DK Benson Interiors opens design center in Williamsville

DK Benson Interiors' new Williamsville center showcases upscale kitchen, cabinetry and appliances and an array of furniture, accessories, a working ceiling-to-floor brick fireplace and a home theater room.

Considered a first of its kind, the design center is located in the nearly 3,000-square-foot former Glen Campbell Chevrolet dealership building at 5688 Main St., near Evans Street.

"It's your source for everything interior," said Bruce Benson, a home construction company owner who had the idea of creating a mix of interior design professionals under one roof.

Benson and his wife, Deborah, started their construction business 20 ago.

The DK Benson Interiors team of seasoned designers and decorators includes Mary Ellen Carocci, who owned a floral design business for 13 years and "has an eye for color and design (and) brings a creative and personal touch to her client's homes." She was brought aboard to design Benson's townhouse model on Essjay and Evans in Williamsville.

Other members of the team are:

• Megg Cook, who has taught interior design in two countries and been design manager on numerous commercial and domestic projects, including the award-winning Adelaide Casino in Australia, as well as product manager for MacKenzie Childs.

• Colleen Cusick, a Villa Maria graduate whose resume includes serving as a personal assistant to actress and talk show host Rosie O'Donnell, working for The Expo, the women-oriented arm of Home Depot in kitchen design, and designing commercial and movie sets.

• Gaye Ruff. whose knowledge and creativity is based on a long family history in the furniture and design industry.

In addition, Benson has forged working agreements with several local companies, including: Advanced Alarm & Home Theater, Anzalone Electric & Lighting, Appliance Associates of Buffalo, Buffalo Plastering, Italian Marble & Granite; WNY Bath & Kitchen Gallery and WNY Plumbing.

"Our design center doesn't look like your typical showroom. Anything interior is accessible here, and our goal is to bring out the personality of the homeowners we work with in helping either design or redesign their home," said Cusick.