Happy November, cuties! I am thrilled to kick the month off with our latest Trade Member Spotlight: Meet Tyler Spano, of Tyler Spano Design!
Tyler Spano Design is based in Huntsville, Alabama, and helmed by its lovely founding design, Tyler Spano herself. Tyler founded her own design business after years of working as a designer for other firms. She works with a wide array of styles and always loves to incorporate antique pieces, statement lighting, and bold textiles into her work (a woman after my own heart!).
“I started working with KKH in 2022. I love the variety and price points that are offered! I can always find something for every project that I am working on. It’s easy to explore, customer service is wonderful and my favorite, a downloadable tear sheet that prints flawlessly!” -Tyler Spano, founder of Tyler Spano Design
When she’s not busy at work with a Tyler Spano Design client, Tyler enjoys quality time with family and friends, and spending time in beautiful places (Smith Lake and Highlands, NC, are major faves) and just relaxing outside in the front yard with her neighbors and kids until the sun goes down. Sounds heavenly!
Read on to learn more about Tyler Spano Design and about Tyler’s approaches to design, work, and finding inspiration.
Tell our readers about your business—what are your specialities and core offerings?
I am a residential design firm located in Huntsville, Alabama, but have projects all over the South. After working under two design firms, I took a leap and went out on my own and I am so happy that I did. I love what I do and it brings me joy every day!
Do you have a favorite interior design style to work with on projects?
I don’t have a specific design style that I love to work with, but I always try to incorporate antiques, oversized lighting, bold fabrics, and textures and to bring in a custom piece! I like to keep each space sophisticated with some flare, but also comfortable for a family of five with pets!
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How would you describe the style of your own home? What’s your favorite piece of furniture/decor that you own?
My own home is collected, neutral and has lots of textures. I am slowly bringing in lots of color! Especially with my art, which are my favorite pieces in my home. Some favorites that I have collected include; Augusta Wilson, Kristin Blakeney, Rebecca Jack and Anne Darby Parker. All of these pieces are bold with lots of color and bring me so much joy! I have also snagged a couple of amazing antiques from Found Bham that I adore!
Tell us about a notable project from the past few years.
A recent special project was helping a client with their first child’s nursery, which happened to be my nursery that I was brought home to from the hospital. To make it even more special, our boys are growing up together and we have become great friends!
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What have been some of the biggest joys and challenges you’ve faced in your career in the design industry?
The biggest joys are seeing it all come to life and the clients happy of course, but another joy is working with my Dad. Even though I am a one-man show, he is a big asset to my business as he meticulously hand-draws all of my terrible sketches and designs into something presentable to my clients. He is very talented and has great ideas too!
The biggest challenge, which has improved greatly, is lead times and back orders. Everyone wants it done now and to find another option, but it is always worth it to wait!
Are there any design trends you see on the horizon for the year to come?
I don’t love trends or ever use the word. Your home should be a reflection of you and what you love, not what the trends are!
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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?
I would say absolutely reach out and don’t be intimidated. Be upfront in the beginning with budgets, etc. I think a major upside is that it helps give your clients confidence and excitement once you help them see how beautiful their home can be, and to take most decision making and stress off their plate! And mostly to trust the process!
Speaking to fellow design pros: what advice do you have about working a challenging client or overcoming unforeseen obstacles on a design project?
I thankfully and gratefully can say that I have not worked with a challenging client yet! When it comes to unforeseen challenges, big or small, my advice is to be up front and honest, and to make things right as best as you can.
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Where do you draw the most inspiration from as a designer?
I get so much inspiration from everyday life around me, but also from my clients. I love seeing their personal style, how they live, what they love and incorporating some of my own flair to the space to make it really feel comfortable and a space they are happy to come home to everyday and love.
Are there any exciting updates with your business that you’d like to share?
I just participated in Huntsvilles first ever Inspiration Home with Birmingham Home and Garden and Hays Farm—it was such a fun experience!
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The Kathy Kuo Home Trade Program
Feeling inspired by Tyler Spano Design? 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.
