Designers Vicky Diedrich and Susan Reese have recently joined the staff of Village Design Group in Southern Pines.

"We are so pleased to have Vicky Diedrich join our team of interior designers," said Vicki L. Stone, Village Design Group owner. "She has a wealth of design experience and is extremely creative with color and textures. Clients will love her fun personality. Vicky will also be managing the showroom on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m."

Beginning at the Design Institute in Seattle some 25 years ago, Diedrich has long demonstrated a passion for design. From cabins in Montana to townhomes on the Mall in Washington, D.C., or to coastal properties in the >Carolinas, she has helped clients create and enjoy fulfilling living environments, a news release said.

"The challenge that most homeowners face is in making each room equally enjoyable while still having >the rooms flow seamlessly from one to the other," >Diedrich said. "The days of a living room just being used for formal entertaining >are mercifully behind us. Yet, how clients now elect to decorate their living room to make it more enjoyable remains a matter of great personal taste."

>Diedrich said she is excited to be a new member of the Village Design Group team and will continue to emphasize her design mantra of "simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."

Reese recently moved to Southern Pines from Chicago. With more than 30 years of experience, she has worked as an interior designer for Richard Honquest furnishings, LML & Associates and Something Special Design Firm.

From 1988 through 2010, she managed her own design firm called Interiors II. Reese offers decorating and design services for commercial businesses, resort properties and residential clients.

Reese said she is enjoying her new home in Southern Pines and riding her thoroughbred horse, named Summer.

"We are so excited to have Susan on our design team," Stone said. "She has a wonderful eye for color and creates the most pleasing palettes for her clients."

The Village Design Group is at U.S. 15-501 in Southern Pines and is the Sandhills' largest decorating and interior design company. The showroom houses one of the largest selections of fabrics, flooring and wallpaper samples in the region.

The design staff offers space planning, construction oversight, shopping assistance and decorating.

Anyone wanting more information about the Village Design Group Interior Design Center can visit www.villagedesigngroup.com or call (910) 692-1000.