When we bought our home I was giddy over her “great bones”. This was a house that (thankfully) would need no structural work. That being said we knew right away it would need a complete facelift on the interior design front. As I have mentioned before, interior design is not my passion or talent. I am baffled by colors and materials. I also have very little vision when it comes to setting up furniture in an open space. I know when I see something I like but I panic when I have to create a concept or make choices on my own. Both John and I knew we’d need help remaking the inside of our house into a home. We met with quite a few really talented (and very nice) interior designers along the way, but it was the dynamic duo of Elle Clymer and Stephanie Woodmansee, who founded Henry & Co. Design, that we eventually settled on. We loved their open-minded attitude and their incredible sense of style. We knew they had great taste but we also loved their appreciation of antiques and classic design. They repurposed much of what we owned and have given us great inspiration and ideas about things we need to acquire and add in to make our house feel more current and fresh. In a nutshell, I adore them. Below are their thoughts on design and some of their fabulous inspirational work.
Stephanie Woodmansee and Elle Clymer
Q&A with Elle Clymer and Stephanie Woodmansee of Henry & Co.
When did you launch your business?
Stephanie and I launched our business in May of 2013.
Why Henry & Co?
We named the company after our dogs. Stephanie has an adorable grey Poodle mix named Henry, and Elle has a black and white stubborn French Bulldog, Commodore, aka. Co. Woodmansee and Clymer (our last names) seemed more like a law firm than a design firm. We wanted something more fun and relatable.
What is your design background?
Stephanie began her formal design training right after college with a 2 year design and architecture program in Denver at the Art Institute of Colorado. She then moved to New York City and worked with Ashley Whittaker Design for over 4 years. That said design is really in her blood. Stephanie grew up in upstate New York and Vermont and had parents that loved to renovate and restore historic homes. She lived in over sixteen different houses before leaving for college! This gave her a true understanding of the detail and patience needed in design. The best part was she got to decorate her own bedroom sixteen different times!!
Elle had a more indirect path. After moving to New York and beginning a career in event planning where she coordinated and designed large fundraising events and galas for non-profit organizations Elle realized her true passion which was residential interior design. Elle went back to school for design at Parsons New School of Design and went on to work for Ashley Whittaker Design on the Upper East Side, where Stephanie and Elle met.
Where do you find inspiration?
Honestly, everywhere. That is a really tough question. We find inspiration on Instagram and Pinterest, through design books and magazines, on vacations, through fashion and by shopping trips to the many amazing fabric, furniture and accessories stores in New York City. This city is a very stimulating place with so many creative and dynamic people. There is never a shortage of inspiration.
What are your current favorite colors to use for interior design?
Right now we are embracing fall! We love aubergine, deep garnet red and blush tones especially mixed with the cooler hues of grey and navy.
What are a couple fun things you can do to spruce up a home you’ve owned for a while and want to make feel more current/fresh?
Good question!! Pillows are always a great way to freshen and change things up. They are an easy budget friendly item that can have a huge impact if you use the right fabric. It gives an opportunity to introduce a new print, color or texture without committing to re-upholstery. Another great option for freshening things up is paint. Paint is cheap, but can really transform a space. It can also always be repainted if you get tired of it.
Favorite online sites (for non-pros) to buy good quality stuff that is really well made?
Viyet and Décor NYC are both great for high-end consignment. Dering Hall and 1stDibs have such large inventories so there is a lot to choose from, and auction houses (Sotheby’s, Christie’s, and Doyle) are great for one-off gems, antiques and quality pieces that may need some re-upholstery, repair or restoration.
What is your design style and how do you work with clients whose styles are different than yours?
Our design style is fresh, sophisticated, eclectic and timeless. We believe spaces should be meaningful and enjoyed, always reflecting a client’s personality and aesthetic. We have a true appreciation for antiques and architecture and strive for our spaces to convey that. One thing we really pride ourselves in is listening to our client’s perspective and creating spaces that express their style. We avoid the cookie cutter design look at all costs. There are no wrong answers in design and what makes the most interesting and expressive spaces is the collaboration and creative process.
What’s your dream project?
A Paris pied-a-terre. Something old and grand with high ceilings, herringbone floors, lots of history, and a charming courtyard or fabulous terrace. Something we could fill with fabulous antiques and rich textiles.
Fascinating article, Lindley! It’s so inspiring to see how Henry & Co.’s approach to design transformed your space. Their focus on functionality and personality truly resonates. One question: how did you find the balance between classic and contemporary elements in your home? I’m curious about your tips for incorporating vintage pieces into a modern setting. Loft conversions offer unique design challenges, and I’m always eager to learn from clever solutions like yours. Thanks for sharing!