E23: Interior Design with Love, Empathy, and a 'French-sational' Touch

What makes Catherine Montague with Montague Design a good neighbor? 

Pittsburgh's Luxury Interior Designer with a Distinctive European Elegance

Interior design is far more than selecting paint colors and furniture – it's about creating functional, beautiful spaces that truly represent the people who live or work in them. On our latest Good Neighbor Podcast episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Catherine Montague, founder of Montague Design, a luxury residential and commercial interior design firm that brings a unique European sensibility to their projects.

Catherine's journey to becoming an interior designer is as fascinating as her approach to design itself. Born and raised in France, she originally studied international business before a semester at San Diego State University changed her trajectory. Falling in love with the United States, Catherine eventually moved to New York where she began working in home furnishings stores. This experience sparked her passion for interior design, leading her to take specialized classes and launch her career in the field. Her French background continues to influence her aesthetic, bringing a distinctive European elegance to American homes and commercial spaces.

One of the most interesting aspects of our conversation with Catherine was learning about the comprehensive nature of her firm's services. Montague Design doesn't just select furniture and decorative elements – they design all interior architecture for renovation and new construction projects. This includes cabinetry, fireplace details, wall and ceiling features, and selecting all finishes from flooring to plumbing fixtures. By taking this holistic approach, they ensure a cohesive design throughout the entire space. Their full-service model extends to placing orders, organizing deliveries, and overseeing installation, making the process as seamless as possible for clients. Throughout construction, they collaborate closely with architects and contractors, helping clients make timely decisions to keep projects moving forward efficiently.

Catherine addressed some common misconceptions about working with interior designers. Many potential clients worry about the cost, not fully understanding the value a professional designer brings to a project. Others fear losing control of the decision-making process. To combat these misconceptions, Montague Design has created an educational video series called "Behind the Design," which takes viewers through different phases of the design and construction process. This transparent approach helps demystify their work while showcasing their expertise and collaborative spirit.

What truly sets Montague Design apart is what Catherine describes as their core philosophy: infusing designs with "love, empathy, and a French-sational sense of fun." The love represents their passion for design and the deep connections they form with clients. Empathy comes through in their judgment-free listening process, ensuring the final space truly reflects the client's needs and preferences. And that "French-sational sense of fun"? It's about creating an enjoyable design process where everyone – clients, architects, contractors, and tradespeople – collaborates as a team to solve problems and create together.

To learn more about Montague Design go to: 

https://montaguedesign.com/about/

Montague Design

(412) 638 2696