Bainbridge Island Modern Bungalow Project Reveal

When a family approached me about furnishings for their home they’d bought several years before, they actually came found me through two former clients. One you’ll recognize as the Island Eclectic. This couple’s main dilemma was an awkwardly shaped living room that seemed to just bleed into the dining area, and then an awkward sunroom and adjoining kitchen. While they had been living here for years, the house still felt like they’d just moved in. Nothing felt permanent, they were missing key storage pieces, and the flow of the main living space just didn’t make sense.

The first suggestion I’d made was shifting the dining room into the sunroom, and the floorplan seemed to fall into place from there. We added a huge built-in to the living room, changing the orientation of the whole room, and opening it up to the fireplace area, where we could add more seating. Other rooms also got more storage - bookshelves in the kids’ room, a cabinet in the playroom for craft supplies, a dining sideboard added to the kitchen. Custom window treatments and new art made the rooms feel finished.

Take a look, and let me know what you think!

Photos by Miranda Estes Photography.

Introducing BOWER

The team here at MSI is excited to announce that we are opening a storefront on our home of Bainbridge Island! The new location will house our design studio and a showroom of curated vintage items and home decor.

We’re calling the store Bower, inspired by one of my favorite childhood books, “Eight Cousins” by Lucy Maud Montgomery. In it, a young girl is gifted a beautiful new bedroom full of worldly curiosities, a big copper bath, and all kinds of pretty things. She calls her room “The Bower” and I’ve loved the romance of it all these years.

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Bower: a pleasant shady place under trees in a garden or wood. A dwelling, shelter, or chamber.

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The shop will open on May 16th, and in the meantime you can sign up here to stay in the loop!

10 years of Maggie Stephens Interiors

In the fall of 2013, I registered a new business license for Maggie Stephens Interiors. Newly married, and having just moved from Seattle to San Jose, CA, I was making a big step into pursuing residential interior design.

Though I’d been self-employed for about 2 years at that time, and had been doing some design consultations, I had been very focused on e-design, influencing (though it was yet to be called such), and writing for several online publications about design and trends. The move was as good an excuse as any to focus on what was really exciting to me - helping families make a house into a home.

I’ve had a lot of amazing clients since then, and met lots of people. I’ve been the first non-family member to hear about pregnancies. I’ve worked on 3 different homes for one family. I’ve gone from Crate & Barrel to custom furniture from high end showroom brands. A few years ago, I learned Auto-CAD and started expanding our construction design services. I now have 2 employees, and we’re looking to grow more in the vintage resale market.

And in the meantime, moved back to Washington. Bought and sold our first house on Bainbridge Island. Bought a fixer-upper. Had two babies. Traveled with my husband. Lived through a pandemic with a newborn and preschooler. Whew!

And couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you all, for 10 years. Cheers.

Digital Room Kit: A Colorful Living Room

Digital Room Kit - a virtual, colorful, eclectic living room design board, picked so you can shop the entire room (or just a piece here and there). This room is a little Neo-Trad, my jumping off point being the very bright and cheerful sofa!

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While the color palette is fun an feminine, I love that the investment pieces are clean lined and versatile - a midcentury credenza will ALWAYS be in style. A grasscloth parsons style coffee table is timeless. Add in some fun punches of color, modern art, and texture - you’ve got the makings of a very chic room.

Why Interior Designers Are Worth Every Penny

Are you tired of scrolling through Pinterest, pinning endless design ideas for your dream home, only to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to start? Enter the invaluable expertise of an interior designer. These skilled professionals have the ability to turn your vision into reality, while saving you time, money, and stress along the way. With their unmatched industry knowledge and skill set, interior designers maximize your space, create a cohesive design, provide access to exclusive resources, manage your budget, and ensure your dream home becomes a reality.

Maximizing Your Space

One of the most crucial aspects of interior design is maximizing the available space in your home. You may have a vision for your dream home, but without expert guidance, it can be challenging to make the best use of the space you have. This is where an interior designer shines. They have an innate ability to evaluate a room and identify its full potential, making every square inch count.

By working closely with an interior designer, you can ensure that your home is optimized for functionality and efficiency. They have a trained eye for spatial planning and can suggest creative solutions that you may have never considered. From selecting the right furniture pieces to optimizing storage solutions, interior designers know how to make the most of any space, whether it's a cozy studio apartment or a sprawling mansion.

Not only do interior designers understand how to arrange furniture and decor in a way that maximizes space, but they also have access to a wealth of resources that can transform your home. They can recommend innovative design elements, such as multi-functional furniture or space-saving storage solutions that you may have never thought of. With their expertise, they can help you achieve a balance between aesthetics and practicality, creating a space that is both beautiful and functional.

Creating a Cohesive Design

Creating a cohesive design is one of the key strengths that interior designers bring to the table. They have a deep understanding of how different elements work together to create a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing space. From coordinating colors and patterns to selecting the right furniture and accessories, interior designers are skilled at creating a cohesive design that ties all the elements of a room together.

One of the ways interior designers achieve this is by considering the overall theme or style of a space. Whether you prefer a modern and minimalist look or a traditional and cozy feel, an interior designer can help you define and execute a cohesive design that aligns with your vision. They are experts at selecting and combining the right materials, textures, and finishes to create an inviting atmosphere.

By working with an interior designer, you can ensure that every aspect of your space is carefully considered and thoughtfully designed. From the layout and flow of the room to the selection of furniture, lighting, and accessories, an interior designer will take a holistic approach to your project, creating a cohesive design that reflects your personal style and meets your functional needs.

Access to Exclusive Resources

Access to exclusive resources is another significant advantage of working with an interior designer. These professionals have access to a vast network of suppliers, vendors, and tradespeople that the average homeowner simply does not. By working closely with designers, you gain access to a treasure trove of unique and high-quality materials, furnishings, and decor options that can elevate your space to a whole new level.

Interior designers have spent years building relationships with trusted suppliers and artisans, giving them the ability to source products that are not readily available to the general public. Whether it's a one-of-a-kind vintage piece, artisanal handmade tiles, or custom furniture crafted by skilled craftsmen, designers can recommend and procure exclusive resources that will make your space truly special.

Moreover, interior designers have an insider's knowledge of the latest trends, design innovations, and emerging materials. They attend industry trade shows and stay up to date with the ever-evolving design landscape, giving them access to the most cutting-edge products and materials. By tapping into their expertise, you can be confident that your space will feature the latest and most stylish options available.

These exclusive resources play a crucial role in creating a truly personalized and bespoke interior design. They allow your designer to curate a space that reflects your individual taste and preferences, rather than relying solely on off-the-shelf options available to everyone. With access to exclusive resources, your designer can source unique pieces that perfectly complement your style, creating a space that is truly customized to you.

Managing Your Budget

In addition to providing access to exclusive resources, interior designers are also skilled at working within budgets of all sizes. They understand the importance of managing your budget effectively and finding the right balance between your desired outcomes and financial limitations. Whether you have a generous budget to work with or need to be more mindful of your spending, interior designers can help you make the most of your investment.

By understanding your budgetary constraints, interior designers can craft a design plan that optimizes your resources without compromising on style or functionality. They have a keen eye for identifying cost-effective solutions and with their extensive knowledge of the marketplace, they can recommend budget-friendly materials, furnishings, and décor that still maintain a high level of quality and aesthetic appeal.

Moreover, their established relationships with suppliers and vendors can be leveraged to secure competitive pricing and discounts. They have a deep understanding of the market and can guide you towards the best options within your budget range. Their industry connections and expertise allow them to source products and services at favorable rates, ultimately helping you save money without sacrificing the overall vision of your design.

Working with an interior designer means having a dedicated professional who will closely monitor your budget throughout the entire design process. They will collaborate with you to set realistic expectations and prioritize your design goals accordingly. Their experience in managing budgets ensures that you stay on track and avoid any unnecessary expenses or surprises along the way.

Saving You Time and Stress

By enlisting the services of an interior designer, you can expect more than just a beautiful end result. These professionals understand the value of time and realize that it is a finite resource. That's why one of the most significant benefits of working with an interior designer is the time they save you.

Undertaking an interior design project requires a considerable amount of planning, research, and decision-making. From selecting the right colors and materials to finding the perfect furniture and accessories, the process can quickly become overwhelming. However, with an interior designer by your side, you can offload much of the responsibility onto their capable shoulders.

Interior designers have extensive knowledge and experience in the field. They know where to find the best resources and suppliers, cutting down on the time you would spend hunting around for the perfect pieces. They can also provide expert advice and guidance, saving you the hours you might spend researching the latest design trends or trying to figure out the best layout for your space.

Additionally, interior designers have established relationships with contractors, craftsmen, and other professionals who can bring your design vision to life. Instead of spending your time coordinating and supervising different tradespeople, an interior designer will handle all the logistics for you. They will communicate with contractors, schedule deliveries, and ensure that everything is accomplished according to the project timeline.

Moreover, an interior designer can help you avoid costly mistakes that could eat up both your time and your budget. Their expertise allows them to foresee potential issues before they arise and make informed decisions that keep your project moving forward smoothly. Whether it's an incorrect measurement or a mismatched color scheme, interior designers have the knowledge to spot and rectify these issues, saving you the hassle of dealing with them later. And when shipments go missing or a piece of furniture arrives damaged, they are there to take care of the problem smoothly and effectively.

Time is precious, and by entrusting your interior design project to a professional, you free yourself from the stress and burden of managing it all on your own. With an interior designer taking the reins, you can focus on other important aspects of your life while knowing that your project is in capable hands.

In conclusion, working with an interior designer not only ensures that your project stays within budget, but it also grants you the invaluable gift of time. By leveraging their expertise, industry connections, and meticulous attention to detail, interior designers save you precious hours that could be better spent on your work, hobbies, or spending quality time with loved ones. Ultimately, when you consult an interior designer to maximize your space, you are investing in more than just furniture placement and color schemes. You are investing in an expert who will guide you through the intricate world of interior design, helping you create a space that reflects your personality and lifestyle while maximizing the potential of every square foot. With their expertise, you can transform your home into a functional, beautiful, and harmonious space that you'll love coming home to.

Ready to work with us? Check out our design services and reach out for more information.

Day in the Life of an Interior Designer

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be an interior designer? Well, I can tell you that no two days are the same. Between site visits, client meetings, and the variety of jobs we’re working on, my days can be spent all on the go or all in front of a computer. However, I decided for one day to capture activities as they happened, so you can get a peek into how things run here at our design studio on Bainbridge Island.

First things first, I pick up coffee from Cups, one of our favorite island coffee spots and only half a block from our office. I’m getting one for me and for my client with whom I have an early morning meeting.

My client comes to the office and brings some backsplash tile that she’s putting into the bathroom of her new detached studio. I help pick paint colors to sample (always using Samplize!), and we discuss some other finishes and cabinet details. She’s a consultation client, so I help with decisions and then she puts the plan into action.

After a quick lunch checking email, I have a Discovery Call with a potential new client. I love these complimentary introduction calls. It’s exciting to start to imagine a project, even before I’ve been in the space. I take a bunch of notes and follow up with an email about how to move forward.

This afternoon, I’ve got a zoom call for a preliminary presentation (this is the idea stage) and I want to send a photo of the actual materials to the client. We’re doing a mudroom and laundry room for a busy family, while giving it a nice dose of personality.

We hop on our zoom so I can present the preliminary design to my clients. We review some of the inspiration, then layout of both spaces with proposed finishes. Once they’ve approved this design direction, I’ll make final finish selections (hardware, lighting, etc) and get some quotes on cabinetry, while getting estimates from a few of my favorite island contractors. After our meeting I jot down what they liked, didn’t like, and any action items we discussed.

I do a quick desk tidy and pack up to go pick up my kid! That’s one day in the life of an interior designer.