Shannon Russo Interiors

What first inspired you to step into the world of interior design?

Design has always been part of my life. From a young age, I’ve been fascinated by how spaces and style can shape the way we feel and serve as a form of self-expression. Growing up with an aunt who was an interior designer, working in fashion, and helping my parents furnish and renovate their rental properties gave me invaluable hands-on experience. Six years ago, I turned that passion into a profession, and it's been the most rewarding decision I've ever made.

What would you say is your go-to design style, or the signature that defines your work?

While our work spans a wide range of design styles, my personal point of view combines traditional and coastal styles. I’m drawn to layered spaces, mixing natural fibers and wools with wood tones, iron, and wicker and layering patterns on patterns on patterns! The more thoughtfully combined, the richer and more inviting a home feels.

Our goal is always to create interiors that feel timeless - spaces that could have been designed today or 30 years ago, and will still feel relevant years from now. I want my clients to live with a sense of enduring style, not something that feels tied to a moment or trend.

A defining element of our work is a deep commitment to functionality. We think carefully about how each room is used and how a family will move through the space. Selecting durable, high quality materials is just as important as the aesthetic, and ensures the design not only looks beautiful, but truly supports their everyday life.

What detail do you think people underestimate most in a well-designed room?

Lighting is one of the most underestimated elements in a room, yet it has the power to completely shape how a space looks and feels. Well-designed interiors incorporate at least three different heights of lighting. Think of it as a balance between overhead fixtures (not recessed cans alone), floor lamps, wall sconces, and table lamps. This layering creates both visual interest and true functionality.

Materiality matters just as much as placement. The finishes and shades you choose will influence how light is cast, its warmth, and the overall ambiance it creates within your room.

Finally, consistency is key! Using 2700K bulbs throughout ensures a soft, warm glow that feels inviting and cohesive across the entire space.

How does a custom rug help you solve design challenges that ready-made rugs can’t?

Custom rugs solve a surprising number of design challenges. Every room and furniture layout is different, so the ability to size a rug up or down to the inch is invaluable! That flexibility ensures the space not only looks right, but actually functions well.

Custom rugs also offer an often-overlooked design opportunity. Details like a thoughtfully selected serged edge or canvas border can completely elevate a rug. A simple jute stair runner, for example, becomes something far more distinctive with the addition of a colorful chosen canvas border.

Finally, custom rugs allow you to tailor a piece to the exact shape of a room. Whether that means fitting wall-to-wall or cutting precisely around architectural elements like a fireplace, it's this level of customization that transforms a space from standard to highly designed.

What famous spaces would you never redesign because they are perfect as is?

Some places should be simply untouchable. Warren Street Hotel by Kit Kemp in Tribeca, the Cupola Bar at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, and the Gasparilla Inn in Boca Grande are design perfection- playful, timeless, inviting, and endlessly inspiring.

If you could give just one piece of advice to someone choosing a rug for their home, what would it be?

Invest in a good rug, don't get a screen printed rug. You can tell the difference and quality!