Interior designer and founder of her own eponymous design firm, Glenna Stone believes that design is a magical process where something that didn’t exist suddenly does. She is passionate about developing all-encompassing designs that consider the intentions of the client, the architecture of the space, and the artful combination of scale, balance, proportion, texture, and hue. With a background in engineering and a degree in Interior Architecture and Design, Glenna takes pride in being an original thinker, a good listener, and someone who sees each project through to completion, enhancing the quality of others’ lives through her exceptional design skills. Learn more about Glenna’s work in today’s Designer Friday.
The contrast between the rich finish of this custom dining table and the cut-out chairs create a beautiful nod to the traditional style design of this open living space and dining room.
Andrew Joseph: If you had a superpower, what would it be?
Glenna Stone: My superpower would be the ability to teleport myself and my luggage anywhere I wanted to go. I absolutely love to travel, but I hate wasting time and airports! I’d much rather just blink and find myself wherever it is that I want to be (with my bag, of course)!
AJ: What would you like to be remembered for?
GS: Honestly, building a business that supports other women. My team is made up of all women and watching them grow both individually and as a group is incredibly rewarding. We have a great culture that offers support and teamwork, and we all learn so much from each other – there’s definitely something unique about a group of strong women working together to achieve success.
Tranquility is met with modern twists in this serene bedroom.
AJ: What’s the weirdest thing a client has ever asked you?
GS: “Can you put wall-to-wall carpeting in my bathroom?” I have to admit, that one really threw me. It’s not a good idea for a lot of reasons.
AJ: What’s one thing people don’t know about you?
GS: I went diving with Great White Sharks in 2007. It was equally amazing and terrifying. They are these fascinating creatures and then you find yourself basically face-to-face with them. I’m glad that I did it but in the future I’ll admire them from a distance!
AJ: What was your first job?
GS: When I was 10 years old, I was a paper girl. I’d get up every day at 6 a.m. and ride my bike and deliver papers before school and on the weekends. I actually still have my paper bag!
This open-concept kitchen and breakfast area boast sleek white cabinets and a stunning large island crowned with gorgeous quartzite. The breakfast nook sits across from a wet bar for all your morning (and evening) drink needs.
AJ: If you had one more hour in the day what would you do with it?
GS: Read. I have so many books I want to read and not enough time. I am slightly obsessed with business books. Mom and entrepreneur life is pretty busy and hectic, and my stack of books keeps growing.
AJ: What’s inspiring you in life (in the industry) right now?
GS: The fact that more and more people want very comfortable, livable homes. It’s inspiring to create spaces that people actually use. I love finding ways to blend style and function so that every room is one that truly works for them, whether it’s a place to relax and unwind like a family room or bedroom, or a space that offers solutions for everyday living like a mudroom or butler’s pantry.
About the Designer | Inspired by her mother, an artist and teacher, Glenna Stone developed her sense of color and composition at a young age. She has always had a passion for combining color, materials and textures in an artful manner. Paralleling her creative side, Glenna embraced her strong technical skills and received a degree in engineering from Lehigh University. Upon graduation she worked as a consultant and project manager in the consumer products industry.
While achieving much success in this previous career, she felt the need to embrace her more creative side and began taking interior design courses at the Boston Architectural College and the Rhode Island School of Design. After much consideration, Glenna decided to combine her technical and creative skills and pursue a graduate degree in interior design. Glenna graduated from Drexel University with a Masters degree in Interior Architecture and Design.
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