Picasa Design offers new looks for your home or business
By Tonya Warren | Photos courtesy of Picasa Design
Famed Spanish artist Pablo Picasso would be impressed by Ciece Gray’s naming of her downtown Belton interior design business. “Picasso was known for his unique and very different designs,” Gray said. “I just changed the spelling of his name to reflect more of a feminine sound for my business.”
Creativity is a lifelong trait of Gray, who, while growing up in a military family in Germany, would rescue her mother’s castoff knickknacks and other furnishings to give her own bedroom a new look. “I’d redo wallpaper in my room, and hang curtains my mom no longer wanted,” she said, laughing.
Eschewing typical high school homemaking classes, Gray taught herself to sew and reupholster furniture. She also studied at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and took online design classes.
Even now, she’s working toward a business degree with an emphasis on marketing to better understand all aspects of the business world.
Gray worked as a pharmacy technician for many years, but interior design is where she finds her happy place. In 2009, she opened her design studio in the garage of her Killeen home. The business took off and eventually she wanted to open a brick-and-mortar location. She loved what she saw and felt in downtown Belton.
“It’s very family friendly down here and there’s such a community feel here,” she said. “Plus, it’s busy and thriving here, and businesses are supportive of one another.”
As the current vice president of the downtown Belton Business Alliance, Gray is all about helping the area succeed.
Opening her store in February 2020, she never could have imagined a global pandemic would be lurking at the door. The business was closed for about three weeks after COVID-19 made its debut, but during that time she offered items online and with curbside pickup.
After reopening, she noticed homeowners were willing to spruce up living spaces. Gray also became adept at converting guest rooms into offices — a hallmark of the new work-from-home lifestyle.
The business is truly a family affair. Gray says she does the design, while her husband, Travis, does much of the hands-on work, such as painting, installing flooring, making wooden planks for accent walls and more. Daughter Jade is an artist whose bright and fun canvas art and photography adorn many walls in Central Texas.
Fabric, floor and paint samples are available for purchase along with unique bright accessories. Many customers like the 3D wallpaper. Gray also works with a wholesaler in Austin to help find items for customers. Trips to a yearly market in Las Vegas allow her to purchase unique and innovative items.
Gray prides herself on giving personalized and vivacious customer service. Not sure what type of design you want to delve into? Get your feet wet by signing up for her free 30-minute Discovery call, where you’ll show her, with your cellphone, the area in need of some loving.
“This call is very important,” Gray said. “I want to get to know the customer and their likes and dislikes. I want our personalities to mesh, and I need to know if it’s a job I can do.”
Gray is also willing to work within your budget.
With Designer-for-a-Day, Gray and her clients don their most comfortable pair of walking shoes and head south for six hours of intense shopping.
“We go shopping in Austin and the Georgetown, Round-Rock area,” she said.
Shopping on an empty stomach isn’t fun, so Gray and the customer will take an hour lunch break. “I pay for lunch,” Gray added.
Designer-on-Deck is an option in which 20 hours of time are purchased and used in increments. “This is a great option for someone who is design savvy but doesn’t have a lot of time to shop,” Gray said. “For example, I’ll use an increment of that time to shop for custom bedding, if that’s what the customer needs.”
Picasa Design
202 E. First Ave., Belton
254-831-3017
picasatheartofdesign.com
