New interior design business brings color to Danville’s River District

Parrish, who recently opened her interior design business, HUE by Nancy Parrish Interiors, at 530 Craghead St., Suite 104, decided to move and expand her venture from Charlotte, North Carolina, after working on a project here for a local friend and client in May 2022.

“I instantly fell in love with the charm of the city and its people, so much so that my husband and I moved here shortly after,” Parrish, 55, told the Danville Register & Bee. “

She opened the business Nov. 12.

She was especially taken with the River District, which has been undergoing a a transformation over roughly the last decade.

“The River District, in particular, caught my eye because of its vibrant community, unique charm and the opportunity to be part of an up-and-coming area that perfectly aligns with my design style and business goals,” Parrish said. “Once my husband and I made the decision to move to Danville, I knew I had to find the right commercial space to launch HUE and the arts district was the perfect match.”

During her visit two-and-a-half years ago, she was impressed by the proactive approach businesses were taking to revitalize the downtown’s architecture.

“The influx of new businesses and residents highlights the dynamic transformation taking place,” Parrish said.

She began providing interior design work in her native Charlotte in 2014 through Nancy Parrish Interiors, after a career working in human resources in the corporate industry.

“I made the bold decision to follow my true passion for interior design,” she said.

Before coming to Danville, Parrish performed interior design work. But with her new endeavor, she has added a retail store to her business.

Parrish offers a range of tailored design services and products at her new location. They include curated store and custom furnishings.

Available items and services include custom textiles and wall coverings, artwork, gifts, home accents and decor, jewelry, apparel and accessories, design consultations and full-service design.

“I’m thrilled to have a store that goes way beyond retail,” Parrish said. “Customers will discover a curated collection of my favorite finds, handpicked to inspire and elevate any residential or commercial space.”

For anyone interested in more extensive interior design work, HUE offers full-service design to refresh a single room or an entire home, she said.

Parrish’s services are aimed at customers “in their late 30s-40s — maybe older, but young at heart,” she said.

“They love brands that are a bit exclusive, such as Currey & Company, Arteriors, Bernhardt as well as custom furnishings and vintage items — not necessarily because they want to show off or flaunt wealth, but because they like to feel different from the norm,” Parrish said. “They’re drawn to things that are a bit bold, unexpected — statement-makers and showpieces. They love the ‘wow’ factor.”

As for the role interior design plays in a person’s life, it’s more than just hanging pictures on walls and filling space. It can express who a person is and reflect their lifestyle.

“In today’s fast-paced world, having a home that embodies your individuality is essential for well-being,” Parrish said.

The philosophy behind interior design is nothing new for Parrish. She knows the psychological influence it has on individuals. Parrish holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial/organizational psychology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

As for her business’s location in the River District, Parrish connected with Rick Barker Properties, which has been redeveloping the 500 block of Craghead Street, and “felt an immediate sense of alignment,” she said.

“Everything about this venture feels perfectly timed and completely in sync with the community,” Parrish said.

Also, interior-design ventures are all too common in Charlotte, she added.

“The market in Charlotte is saturated with designers,” Parrish said, adding that she always wanted to open a retail store. HUE will fill a niche in Danville, she said.

She also likes Danville’s central location in relation to other, larger cities nearby — Charlottesville, Greensboro, Raleigh-Durham and, of course, Charlotte.

Parrish and her husband have two children and a 6-month-old granddaughter. They also have a dog, a Boston Terrier named Muggsy.

She plans to hire a junior designer in the future.

“We’ll see how it grows,” she said.

Her business’s hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Her store is closed Sunday and Monday.