interior design

As an art director with a background in theater, Mary Kenny has a flair for interior design that rivals her skills as an event planner in the entertainment industry.

She continued her career in journalism, including covering interior design and lifestyles, before trying her hand at children's and decorating books.

The chain — recognized by its red-and-white striped logo and kitschy interior design — has quietly been closing locations since January and shuttered 50 more last week before filing for Chapter 11 protection.

"So, when you interpret that into a rug or a carpet, it’s symbolic," she said when I met her at her stall at the Decorex interior design show held in London last month.

Katie, who previously worked in interior design, says she loves to check how quickly properties might sell and has a list of favourite homes she has looked at.