St. Romain Interiors
When patrons first walk into St. Romain Interiors, they realize they have entered into more than just an antique store.
After running an antique and design company out of her home for five years, Cindy St. Romain decided last year a store was necessary. “I opened a store so I would have a place to show my antiques and have a place to store my things … it is kind of a retail store and storage place all in one,” says St. Romain. With the store—and unlike her home—she can show items in a setting where clients can visualize an idea.
Initially, St. Romain became frustrated when she was unable to find furniture and accessories she liked and decided to start her own business. “I felt there was a need for these types of items on the Northshore,” says St. Romain. And she was able to buy the period pieces she was fond of—French and Italian antiques.
St. Romain Interiors also carries chandeliers, mirrors and lighting, as St. Romain believes lighting can be an expression of art, as well as functional. More contemporary looks are available—including lucite furniture and Quartine slipcovered furniture (a brand out of California), and art by Kevin LeBlanc, Norma Kilgore and Myra Williamson.
Not having a degree in design didn’t stop St. Romain from indulging in her passion for it. “I would say my design style is to mix contemporary with classic French and Italian. I don’t feel that everything has to be expensive for a home’s interior to look nice, but a balanced environment needs to be created,” says St. Romain.
— HILLARY GOLDEN
Southland Plumbing Supply
In 1967, John Vinturella was working in the plumbing industry when he grew frustrated with the lack of supplies and fixtures within the industry. John decided it was time to open a store of his own to meet those needs. Since then, Southland Plumbing Supply has grown from a mom-and-pop store to a large, family-owned and operated plumbing supply company.
“We now offer everything that you need to build or renovate, as far as plumbing supplies and fixtures for the kitchen and bath,” says Mona Vinturella, John’s daughter-in-law. Mona’s son, Chad, helps run the Mandeville location.
Southland stocks faucets, toilets, bathtubs, sinks and various accessories such as towel racks. Among the product lines the store carries are Kohler, Delta, Grohe, Moen and Elkay.
For first-time visitors, Mona recommends to come in, see what they have to offer and ask plenty of questions about what they are looking for. “We can give them some literature to take home and look over,” says Mona. “After that, they can make an appointment, especially if they have extensive work to be done, and we can give them our undivided attention.”
The company strives to give customers exceptional service and keeps abreast by attending training sessions and seminars, and on-the-job learning. “We really stress that we can give complete service from the beginning with ideas, all the way
to delivery,” says Mona. While the company doesn’t install, they can work with and recommend plumbers and contractors.
— HILLARY GOLDEN •
