Our Story
Inside Design was founded in 1985. The business was the "Vision" of Cindy and Mitch McDougal. Cindy, Interior Designer, and husband Mitch, teacher and coach at Ferguson High School, had always dreamed of owning their business. Starting out as minimal as possible they rented a 350 sq. ft. office space on the second floor of a bank building. The warehouse was located in a nearby storage facility both in Oyster Point Business Park in Newport News.
The business concentrated on interior design and floor covering (mostly carpet and vinyl). Cindy was the only full time employee and had one part time assistant. Mitch juggled his teaching and coaching career and assisted as much as possible with loading and unloading trucks and handling any physical labor and field work. As the business grew additional office and showroom space was needed. Soon after the first year in business Inside Design moved into a single story office building with two designers and a receptionist. Mitch retired from teaching and coaching to join the business full time, overseeing the floor covering business. Cindy continued her concentration on building the interior design division.
In the third year of business it was inevitable a larger space was needed and once again Inside Design relocated. This move included a gift and accessory showroom with an off site warehouse space for floor covering inventory. Three designers were among the staff and two gift shop employees. Tireless hours of work and strong commitment to the business drove the decision to "pull in the reigns" and condense operations to a smaller more manageable location. The gift and accessory showroom was eliminated and the floor covering warehouse was now adjoining the showroom. As a natural "spin off" to the floor covering business, Inside Design added a carpet and upholstery steam cleaning division. This division was put in the "trusted hands" of their brother in law Jim. Jim had over 12 years experience in the cleaning business and was more than eager to join the staff. With one additional technician, Inside Design Steam Cleaning was born.
In the 80's and 90's Inside Design had built a very well respected interior design business. Cindy along with three additional designers worked closely and tirelessly promoting the business by competing in local home shows. The Parade of Homes shows proved to be very rewarding where in seven years of competing they collected six interior design awards. Three gold awards, two silver and one bronze award were received. The Peninsula Home Builders Association still host the show today. Cindy later became very involved in the association and served on the executive committee and was the chairman of many projects and activities for the next several years.
While the design business was thriving, at home elderly family members needed attention. With family obligations the decision was made to retire the design business which occupied so much of Cindy's time. All efforts were concentrated on floor covering and steam cleaning.
The existing building was not ideal for displaying floor covering samples and the warehouse space needed to be increased. In 2008 another move was evident. Working closely with contractors a new showroom and warehouse space was designed and built. The facility is located in Yorktown in the Yorktown Commerce Center. Inside Design occupies two side by side units. The showroom is designed to display a variety of floor covering samples and a spacious warehouse contains the equipment for floor covering, steam cleaning, area rug cleaning and drying and their newest introduction Water Damage Restoration.
Since 1985 a lot of changes have taken place. Inside Design has been able to diversify and still keeps true to this deep commitment to customer service. Family based and determined to build and grow for future generations to carry on the good name.
Today, you will find the McDougal family, Cindy, Mitch and Ryan, working closely with sister and brother-in-law, Susan and Jim. Family commitment to each other as well as a commitment to our valued clients is what the team believes in. Quality work and close attention to the smallest detail has been the driving force behind Inside Design's motto... It's what's inside that counts.
