Symmetrical entry consoles set a clean, architectural foundation in this foyer, while the paintings above quietly tie the warm, earthy tones together.
Andrew Joseph: What inspired you to become a designer?
Stephanie Lindsey: My design career started at home with a mom who could pretty much do everything — from upholstering our sofa to making our drapes to space planning. I honestly remember days when I’d get home from school and find all of our living room furniture rearranged — and loving it! She made everything feel new and exciting. It impacted me so much — not only did I eventually grow up and become a designer, but also, seeing her do anything, I assumed I could too. Which is definitely a good attitude to have in life. And my mom wasn’t the only one who influenced my decision to go into design… so did Ty Pennington. I totally fell in love with Trading Spaces in High School and thought that his job looked so awesome… I just wanted to grow up and have his job.
AJ: How do you approach a new design project?
SL: For us, every new project starts with listening. We want to understand how you live, what you love, and what’s driving you crazy in your space. That first conversation sets the tone. I think back to growing up with a mom who rearranged our living room just for fun; she taught me how a small shift can make a familiar space feel exciting. We bring that same sense of curiosity and possibility into understanding a client’s vision. From there, we start dreaming up layouts, concepts, and materials that bring the story to life. After we land on the perfect concept, my team and I get laser-focused on the details — drawings, specs, finishes — so the execution is smooth and nothing gets lost in translation.
Vertical space becomes part of the design narrative in this kitchen, filled with light, sculptural fixtures, and the subtle movement of a fluted island.
AJ: If you weren’t a designer, what would you be and why?
SL: I have dreams of decorating cookies for a living. I love cake decorating too. A career as a cookie and cake decorator would feed my creative side while also allowing me the autonomy to problem-solve and I think it would be fun to manage those timelines!
AJ: How do you incorporate art into your designs?
SL: I’ve always believed a room isn’t truly finished until the art and accessories are in place. We have a designer on our team who focuses primarily on art and accessories, has invested time getting to know local artists and galleries, and truly specializes in curating the right pieces for our clients. We also incorporate clients’ existing art, and sometimes that means reframing pieces to fit their new home/aesthetic. We love meaningful photographs, collections that have been built over time, or something new we source together with our clients… it all becomes part of the style story.
Sourcing and styling art is honestly my favorite part — it’s like finding the perfect cast for a movie. I mix high and low, local artists and big brands, vintage treasures and fresh contemporary pieces. Installation day is where everything truly comes alive. I’ll take time to arrange every object and hang each piece so it all feels intentional and balanced, and then we walk through it together to make sure it feels right to you. In the end, my goal is simple: for you to look around your home and feel like every item — big or small — belongs to your story. That’s when the space stops just being beautiful and becomes yours.
Color-forward and carefully curated, this office supports creativity while maintaining a sense of order.
AJ: What’s your design pet peeve?
SL: An exposed tile edge. No question. Tile should have a trim piece, always. In my opinion.
AJ: What would your dream project or dream client be right now?
SL: An uber-modern tech-focused project where the client wants to incorporate robots, creating a home of the future.
AJ: Style (or design) icon and why?
SL: Anna Wintour; I have literally searched the internet for some of her outfits — before AI — and am obsessed with her jewelry collection. I love her iconic necklaces!
AJ: What is your favorite design-related quote?
SL: “Love color. Take risks. Stay curious” – Kelly Wearstler
Like what you see? Get it first with a subscription to aspire design and home magazine.