Designer Spotlight: Stephanie Kraus Designs
Meet Stephanie Kraus, founder of her eponymous Philadelphia based interior design firm, Stephanie Kraus Designs.
When I first discovered Stephanie, I was immediately drawn to her work on beach houses along the Jersey shore (which I later learned is one of her fortes!). She creates the dreamiest coastal living spaces - they're fresh and fun.
I had the opportunity to speak with Stephanie to learn more about her design process, her inspiring transition into the design world, and her biggest tips for designing a beautiful space on your own. Read on for the full interview!
Credit: Stephanie Kraus Designs
CC: How did you get your start as a designer?
SK: I studied communications and worked in publishing. After having a kids, I left publishing and started writing a design blog. I always had a passion for interior design and would write about my personal style and offer design advice. I started to receive interest from readers asking if they could hire me and as that demand grew I turned it into a business.
CC: What is your signature design style?
SK: Livable luxury. My designs are fresh, clean and simple.
Credit: Stephanie Kraus Designs
CC: What are your favorite types of design projects?
SK: Beach houses and new builds. I really enjoy taking a home from concept to completion and working with builders and architects to design that concept. I also enjoy taking rooms that were done 20+ years ago and completely refreshing them.
Credit: Stephanie Kraus Designs
CC: How can our readers achieve the designer look at home themselves?
SK: Spend the time to plan out your space. Scale and use of space are crucial. Measure your room and space and determine first what the dimensions of pieces needed for that space are. Once you have that, then look for unique and beautiful pieces that fit those dimensions.
Credit: Stephanie Kraus Designs
CC: What are some of the most consistent design mistakes you see your clients making?
SK: Not taking the time to plan out the space. Measure the room and think about the how the room will function (ie: how many people you want to seat, how will you use the room, etc.) and then make choices that reflect those functions. Avoid spontaneous decisions. It’s like that quote “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail" - Benjamin Franklin.
CC: How do you like to incorporate home accents in your design projects?
SK: Accents are one of the most important aspects of design. When I am looking around and shopping I buy things that I love and that I know I can place – like a small accessory. Then I take the things that I love and see what I can fit into the projects I am currently working on. Once I identify those pieces, I source the accessories that I am missing to complete the project.
Credit: Stephanie Kraus Designs
CC: What types of home accents do you find to be most transformational to a room?
SK: Lighting is the most important thing to a room. Lighting is the first thing I would change out in a room that is not updated. Outdated lighting can really ruin the whole space. I add texture with trays, mirrors and pillows. If the client has a lot of solid pieces, I add pattern and color with pillows.
Credit: Stephanie Kraus Designs
CC: What are your favorite Cailíní Coastal finds and how would you style them?
CHARCUTERIE BOARDS
I like using wood cutting boards as accessories in kitchens because they warm up the cold tile, wood and cabinetry.
Credit: Stephanie Kraus Designs
COFFEE TABLE BOOKS
Coffee Table Books are a great way to add a pop of color in an otherwise neutral space. They also help to define the hobbies or likes of a client, adding a personal touch.
Credit: Cailíní Coastal
Leave a comment