Stefani Stein’s style is described as relaxed and refined with a splash of inspiration from her Californian roots. She began her firm in 2014 and since then has been featured in major publications such as, Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, and Elle Decor. She was also named one of California Home + Design’s ‘Rising Stars’ for Fall 2019. With her clean and modern touches, she is able to transform any home to what clients are looking for. Please help me introduce this week’s Designer Friday: Stefani Stein.
Stefani Stein has created her own line of wallpaper called, August Abode. It captures her signature style and her California lifestyle.
Andrew Joseph: How do you maintain a work/life balance?
Stefani Stein: Maintaining a work/life balance can be difficult; they inevitably entwine. I think the solution is to love what you do. Then, during those periods when the balance skews toward work, the stress is about meeting deadlines, not dreading the work itself.
Andrew: What’s your favorite time of the day?
Stefani: I really enjoy the stillness between 7 and 8 AM. The sun is out, but it isn’t hot yet. My home is quiet and my phone usually hasn’t started buzzing with emails and texts.
More of Stefani Stein’s beautiful wallpaper called Peony Garden Mural, placed in actress Shay Mitchell’s new office.
Andrew: Dream country to work in? Or dream project to take on?
Stefani: It would be a dream to work on a project in Europe, which I haven’t done yet. I love all of the fantastic architectural details and that each building has a history—something that is less common here in Southern California. I think England or the Netherlands would be perfect.
Andrew: Best advice you’d give your teenage self?
Stefani: If I could go back and give my teenage self a few words of wisdom, it would be to trust your instincts—they won’t fail you.
Andrew: Best way to take a rest/decompress?
Stefani: I find there is nothing better than a great book, a large beach and a dip in a warm ocean to decompress.
Pictured here are custom ottomans for a home in Marina del Rey.
Andrew: Best compliment you’ve ever received?
Stefani: It may sound silly, but I was once told I had a beautiful aura. It was shared with me by someone I ran into often at a friend’s home but didn’t really know. Her compliment felt like she saw me so intimately. It was strange and lovely and is still my favorite compliment I’ve received. Although, I wish I would have asked her what color my aura was!
Andrew: Who is your ideal client?
Stefani: I love working with writers. I’ve had a handful of writers for clients now, and it has always been a fun and positive experience. Perhaps they are better able to articulate their likes and dislikes?
About The Designer | Stefani Stein is a Los Angeles based interior designer & founder of August Abode. Her eponymously named firm was established in late 2014, offering full-service interior architecture & design.
The firm’s approach to design embraces the idea that each client and space are unique. Regardless of the project size or scale, Stein believes that inspiring spaces evolve from the collaboration achieved by listening to both the client and the architecture. With an emphasis on supporting specialized craftspeople and workrooms, the firm’s fabricators are an integral part of the design execution. All of this steers the narrative flawlessly from concept to completion.
This philosophy has led her to consistently create timeless designs in her signature relaxed & refined aesthetic. Clean, modern touches intertwine with both classical and unexpected elements throughout her projects in the bespoke commercial and residential spaces.
Andrew Joseph is a regular contributing editor for ASPIRE DESIGN AND HOME magazine. See more of his work here.
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