We combine all of those factors to create a really amazing sleep experience. It's very personal."
To me, everything in the store felt very personal -- not just the bedding design service. Becky graciously attended to customers and employees throughout our interview, making everyone feel that she had time for them. The intimate atmosphere is enhanced by the presence of Louis, Becky's dog (and a customer favorite). I found him resting on the back of a couch, where he has been known to frighten customers who don't realize he's not part of the decor.
As our time drew to a close, I found myself not wanting to leave the store: a response that Becky says is common.
"We have a comfortable atmosphere that people love," Becky shared. "There was a lady who was dying of cancer and she spent her last weeks in the store. It's a sanctuary, and that's what I want to help people create in their homes. A refuge from the rest of the world."
