High End Inspiration For Real Budgets with Samantha Stathis Lynch

In this episode of the Slow Style Home podcast, I sit down with Samantha Stathis Lynch of Samantha Ware Designs to explore her rich background in art authentication and interior design. Samantha shares her journey from galleries to working at the prestigious De Gournay, and how she incorporates her deep understanding of art history into accessible interior design for all. She discusses the importance of mixing various design eras to create a layered, personalized home aesthetic and offers valuable tips for antiquing and spotting quality pieces. Samantha emphasizes the significance of creating homes filled with beauty and authenticity while also championing the eco-friendly aspects of reusing antique pieces. Her insights stress the importance of your home reflecting your story and personality, making each space unique and joyful.
**LISTEN ON YOUR PODCAST PLAYER OF CHOICE**

Watch this entire episode on YouTube HERE

KEY TAKEAWAYS

An Artistic Journey

Samantha's career path is a testament to her dedication and love for the world of art and design. She began by working in art galleries, where she honed her expertise in authenticating art and antiques. This experience gave her a solid foundation in understanding the origins and authenticity of various pieces. Her journey continued at De Gournay, a world-renowned design house, famous for its meticulously hand-painted chinoiserie wallpaper. At De Gournay, Samantha transitioned from the gallery world into interior design, working with high net worth individuals and top designers to realize their visions with this luxurious product.

Blending History and Everyday Living

What I found refreshing about Samantha's approach was her grounded perspective on integrating beauty into everyday life. Despite her background in high-end design, Samantha advocates for sourcing pieces that tell a story without breaking the bank. She explains how she uses her skills in authentication to find affordable yet high-quality items from antique stores and flea markets—pieces that hold character and history, and are built to last.

Samantha believes that creating a personal and beautiful home involves mixing different styles and eras, and not being afraid to juxtapose high-end with more accessible elements. This approach helps avoid the trap of having a home that feels like a one-dimensional museum piece. Instead, it becomes a vibrant expression of personal taste, where each item holds a particular story or memory.

Respecting Authenticity

Samantha also stressed the importance of respecting the authenticity of cultural designs when sourcing pieces. While she encourages looking for budget-friendly alternatives to expensive designer furniture, she draws the line at supporting knock-offs that replicate indigenous cultural items. She believes in honoring the cultures that inspire us by investing in authentic pieces, even if they're pricier, as it celebrates craftsmanship and cultural heritage.

The Power of Transformation

Samantha's time at De Gournay taught her to recognize quality instantly and appreciate its impact on a space. While De Gournay's products are at the pinnacle of wall décor, she shared that transformative design can occur at any price point, encouraging homeowners to explore basic yet beautiful wallpaper options to enhance their living spaces.

In our discussion about florals and patterns, Samantha highlighted how different styles can change the mood of a room—from traditional chinoiserie to block prints and botanicals. She encouraged using the surrounding environment as inspiration to choose patterns that resonate personally.

Designing Your Story

Samantha's philosophy is summed up well by her belief that a home should narrate the owner's story. It's about finding joy in the objects we choose to surround ourselves with, personalizing our spaces with things that resonate with us, and that reflect who we are. Her advice to antique hunters is to trust their gut when a piece speaks to them and to use them creatively to compose a narrative that feels both cohesive and personal.

Our conversation left me inspired to rethink the pieces in my own home, to see them not just as objects, but as part of an evolving narrative that reflects who I am. Samantha's balanced approach to design—rooted in history yet accessible to all—offers valuable lessons on creating spaces that resonate personally and culturally.

I hope you'll find Samantha's insights as enriching as I did, and take away some inspiration for your own home journey. Remember, the beauty around us has the power to transform our daily lives—it's all about choosing elements that bring you joy and tell your unique story. Thank you for joining me in this exploration of design with Samantha Stathis Lynch.

Until Next Time

Zandra