Stephanie Bowen, founder of Elle & Ivy Interiors, is known as the queen of hosting her close-knit community over craft cocktails, heart-warming meals and intimate conversation. Nicknamed "Lake Steph" by her friends, she’s the ultimate entertainer, orchestrating unforgettable girls' weekends every summer at Beaver Lake. It’s no surprise that her passion for bringing people together inspired her to launch a business focused on creating homes that are both beautiful and functional, designed with hosting in mind. Through Elle & Ivy, Stephanie helps create spaces where memories are made, and every gathering feels like a celebration. Her personalized, detail-driven approach has earned her a reputation as an award-winning designer who’s redefining the art of home entertainment in Northwest Arkansas.
Stephanie’s journey into interior design was non-traditional. Originally a Tax Director in the corporate world, she developed a passion for interior design as she worked on the build of her own home. From picking out tile to designing custom furniture, together, these decisions sparked a greater curiosity of the craft. As an avid host, her friends fell in love with her completed home, and she began getting requests to help on projects while still in the corporate world. Quickly, she realized where her true passion lay, and that she could monetize her work. Slowly but surely, Stephanie gained enough confidence to take a leap of faith and launch Elle & Ivy Interiors in 2021.
Type A by nature, it's no wonder that Stephanie’s strengths are in the details. When asked about her philosophy on this, she states “it's all in the details, because all the details matter.” Stephanie understands that interior design is full of decision fatigue and that it is a very personal financial splurge. That is why she intentionally gets to know her clients to understand what’s important to them, what’s working and not working in the home, as well as what brings them joy. Every member of the household plays a vital role in this process, because so much of life unfolds within the walls of a home. “I aim to create liveable luxury. This is where people spend the majority of their life. I want them to be excited to come home and feel like the space was made just for them.”
From the initial design vision to the final reveal, Stephanie has perfected her process. In Phase One, the client shares the vision of their home. If they are unsure or facing a case of analysis paralysis, she suggests utilizing a tool like Pinterest to identify and share with her their wish list, likes and dislikes.
Once the vision is clearly defined, Phase Two begins with finalizing the Scope of Work, building out the design plan and identifying the specifications for the project. Involvement varies as some clients like to be involved in making the selections, and others provide her the creative freedom to fully develop the design. This process is tailored to the client and their desired level of involvement.
Once the design is complete, Phase Three is initiated and construction, if applicable, begins. This is where things get really exciting as the client begins to see their dream come to life! After the construction is complete, Phase Four begins and all the beautiful furniture, fixtures and accessories are installed, followed by the big reveal! One of the most rewarding aspects of her job is seeing the response of a client when the final space is revealed, and the client gets to see their initial inspiration become their new reality.
As a potential future client of Elle & Ivy, Stephanie believes that you deserve the best when it comes to your home. If a renovation is on your 2025 bingo card, Stephanie invites you to reach out and brainstorm your Pinterest-perfect dream with her. Whether you’re envisioning a cozy retreat, a sophisticated gathering space, or a place to host loved ones in style, she’s ready to bring your vision to life.
Stephanie encourages anyone embarking on the interior design journey to think of it not as a marathon, but as a series of intentional, thoughtful steps, each one bringing you closer to a space that truly feels like home. "There’s so much joy and life to be found in the spaces we call home," she says, and with her expertise, your home will become not just a sanctuary, but a place where every moment is treasured. If you’re ready to bring your vision to life, reach out to Stephanie at sbowen@elleandivyinteriors.com.