Photos by Laura Sumrak.
MAKING A HAUS A HOME
In the post-pandemic world of interior design, custom is king. For Crandall Haus founder Maggie Crandall the challenge of a unique space is simply fodder for inspiration.
The designer, who tackles complex interiors with the skill of a puzzle master isn’t new to the design game. Crandall styled residences up and down the east coast before beginning her own full service design firm in 2018. The Crandall Haus methodology? Elevating homes with an intentional, tailored approach. Free of temporary trends, Crandall’s spaces balance personal- ity with timelessness.
“Incorporating bespoke elements into our projects is key for us,” Crandall says. “We especially love creat- ing custom furniture with local vendors. It removes all the limits and makes items unique to that client that no one else will have.”
Whether it be a focal wall, custom chair or specialty cabinet design, the firm with the help of vendor partnerships—tailors each process.
“A lot of our projects are new construction or renovations, so we spend a lot of time with clients and their families,” Crandall says. “With that being said, those are the most challenging. There are so many decisions to be made from grout color to window treat- ments. It can be overwhelming for people, so we feel like we have a good system in place.”
To her clients who are wary of the investment behind a bespoke interior, Crandall reinforces the long term payoffs for aesthetics and functionality. “If it’s the right way to go, it’s worth it. But custom doesn’t always have to mean more expensive.”
And the designer would know. As if her busy client roster wasn’t enough, Crandall is currently in the throes of her own home ren- ovation with an energetic toddler and a brand new baby.
“I love so many different styles, and I see what my clients are getting and I think I love that too,” Crandall says. “Scrolling Instagram and flipping through magazines are where I look if I’m feeling bogged down. Sometimes I’ll even email a rep requesting them to sur- prise me with the latest samples that scream ‘Crandall Haus.’”
As for the best part of what she does? “I love getting to know the clients and their fam- ilies,” Crandall says. “They are all so different and bring a new perspective to each job.”
This project was a full renovation and expansion in the Dilworth neighborhood. Crandall blended elements of the historic bungalow with a simplistic contemporary style, and wove a black and white color palette throughout the interior with
pops of color in the front of the house.
