Ep. 403: Coastal Designs with Stephanie Mahaney

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!