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. Watch this week's episode as recorded on Ballard Designs' YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/43ghnE7 What You'll Hear on 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 Decorating Dilemma: 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: 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!