---
title: "The Sum of Its Parts — Interior Designers & Decorators | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/the-sum-of-its-parts-pfvwus-pf~1384284098
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1384284098.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "The Sum of Its Parts"
category: ["Interior Designers & Decorators"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/3fa3458800556d8e_7401-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "New Bern 28560, United States"
phone: "(252) 670-4089"
website: https://thesumofitspartsdesigns.com
rating: 5
review_count: 16
best_of_houzz_awards: 6
followers: 14
last_updated: 2026-08-27
---

# The Sum of Its Parts

Original Houzz profile: [The Sum of Its Parts](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/the-sum-of-its-parts-pfvwus-pf~1384284098)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Interior Designers & Decorators
- **Location:** New Bern
- **Serves:** New Bern, Bridgeton, James City, Brices Creek, Trent Woods, River Bend, Fairfield Harbour, Arapahoe, Grantsboro, atlantic beach area, Ernul
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (16 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2020–2026), for Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Recommended on Houzz
- 25 Ideabook Saves

My name is Nancy Bradley, and together with my husband Shawn, I consult, design and remodel spaces that are individualized to reflect the clients taste as well as functional to meet their needs. We create cohesive spaces that are creative and comfortable and above all else a true reflection of the clients personality.

When working with a client I present a clear and transparent design plan that includes a sample board, scope of work and fee schedule so that they have a full understanding of the project and process. We cater to all budgets and give options within the plan to add or edit along the way.

While we have tackled many large projects, there is no project that is too small.   I can advise on a simple re-arrangement of furniture, staging for a home sale, advice on space planning or I can help steer you through a complete remodel. Contact me at nancybradley065@gmail.com.

### Services Provided

- Interior Design
- Kitchen Design
- Bathroom Design
- Living Room Design
- Bedroom Design
- Color Consulting
- Space Planning
- Furniture Selection
- Kids Bedroom Design
- Dining Room Design
- Custom Cabinets
- Custom Kitchen Cabinets
- Lighting Design
- Custom Built-ins
- Floor Plans
- Custom Bathroom Vanities
- Entry Design
- Playroom Design
- Custom Furniture
- Laundry Room Design
- Mudroom Design
- Nursery Design
- Custom Home Bars
- Art Selection
- Closet Design
- 3D Rendering
- Basement Design
- Custom Bookcases
- Custom Walk-in Closets
- Custom Entertainment Centers
- Custom Fireplace Mantels
- Sustainable Design
- Custom Shelving
- Custom Pantries
- Home Staging
- Downsizing
- Green Building
- Custom Beds
- Decluttering
- Custom Storage
- Garage Design
- Custom Murphy Beds
- Kitchen Remodeling
- Home Office Design

### Areas Served

- New Bern
- Bridgeton
- James City
- Brices Creek
- Trent Woods
- River Bend
- Fairfield Harbour
- Arapahoe
- Grantsboro
- atlantic beach area
- Ernul

### Typical Job Cost

$500 - 75,000

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | The Sum of Its Parts |
| Address | New Bern 28560, United States |
| Phone | (252) 670-4089 |
| Website | https://thesumofitspartsdesigns.com |
| Followers on Houzz | 14 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/The-Sum-of-Its-Parts-197765443618643/
- Blog — thesumofitspartsdesigns.com

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [The Sum of Its Parts](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/the-sum-of-its-parts-pfvwus-pf~1384284098)
- **Website:** https://thesumofitspartsdesigns.com
- **Phone:** (252) 670-4089

## Credentials

- **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2020–2026), for Service.

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 16 reviews**

*Aspect averages:*
- Work Quality: 50.0
- Communication: 50.0
- Value: 50.0

### Reviews

**★★★★★ — Shopping Dilday, Sept. 2025**

> Working with Nancy has been an absolute joy! From the start, she took the time to truly understand my style and what I was hoping to achieve. What impressed me most was how she seamlessly blended my ideas with her suggestions, things I never would have thought of on my own but loved!
>
> Nancy is incredibly efficient without ever making the process feel rushed, and she has an amazing ability to listen and translate your vision into reality. Every detail reflected my taste, which made the finished space feel both personal and beautifully designed.
>
> If you’re looking for a designer who is creative, attentive, and a true professional, I highly recommend Nancy!  I’ve worked with several designers over the last 5 years and by far, Nancy is the best!

**★★★★★ — HU-304976982, Feb. 2024**

> Nancy was with us from beginning to end of our new build.  She made herself available, even at crazy times. she and Sean outdid themselves in customer service. Nancy was supportive of my ideas while steering me away from some not so great ideas. The final project is beautiful.  Thanks for everything!

**★★★★★ — Diane Moseley, Jan. 2024**

> We are so pleased to be able to work with Nancy Bradley. Soon after we moved into our 1920s bungalow, we knew we needed assistance to make the house our home. Going with The Sum of Its Parts was the best decision. Nancy was very budget conscious as she helped us determine a design plan for the main areas. She used what she could, reworked some, and sourced the right furniture and lighting as needed. Then came the bathroom! Nancy brought our ideas to life within our budget, replacing the tub with a walk-in shower, installing new flooring, moving fixtures around, and making the whole room shine and fit the house. We could not be happier with her past work and definitely plan to continue the partnership.

**Comment from The Sum of Its Parts:**

> Thanks Diane! It was a pleasure working with you and Bill.

**★★★★★ — alison1970, Jan. 2024**

> We moved into a house in New Bern, NC in 2014. I had a lot of work done but it was not good work. Enter Shawn and Nancy who have great ideas, are very budget friendly, and as I look around there isn’t a room they haven’t worked on. I haven’t felt any need at all to redo any of their work, and will ALWAYS use this duo for any design and work in my house. I have been complimented on my design flare, but I must give all the credit to Sum of its Parts. Wish I had found them sooner!

**★★★★★ — David Kirtland, Sept. 2022**

> Nancy planned and consulted with me.  Corrected so many of my initial ideas on color and cabinet.    As it worked out the tile and color scheme were she suggested were perfect for me.  Her selection of vanity, hardware and cabinet were great and very cost effective.  Nancy and Shawn did the work of a bathroom replacement in a week.  The tear-out, floor leveling and were very important, as well as the smoothing prep on wall and ceiling.    I simply love my shower with the modern shower features.  That hardware is superb and very affordable.  I have a chair in my new shower with sliding glass doors and grab bars - I feel complete safe sitting and using the long hand-held hose attachment.  It's a wonderful control panel.  I finally got a commode in the style (modern square) I asked for.  The cost came in right on target.  I had an unexpected electrical wiring issue involving the attic.  Very affordable.  Professional electrician and tile men.  Shawn is the consummate professional.  Work completed on time.  He re-hung my bathroom door as well!  I would highly recommend The Sum of All Parts to anyone doing a new or remodel project.

**★★★★★ — Beth Whitfield, June 2022**

> Nancy has been guiding me through a kitchen renovation for the last few months and all I can say is I can't believe this is my home now! Her expertise, professional contacts, personal skills and keen eye for the subtle things is remarkable. Naturally the kitchen has led into her helping with other parts of my home. Before I met Nancy I had a house....now it is becoming a home!!

**Comment from The Sum of Its Parts:**

> Thank you so much for the kind words, I love working with you!

**★★★★★ — Cyndi Papia, Aug. 2021**

> Nancy Bradley is an outstanding interior designer. She did a mini-makeover of my very plain, boring bedroom with the few items I purchased after Hurricane Florence. She brought over her magic bag of accessories (curtains, pillows, framed art, wall mirror, vases, etc.) and did her magic. She truly captured the “French Country” feeling I was looking for. I give Nancy 10+ stars and two thumbs up. She’s the Fairy Godmother of Interior Design and Room Makeovers!

**Comment from The Sum of Its Parts:**

> thank you Cyndi! I loved adding a little French country to your bedroom!

**★★★★★ — Jill, July 2021**

> Nancy Bradley designed and managed a project for our kitchen where we were looking to maximize storage and update cabinetry. This was a challenging endeavor, as our kitchen is very small in an even smaller house. We were looking for high end, yet affordable, cabinetry which may seem impossible, but Nancy made it happen. The cabinets are structurally solid, with quality finish, soft door closures, and pull out shelving. Although Nancy designed the layout of the cabinetry, she also secured the materials, and hired the installer.  She is well connected in the industry. Nancy has an eye for design, but with tape measure in hand, she understands practicality, and will not sell you on something that simply won’t work - she’s honest! Lastly, Nancy is a skilled communicator. She carefully listened to our needs and delivered on an amazing result. So if you are a potential client with a spouse with strong opinions, Nancy is your designer!

**★★★★★ — mcr1991, July 2021**

> Great communicator
> Reliable
> Very reasonably priced
> Prompt
> Responsive
> Works within your budget
> Always gives 3 choices when choosing an item
> Hard worker who is delightful and upbeat.
> I highly recommend Nancy Bradley

**★★★★★ — Diane, Oct. 2020**

> So here I am again to review Nancy Bradley from The Sum of its Parts, once again she has gone above and beyond.  Just the fact that I am a repeat customer speaks to her talent and creativity while still being very budget conscientious.  She has been working on a complete design/decorate/upgrade for us and it is amazing.  My husband and I are quite opposite in our likes/dislikes and somehow she manages to configure a very happy middle ground for us.  We couldn't be more pleased with the results, every room lets us feel completely relaxed and content.  As I continue to work with her I understand more and more how important it is to feel happy in your home, it is your space and your haven.  She has brought to my attention that sometimes small little changes can make a big difference and also what may seem like big changes and overwhelming aren't really that unmanageable.  She very skillfully guides you through designs while going over different options so that you are completely satisfied with the result.  My advice to you if you do not feel that your home is functioning like your have then you need to work with her.
> P.S. I don't have meltdowns in Home Depot anymore because I have taken her advice and do not go there unless I have her physically with me or on the phone with me.  Actually I am quite happy to not have to go there at all :)

**★★★★★ — S. L. Cockerille, Aug. 2020**

> Nancy Bradley isn't one of those designers who makes you feel like you can't hire a designer because it will lead to big spending and a home that doesn't even feel like your own anymore, or that you can't live comfortably in. She doesn't just come up with a design plan and a big scary shopping list (that possibly have little to nothing to do with your taste, home, or personality). She figures out what you're like and doesn't apply her style over yours, even if you have unusual taste! She scours online and local sources, sometimes going out of her way for something unique and perfect. Plus she'll re-style or re-purpose something (including your own things if you're okay with that) in order to not only save you money but also make your project truly amazing and just right. Nancy is creative, resourceful, inventive, handy, and efficient. She works quickly and finds the best tradespeople for the jobs she can't do herself. Nancy Bradley is worth every penny.

**★★★★★ — Catherine OBrien, March 2020**

> Nancy has helped me find new colors and fabrics and just got me out of my rut while staying within my budget.
> It has been so great to see all the new things in my rooms and how well they work together.

## Selected projects

- [Chris's bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chris-s-bathroom-pj-vj~7766785)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 5
- [JIm and Karen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/jim-and-karen-pj-vj~7766767)
  - Location: Fairfield Harbour, NC
  - Photos: 9
- [Bill and Dianes kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bill-and-dianes-kitchen-pj-vj~7702208)
  - Location: New Bern, NC
  - Photos: 4
- [Dill project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dill-project-pj-vj~7702204)
  - Location: Bridgeton, NC
  - Photos: 8
- [Styron bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/styron-bathrooms-pj-vj~7598826)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 3
- [Chris Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chris-kitchen-pj-vj~7598824)
  - Location: New Bern, NC
  - Photos: 3
- [our little flip](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/our-little-flip-pj-vj~7347602)
  - Location: New Bern, NC
  - Photos: 18
- [New Build Beauty](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-build-beauty-pj-vj~7347598)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 8
- [Bill and Dianes bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bill-and-dianes-bathroom-pj-vj~7347595)
  - Location: New Bern, NC
  - Photos: 4
- [Janes Kitchen upgrade](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/janes-kitchen-upgrade-pj-vj~7010436)
  - Location: New Bern, NC
  - Photos: 5
- [Beths Kitchen re-do](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/beths-kitchen-re-do-pj-vj~6948884)
  - Location: New Bern, NC
  - Photos: 6
- [Pink bathroom upgrade](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pink-bathroom-upgrade-pj-vj~6768966)
  - Location: New Bern, NC
  - Photos: 6
- [Midcentury'ish minimalist kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/midcentury-ish-minimalist-kitchen-pj-vj~6768943)
  - Location: New Bern, NC
  - Photos: 8
- [Marions artist home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/marions-artist-home-pj-vj~6768911)
  - Location: Vanceboro, NC
  - Photos: 7
- [Master bedroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/master-bedroom-pj-vj~6642686)
  - Location: New Bern, NC
  - Photos: 6
- [Dianes sweet bungalow](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dianes-sweet-bungalow-pj-vj~6408082)
  - Location: New Bern, NC
  - Photos: 12
- [Cathy's new colorful livingroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cathy-s-new-colorful-livingroom-pj-vj~6408060)
  - Location: New Bern, NC
  - Photos: 6
- [Clouser Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/clouser-home-pj-vj~6208546)
  - Location: Trent Woods, NC
  - Photos: 12
  - Description: A flooded home was updated from top to bottom. We took a few chances with wallpaper, tile and color and achieved a stunning home to suit all members of the family
- [Gunhus' traditional home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gunhus-traditional-home-pj-vj~5578592)
  - Location: New Bern, NC
  - Photos: 6
  - Description: This was a very specific project, not everyone wants to put walls up but it was needed for the custom bookcase/entertainment center/fireplace. We also dressed the dining room ceiling where there was water damage with architectural elements to give a faux tray ceiling look
- [Erika's waterside condo](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/erika-s-waterside-condo-pj-vj~5578568)
  - Location: Fairfield Harbour, NC
  - Photos: 18
  - Description: A small condo gets big impact when a closet comes down to add sightlines from the entry, new countertops, paint, architectural elements and furniture

[See all 30 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/the-sum-of-its-parts-pfvwus-pf~1384284098)

## Ideabooks

- [nancy\_bradley's Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/74263657/list/nancy-bradley-s-ideas) — 19 ideas
- [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/95798151/list/wish-list) — 1 idea

[See all 2 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/nancy-bradley)

## Community Q&A

**Q: got my hands on a vintage stove!** *(in Kitchens)*

I am so excited. I have been searching for a 50's vintage stove for the past several months and I finally snagged one! Yipeee! Now I have to remodel the kitchen because it is 40" and my current stove is 30" wide. I've been waiting to remodel so I can showcase the stove.

I have seen a few posts with vintage stoves and don't remember who they were. How did you restore your stove or did you buy one already refurbished? Did you plan your remodels around the stove or just like the look of the stove and buy one to fit in the existing kitchen?

Anything you can tell me about your experience with the stove would be appreciated.
Sadie

A: Please help me out Vintage Stove Aficionados!  I have a small kitchen and it gets warm very quickly when the stove/oven is on.  Will a vintage stove (in this case a 1940's Tappan) make it even worse.  Sweating my tatas off!

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-27.*