Each month, we look forward to sharing with our customers one of our favorite designers to work with and help showcase their work so that you can see how they can help you with your design projects.
For July, we’ve chosen Stephanie Donnelly from Studio IX Design!
Hi, I’m Stephanie, founder of Studio IX. My design philosophy begins with the idea that your home should be relaxing and inviting, a place you enjoy spending time after a hectic day. To achieve a room’s true potential, I begin by analyzing the space and understanding your functional requirements, budget, and aesthetic preferences, even if you’re not sure what they are! After gaining this insight, I form a concept, make preliminary selections and create a drawing. This is the most important step throughout the process; it is the visual representation that gives a base to work from and ensures the space comes together cohesively and with purpose. A renovation that includes tearing down walls, replacing cabinets, and changing flooring may seem daunting but with a design in place, the project stays on budget and on track.
Hopefully, I’ve told you enough that you believe I can help you build an awesome living room, kitchen, man cave, etc., but if you need some credentials, I received my Bachelor of Science in Interior Design and have worked with a high-end designer as well as in the construction industry. What I really want to leave you with more than anything is that you will have a great experience using Studio IX for your home design services.
Insights from a Designer
#1 – Unity
By repeating elements in color palette, style of furniture and flooring throughout the home, a cohesive feeling is created. Your home will feel more spacious too.
#2 – Functionality
It’s not just about looking good. Furniture and surfaces needs to fit the room’s function. For example, you also wouldn’t place a white sofa in a child’s play area.
#3 – Timeless
Beyond functional requirements, another consideration may be resale value. If you sell the house, design choices that appeal to a wide arrange of tastes will bring the most value. Something neutral but aesthetically pleasing will do the trick.
#4 – Durability
Invest in quality materials and well constructed pieces that you’ll keep for at least a decade. Higher quality items cost more up front but have better resale value and longevity. Selecting lower grade finishes usually results in visible wear in a year or two and requires early replacement. Flooring is an especially bad place to skimp due the the labor involved in changing it out later.
