The Claghorns’ business is about creating beautiful spaces
By Abby Walton
Stop and think about how much you walk around your home. Every day, your feet sink into the softness of carpet or your kids race their toys across your wood floor. That’s a lot of wear and tear that gets overlooked. Each square of carpet or tile is truly the foundation of that room. It sets the tone for how we see and feel about a particular room. While most of us usually don’t see flooring this way, it’s the only way Claghorn Custom Flooring can look at a room.
“Our goal is to make people truly comfortable in their own home,” said Tara Claghorn, who runs the business with her husband, Kent.
At 19-years old, Kent started installing carpet, eventually opening his own business.
“I’ve always been creative and enjoy the design process. I’ve also installed all types of flooring so I truly understand the process,” he said.
Originally from Bluffton, Ind., Kent eventually moved his business into the old grain building in Zionsville in 2004.
“I loved how quant the area was, plus I knew my kids would get a great education here,” he said. As for the building itself, Tara said her husband had his eye on it for a long time.
“He’d asked the owners if they were going to sell it and they said no. He told them if they ever changed their mind to let him know and one day they did,” she said. Kent was creating a new foundation, slowing building his store and clientele.
While growing his business in Zionsville, Kent also was laying the foundation of a new relationship. Tara and Kent met in 2006. Both were previously married and each had two children.
“When I moved to Zionsville to be with Kent, I was excited because I knew my kids would be going to a great school and living in a great area,” Tara said. Married for three years, Tara has gone from working in the restaurant world to joining Kent in the flooring and design business.
“I love what I do. It’s just so fun. There’s nothing better than to hear a client say, ‘I love it,” she said.
From flooring and semi-custom cabinets to backsplashes and home décor, Tara said Claghorn Custom Flooring has something for every home and budget.
“We really take pride in what we do because we not only work in Zionsville, but live here as well. We see our clients out and about and we want them to have a wonderful experience,” Tara said. It’s these types of personal relationships that have helped the Claghorn’s business expand and also get through some challenging times.
In 2009, Tara was diagnosed with breast cancer.
“While I was going through treatment, I could only work part-time, so I helped Kent out as a secretary,” she said.
As she started to feel better and later became cancer-free, Tara said she realized she had an interest in design and decided to stay on with the company.
“She really does have a keen eye for design,” Kent said.
Kent and Tara said the one thing they love most about living in Zionsville is the way people come together to support each other and local businesses. As a way to say thank you, they’ll be hosting an open house on Nov. 20 and 21.
“Sometimes it’s just nice to see what’s out there,” she said. Especially with the holiday season approaching, Tara said it’s not too late for them to help you spruce up your home.
“Some easy things we can do are backsplashes in the kitchen or bathroom, a new vanity or some area rugs,” she said. Working together to create beautiful spaces is what the Claghorn’s business is all about.
“I had a customer recently tell me that our crew acts like one big family and that’s really true,” Kent said. After 30 years in business, creating solid foundations has led to lasting friendships for the Claghorns.
Holiday Open House
Claghorn Custom Flooring
Nov. 20 and 21
10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
100 N. First St.
For more information, call 873-6202
