Taryn and Liz welcome designer Stephanie Mahaney to the show. Formerly the lead designer at the esteemed Campbell Interiors, Stephanie founded Stephanie Rae Interiors in 2014 and brings her flair for bold, colorful design to a wide array of clients between coastal Jupiter, Florida, and serene Maine.
Our discussion dives into the nuances of designing homes in contrasting coastal environments, tailoring spaces for seasonal use, and crafting personalized, vibrant interiors. Stephanie also shares insights into her design journey, from early inspirations in her childhood to setting up her own thriving business. Her experiences offer listeners a masterclass in marrying practicality with creativity in home design.
IMAGE CREDIT: “Lost Tree Retreat” by Stephanie Rae Designs
What You’ll Hear This Episode:
- 00:00 Introduction
- 00:50 Meet Stephanie Mahaney: A Vibrant Design Journey
- 02:00 Growing Up in a Constantly Evolving Home
- 05:00 Transitioning Between Florida and Maine
- 06:30 Adapting Design Styles to Different Seasons
- 10:30 Building and Designing for New Homes and Compounds
- 13:00 Collaborative Roles of Designers, Builders, and Architects
- 15:00 Addressing Homeowner Frustrations in New Builds
- 19:00 Seasonal Homes: Infusing Fun and Flexibility
- 22:30 Latest Trends: Rechargeable Lighting and Art Acquisitions
- 25:00 Embracing Bold Art Choices in Design
- 28:00 Avoiding Coastal Decor Clichés
- 31:00 Incorporating Color and Pattern with Confidence
- 35:00 Making Smart Choices with Rugs and Natural Textures
- 37:00 Highlight: The Barn Project in Maine
- 41:30 Decorating Unique Spaces with Natural Views
- 44:00 Listener Dilemma: Reimagining a Dining Room with Style
- 49:30 Conclusion
IMAGE CREDIT: “Lost Tree Retreat” by Stephanie Rae Designs
Decorating Dilemma:
Hello!
I have been listening to your podcast for a while and finally decided to send you my dilemma. I don’t love my dining set and want to get a new one, I’m open to keeping the table and getting new chairs or voce versa, or just getting both new.
I have no idea what will look good in here, or if I should keep this rug that keeps snagging or get a new one, I’m just lost. I love everything else in this room except the dining set and rug, please help!
– Gabriella
Hi Gabriella,
The hosts understand your struggle with the dining room’s current setup. Stephanie offers some creative solutions to enhance the space’s aesthetic and functionality.
Stephanie begins by recommending a new rug, suggesting that a larger, well-fitted rug can instantly make the room feel more expansive and cohesive. She advises selecting a rug made of wool for easy maintenance, especially considering the dining room’s usage.
For the dining set, Stephanie suggests a round table slightly larger than your current one to comfortably accommodate six chairs instead of four. This change could improve both the functionality and flow of the dining area.
Stylistically, Stephanie encourages incorporating texture through your seating choices. Consider options like chairs with textured or patterned upholstery to add depth. A high-gloss finish on the table could provide a striking contrast and complement your existing mural and hutch.
Moreover, she suggests adding a tall, collected item such as an antique vase to the table to create a focal point, balancing the room’s visual interest.
We hope these tips inspire a fresh and inviting atmosphere for your dining space. Best of luck with your redesign!
– How to Decorate
Also Mentioned in This Episode
- Shop Ballard Designs | Website
- stephanieraeinteriors.com | Designer Website
- @stephanieraeinteriors | Designer Instagram
Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast in Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. You can always check back here to see new episodes, but if you subscribe, it’ll automatically download to your phone.
Happy Decorating!
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