Andrew Joseph: What is your favorite place to find inspiration?
Stefani Stein: I have always found gardens & gardening both therapeutic and inspiring. Some of my favorite gardens are Kokodera in Kyoto, Boboli Gardens in Florence, the grounds at Barnsley House in Cirencester, Lotusland in Montecito, Chelsea Physic Garden in London, and the private gardens at Fortuny on Giudecca in Venice.
This living room is elegantly elevated with vintage accents, keeping it airy and light, while raw materials provide a grounding and natural balance.
AJ: How do you incorporate sustainability into your designs?
SS: I am committed to making things responsibly and not over-producing. The intention of August Abode is to make future heirlooms that are used and loved for generations to come. With the aim of reducing our participation in the epidemic of thoughtless overproduction, our made-to-order pieces encourage a steady flow of business to LA’s rich artisan trade community while keeping our production process local and environmentally ethical.
AJ: What is your favorite design era and why?
SS: Italian 1940s and 1970s. French 1960s. The designs from these eras feel liberated and effortlessly chic. They are dynamic without being ostentatious. I especially love the finishes and materials used in Italian 1940s and French 1960s case pieces.
The earthy tones of the reading nook perfectly complement the color palette of the painting hanging above the velvet couch.
AJ: What is your favorite design element to incorporate into your projects?
SS: Legs are always such a considered detail for me. I’ve been gravitating towards pieces with unique leg designs, particularly hand-carved or turned legs in unexpected shapes or silhouettes.
AJ: What is your favorite type of space to design?
SS: Collaborating with other interior designers has become one of my favorite aspects of August Abode. I truly enjoy when other designers ask for customization of a piece in the collection or they inquire about new pieces that we haven’t launched yet. A few designers have just seen some drawings of pieces in development and ordered them for their projects. Or, fell in love with a bedside table and asked if we could design them a dresser. I think that level of trust comes from the quality they have experienced in past orders with us as well as our attention to detail.
Bathed in abundant sunlight, this dining area is warm and inviting, featuring custom upholstered chair cushions by Pierre Frey.
AJ: What’s your favorite cocktail?
SS: I’m not sure this qualifies as a cocktail, as it’s technically a digestif. Amaro with soda water, a squeeze of Meyer lemon, and the tiniest splash of yuzu is delightfully refreshing. It’s just as lovely in the afternoon as it is after dinner.
AJ: What’s a new hobby/skill that you have learned recently?
SS: Food has become my latest creative canvas. I recently renovated my kitchen and have been carving out time each week to experiment with recipes. Nothing is better than savoring the delicious results (well… mostly delicious—there have been a few doozies).
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