Katie and Dawn speak with three folks associated with the Design House in Portsmouth, RI.

Design House is a new design showroom and full-service interior design firm based in Portsmouth, RI. With over 3,500 sq. ft. housed in two showrooms, Design House features everything from furniture, lighting, fabrics and wall coverings to tile, stone, cabinetry, wood flooring, hardware and plumbing fixtures! The showrooms are open to the public as well as private clients and trade partners.

The conversations gets started with Jamie Stebenne, Owner and Founder of Design House in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. Jamie is a licensed contractor in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. He started working in the construction industry while studying architecture at Roger Williams University. By the time he graduated with his Bachelor of Architecture in 2008, Jamie was co-owner of a full-fledged construction and design business. In 2012 he branched out on his own and established JPS Construction and Design. In 2021, he started Design House which is a full-service interior design studio with multiple showroom areas.

Jamie tells the story behind the Design House, including the role that the 10,000 Small Businesses Goldman Sachs program played.

Next up, Susan MacLeod describes the resources and services that Design House offers. Susan is the Showroom Director and Lead Interior Designer at Design House. With a background in the New York fashion industry, Susan studied at London’s Inchbald School of Interior Design and at the New York School of Interior Design. She is also a member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council and a Green Accredited Professional. Susan creates harmonious spaces with a contemporary sensibility that rises above trends. Inspired by her British heritage, her work demonstrates a love of authenticity, craftsmanship, antiques and art, ensuring a space feels curated, never staged.

In the same compound as the Design House showrooms is a retail component: Island Treasures Home Décor, founded by Rebecca Stebenne. Dawn and Katie also speak with Rebecca. In 2021, Rebecca decided to change her career path and founded her shop above the Design House showrooms. The idea for the décor store came after working on the 2021 HGTV Dream Home and realizing she loves creating beautiful spaces to live in. Island Treasures Home Décor is filled with gorgeous displays, beautiful objects, heavenly scents, accessories, gifts, and art to delight your senses and add style as well as comfort to your everyday living.

If you find yourself in the East Bay of Rhode Island, be sure to check out this inspired design hub.