Your style. Your store:
Decorum occupies a unique position in Hampton Roads, Virginia as the only retail outlet devoted exclusively to contemporary furniture. That niche has earned us a loyal following for over 36 years. Indeed, we have been The Virginian-Pilot’s Readers Choice Award for “best furniture store” for over 15 years. We have two stores in Norfolk and Virginia Beach.
Decorum opened in the Ghent section of Norfolk in the early 1970s. Originating in a city that began in the 1600s, you would believe that traditional “Williamsburg-inspired” furnishings were the preferred choice for residences in such an historic city. But the lure of something different, and a crisp and clean contemporary style, proved to be a genuine success. In the mid-1980s, owners Vernon Middleton and Claus Ihlemann decided that remaking the local furniture market wasn’t enough, and proceeded to remodel a grouping of older abandoned buildings at the west end of 21st Street in Norfolk. The Palace Shops became the new home to Decorum, as well as 25 other retailers who bet on the revival of this retail corridor. Their early success spawned new development that has become the citywide roadmap to urban revitalization. A Virginia Beach store was added in the early 1990s to serve Virginia’s largest city. Today, Decorum employees a total of 25 administrators, managers, sales associates, designers, installers and delivery drivers.
Claus Ihlemann: Founder and President
Educated in Denmark, followed by four years in England working for a furniture and design company that specialized in Scandinavian furniture, Claus has 40 years of experience in furniture and design. He spent time in Arizona and California before settling in Norfolk, VA in 1975, where he founded Decorum Furniture. Claus has a passion for the furniture and design business, a keen interest in architecture, love for the arts, and enjoys the cultural amentities for the Hampton Roads region as well as the city's great selection of restaurants. Claus' favorite pasttime is to spend time at home with his partner, family and friends, while gardening and cooking just add tremendous joy.
Contact Claus: 757.623.3100 ~ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Robert Roman: Vice President
If there was one word to describe Robert Roman, it would be passionate. Whether it's furniture, cooking, entertaining or just life, Robert puts "everything" into it. That's why Robert is at Decorum. Everyone at Decorum is very passionate about bringing the best of contemporary furniture to the Hampton Roads area. Robert has over 25 years of retail management experience, most of it being in the fashion industry. That experience has helped him transition into the furniture business. Thank goodness he loves hats, because he wears many at Decorum. Robert is involved in every facet of store operations. Buying, merchandising, and display being the ones that keep him the most busy. In Robert's spare time, he loves spending time in the kitchen creating food as art, traveling with his best friend and partner, and hanging out with his awesome friends, also known as the "brotherhood."
Contact Robert: 757.623.3100 ~ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Contact us if you have any questions or requests.