Happy Fall, cuties! I am so excited to welcome in the new season by introducing you to one of our oh-so-lovely Trade Members: Tanya Stone, the founder and principal designer of Tanya Stone Interiors!
Tanya is an acclaimed interior designer based in Los Angeles, CA (though she works with clients from all over) who strives for a client-centric approach to her work and loves always balancing the new and old.
“I’ve been working with KKH Trade Program for eight years. Their customer service is by far the best in the industry and prices are always competitive.” -Tanya Stone, Owner & Principal Designer, Tanya Stone Interiors
When she’s not hard at work on her dreamy interiors projects—she loves to find design inspiration in nature, from past historical eras, and from her clients themselves—Tanya loves to unwind and find peace by spending time with her family. Read on to learn more about how Tanya Stone approaches design, business, and life—and enjoy some awe-inspiring photos from her portfolio!
Do you have a favorite interior design style to work with on projects?
My style changes daily. My approach is always taking in the clients style, budget, and the type of design execution that is required. Is it a renovation? Are we staying true to the original style of the home? Is it a new build? What is the budget, how detailed can we go? All these factor into the final design approach.
How would you describe the style of your own home? What’s your favorite piece of furniture or decor that you own?
My home is a mix of it all. We ended up in a mid-century ranch style home and I tried incorporating that style as much as possible throughout. My favorite piece of decor I own is my grandfather’s banjo. It is my favorite thing in the house of course besides my children!
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Tell us about a notable project from the past few years.
My last project I photographed with returning clients is by far my best work yet. I get asked all the time what my favorite project is and, truthfully, it’s always the next one.
“Each new project is an opportunity for me to grow, push boundaries in design and evolve. I wake up everyday so excited to do what I love.”
What have been some of the biggest joys and challenges you’ve faced in your career in the design industry?
This industry is ruthless. My biggest challenge is staying true to myself and firm to my standards. It is fighting imposter syndrome and in return being able to create not only a beautiful space not an entire lifestyle for clients.
“Purchasing a home is by far the biggest investment someone can make, it is truly an honor to be able to be a part of this process for so many.”
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Are there any design trends you see on the horizon for the year to come?
I’m a firm believer in doing what feels right and what makes you happy. Just because someone, somewhere is saying something is in or out—that shouldn’t dictate your design aesthetic. Following proportions and scale is the only thing that matters.
What advice would you give someone who wants to work with an interior designer on their home, but they feel intimidated or hesitant? For someone who’s never worked with a designer, what’s the major upside?
While the investment seems steep, a good interior designer will actually save clients money with their knowledge, expertise and execution. Not only do they save money they end up saving time, stress which results in an elevated space they most likely would not be able to achieve on their own.
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Speaking to fellow design pros: What advice do you have about working a challenging client or overcoming unforeseen obstacles on a design project?
Having an iron tight contract is a must. You can always be kind but you do not always need to be nice. Communication and presence is very important and if a client continues to be difficult, then it is absolutely ok to accept that the relationship isn’t the right fit.
Are there any exciting updates with your business that you’d like to share?
Besides designing homes and commercial spaces, I am working on a custom furniture line designed and sketched by me!
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The Kathy Kuo Home Trade Program
Feeling inspired by Chrissy Ritter? If you’re an interior designer or architect you can apply to our Trade Program to enjoy a wide array of professional benefits, as well as access to a thriving community of interior design pros. You can learn all about it HERE, but in brief, KKH Trade members receive: Competitive Trade Pricing, Low Storage Fees, Dedicated Trade Specialist to Coordinate Orders from Start to Finish, and More.