Designer profile: Ebony Stephenson

The Chicago Monogram Design Center (MDC) brings designers to Chicago, Illinois, for two-day experiences to learn about Monogram, the design process, our appliances – and even cook with them! We interviewed each designer to learn a little more about their background and design experiences.

Today’s profile highlights Ebony Stephenson with Criner Remodeling in Newport News, Virginia.

Ebony Stephenson, recent participant at the Monogram Design Center designer session in Chicago, Illinois

SRFD: How did you become interested in design?

Ebony: I became interested in design when I was a little girl playing with Lego’s, Lincoln Logs and dollhouses. One day I asked my parents for a new Barbie Dream House and when they said no, I grabbed some empty cardboard boxes and built my own. The rest is history.

SRFD: Tell us about a recent project you really enjoyed.

Ebony: A recent project that I really enjoyed was a whole first floor remodel in Yorktown, Virginia for Ross and Suzie Small. Their project consisted of an addition, kitchen, dining room, family room, and some exterior living spaces. I really got to enjoy this project because the clients were such a joy to work with. They really allowed me to think out of the box and do some really cool design features in their remodel. The best part was that they used GE appliances, of course.

SRFD: A trend you’re over?

Ebony: I am not sure that there is a trend that I am over. I love for everyone to have their own styles, even if I do not agree with them sometimes.

SRFD: A trend you’re excited about?

Ebony: The trend that I am most excited about is not following a trend at all. I have always thought out of the box and gone against the grain. I was never really one to follow a trend and I like to pass that thought process on to my clients. They are spending their hard-earned money to renovate their homes and  I want the new look to fit THEIR personalities and THEIR design styles, not some stranger’s in a magazine halfway across the planet.

SRFD: What did you learn in Chicago?

Ebony: This trip was to the Monogram showroom in Chicago and it was amazing! I learned so much about all of the new products. The hands-on cooking experiences really helped me gain knowledge and further motivated me to sell these beautiful appliances to my clients. Also, being around a group of like-minded designers from all over the country and even Canada was an experience that I will never forget.

Follow along with Ebony on Instagram.