By Virginia MacDonald
The Inspiration Home’s main living room space with an open concept that includes the kitchen was designed by the team from Stock & Trade design.
“Our design aesthetic typically focuses on using a neutral color palette that blends well with other designs,” said Christopher Rankin, executive vice president of creative product and development at Stock & Trade.
“So we begin with a plan that will coordinate well with the other decorators, even if we do not know what their design plan will be,” Rankin said.
Various interior designers are invited to decorate individual rooms in the Inspiration Home.
“I’ve noticed with most of the Inspiration Homes that we’ve done in the past that there seems to be an overall theme of color or design style that carries throughout most of the home,” Rankin said.
“I think that may be due largely to colors that are on trend at the time, the style of the home and by having a lead designer that manages the project for the builder and the magazine to help coordinate the different designs to ensure the flow through the home is cohesive.”
Rankin said global events over the past few years have changed our lifestyles dramatically and people now spend a lot more time in their homes, even transitioning their workspaces into their homes.
“This is making home furnishings and design a more important focus for most of us,” he said. “It is also creating a shift in design trends with a greater focus on comfort and classic styling – quality pieces that will last longer and not have to be replaced every few years.”
Neutrals are still on trend, especially with big ticket items such as upholstery and rugs.
“But we are seeing richer warmer neutrals and contrasting expresso, and black accents are becoming more popular. Antiques and classic architectural elements are also becoming a larger part of current classic design trends.”
However, the current classic and traditional design isn’t your grandmothers’ stuffy parlor design from the past.
“It is more eclectic, such as traditional styles accented with bold fabric and wallpaper choices, mixed materials and textures, traditional furnishings paired with modern abstract art, even a bit of glam.
“The spaces are layered and well-curated to make them unique, personal and inviting,” Rankin said.
Taking Over the South
Stock & Trade began 10 years ago as a small boutique home decor shop.
“We have evolved into a regional home furnishings lifestyle brand with five locations in four states,” Rankin said.
“Our focus has always been to provide beautiful and affordable home furnishings with a sophisticated casual elegance to their designs. Our showrooms have a curated and eclectic mix of decor and home furnishings that focus on clean transitional lines and classic styling that make them easy to incorporate into most design plans to create a timeless look.”
Stock & Trade’s first location was in Birmingham, with Destin, Atlanta, Spanish Fort and Nashville following. The showrooms range in size from 22,000 to 70,000 square feet.
Last week, Rankin was busy moving a showroom from Destin to a new three-story flagship store in Santa Rosa Beach.
