Stephanie Calderon is the celebrated Principal Designer and CEO of her self-named boutique interior design firm based in Charlotte. Known for her unique take on West Coast-style designs, Stephanie Calderon Interior Design specializes in new builds, renovations, and full-service interior design. Along with her “invaluable teammates,” Senior Designer Madison Elliott and Operations Manager Jenna King, new life has been breathed into countless homes.
“I’ve always had a deep love for interior design,” Stephanie shares. “It’s the one activity that can engross me for hours without noticing the passing of time.”
Stephanie began by helping friends and family with their homes as early as 2016. Through word of mouth, her reputation grew. By 2019, she says she was already seriously considering launching her own business. When the pandemic led to a furlough from her full-time job, she seized the opportunity to focus on building a brand. This ‘side hustle’ quickly expanded, and by 2021 Stephanie realized it was time to commit fully.
“While it hasn’t always been easy, I’ve never doubted that it was the right decision.”
Here, Stephanie tells us more about this decision, and what defines her business.
What is your interior design team’s “signature”?
Our interior design team’s signature is a distinctive take on West Coast designs, where we prioritize function before beauty. We excel at creating harmonious spaces that seamlessly bring the outside in, incorporating natural elements to enhance the indoor environment. While our designs typically exude a light, airy feel, we are not afraid to incorporate moody colors to create striking focal points and add depth to a room. We particularly enjoy working with business professionals and those looking to put down roots in Charlotte, NC.
What kind of design education did you receive? How, if at all, did that influence your current style?
While I did not attend a formal design school, my journey in interior design has been shaped by hands-on experience and a relentless passion (borderline obsession) for the craft. I have continually educated myself through industry resources, design workshops, and by staying current with design trends and innovations. This practical, self-directed education has allowed me to develop a unique approach to interior design, where function meets beauty seamlessly. I’m also extremely fortunate to have a dream team of highly skilled professionals who bring technical expertise and creative flair to every project. Together, we constantly evolve our process, integrating new techniques and technologies to deliver exceptional results.
From where do you draw most of your inspiration for designs?
We draw inspiration from a variety of sources and stay current with the latest design trends. Travel also plays a crucial role, allowing us to experience diverse cultures and architectural styles that enrich our designs. Additionally, our clients themselves inspire us. Understanding their personalities, lifestyles, and preferences helps create spaces that are beautiful, functional, and uniquely tailored to them.
How would you describe your general design philosophy?
Our design philosophy centers on the belief that a room must be both beautiful and functional. If a space looks stunning but doesn’t function the way you need it to, then it falls short of its true potential. We strive to create interiors that are not only eye-catching but also enhance the way you live and work in them. For us, the perfect design harmonizes aesthetics and practicality. So, we ensure that every space we create is as usable as it is beautiful.
When working in the idea phase with a new client, how do you go about getting a feel for their tastes and their aesthetic?
When working with a new client in the idea phase, we spend ample time getting to know them and their family members. We want to understand exactly how your household functions. For instance, we ask first and foremost about all family members. We delve into personal preferences… and we ask clients to complete a detailed design questionnaire and provide inspiration photos. This helps us gain deeper insight into their tastes and aesthetics.
What are your goals for the future? In what ways are you looking to grow?
My goal is to expand our design firm’s capacity to serve more clients in Charlotte and beyond. Similarly, I’d like to overcome the challenge of being booked months in advance. Additionally, I aim to establish a small brick-and-mortar store offering locally curated home goods that reflect our unique style and fill a gap in Charlotte’s market.
stephaniecalderoninteriors.com
@stephaniecalderoninteriors
