C·Top Design

Cheryl Kees Clendenon

Interior Designer

“We want clients to keep an open mind and throw preconceptions out the window. We encourage them to let us do what we do and present them with all options.”

A detail-oriented designer and businesswoman, Cheryl Kees Clendenon, Owner and Principal of In Detail Interiors in Pensacola, FL is all about teamwork. Her full-service interior design firm creates and executes functional and beautiful homes for real people.

With a keen eye for design and deep expertise in the kitchen and bath, Cheryl sat down with Cosentino to discuss the past, present, and future.

From media to design

I started my career in media doing marketing and sales for radio stations. I also had experience and success flipping homes and gravitated towards design. I am completely self-taught - my path was different and not a straight shot, but that’s what makes it special!

Creating In Detail Interiors

I am known for my attention to detail. Is something off by 1/8 of an inch? I’ll notice it! So it made sense for me to go into the interior design world, which has so many moving parts. In the first seven years, we really focused on K&B, and now we’re transformed into a full-service firm. I have a good head for business, which helped me grow quickly and accelerate the business. We are problem solvers and relationship makers.

Passionate about people and talent

I love training people and am an entrepreneur by heart. Business coaching is one of my favorite things! Hiring and nurturing talent is something I'm truly passionate about. We are now a strong team of eight. My coaching business is a big part of who I am, and I'm only able to do this because I've developed a team. Spending time with other designers and helping them with their businesses is extremely fulfilling. I’m very proud to have my daughters working in the business and following in their mother’s footsteps.

Image number 32 of the current section of Cheryl Kees Clendenon of Cosentino USA

Silestone Bianco Calacatta wall cladding | Project by In Detail Interiors

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A BEACHFRONT HOME WITH SILESTONE

Silestone was the material of choice for this stunning beachfront cottage. Cheryl and her team selected the thick gray veins and white backdrop of Silestone Bianco Calacatta for the kitchen countertops and backsplash...but that's not all. The material was also used as wall cladding in the adjacent living room, creating a sense of harmony and continuity perfectly suited for the space.

Image number 33 of the current section of Cheryl Kees Clendenon of Cosentino USA

Image number 34 of the current section of Cheryl Kees Clendenon of Cosentino USA

A “willing suspension of disbelief”

Believe it or not, I'm lettered in drama and always use this quote with my clients “willing suspension of disbelief”. It is a theater saying where you go to be totally immersed in the play. We want clients to keep an open mind and throw preconceptions out the window. We encourage them to let them do what we do and present them with all options. We have an incredible intake process which allows us to maintain a high success rate.

I always talk about HybriQ Technology

When you specify and sell a product, you need to be an expert in it. People care about keeping a clean home, especially after COVID. Whenever I am specifying quartz, I always mention Silestone’s sustainability with HybriQ+ Technology which includes a minimum of 20% recycled material in its composition. We approach sustainability in terms of our own footprint and are very conscientious about that.

Image number 35 of the current section of Cheryl Kees Clendenon of Cosentino USA

Image number 36 of the current section of Cheryl Kees Clendenon of Cosentino USA

A quartz pioneer

I like to take a leadership role and be honest with my clients. I used quartz before it was popular in Pensacola because it made sense for my clients - it has beauty and functionality. I promoted quartz in smaller cities and people trusted me. I care about the outcome.

I believe in countertops that stand the test of time

I’m a big proponent of countertops being permanent. It is something you need to really invest in and not just think about how it looks today or go with the cheapest option. I encourage my clients to think about quality and durability. With Silestone, they can have a countertop that will look great today and for years to come. Vendor connections are key for a small company like us, we truly believe in our vendors. By not fostering relationships, you do a disservice to yourself.

Learn your business

There are hundreds of lessons and tips I would give aspiring designers, but a huge one is taking time to learn business processes! Understand liabilities, insurance, everything. Designers are creatives in nature, but it is important to learn how to read a P&L and not rely on other people to tell you what you need to know about your business.

Get to Know Cheryl Kees Clendenon

Use one word to describe yourself

Enthusiastic

What profession, other than your own, would you like to explore?

Attorney

Choose one: Silestone, Dekton, or Sensa?

Silestone

What is the worst design trend of the past 10 years?

Raised dishwashers

What is your favorite design trend of the past 10 years?

The quartz movement!

What is your favorite space in your house?

My 'un-dining' roon

What is one thing you can’t live without?

Cellphone

Image number 37 of the current section of Cheryl Kees Clendenon of Cosentino USA

“I love training people and am an entrepreneur by heart. Business coaching is one of my favorite things! Hiring and nurturing talent is something I’m truly passionate about.”

Cheryl Kees Clendenon

Interior Designer