We were lucky to catch up with Stephanie Kokolis recently and have shared our conversation below.

Stephanie , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?

In the world of decor and design, one of the biggest trends I’ve noticed is the growing desire for meaningful, curated spaces that tell a story—a trend that perfectly aligns with Classically Adorned. People are moving away from the fast-paced, disposable nature of mass-produced items, and instead they are aiming towards making a more thoughtful, environmentally conscious choice, seeking out unique, original art, vintage, and antique pieces that carry a sense of history and personal significance.

I remember a customer who came to me, excited to find something special for her newly purchased home. She wasn’t looking for just any piece of furniture; she wanted pieces that told a story, something that would bring a sense of character and warmth to her space. After showing her a few options, her eyes lit up when she saw a beautiful french masterpiece a 6 arm brass and crystal chandelier wall sconce. It wasn’t just the design that captivated her— but also the idea that this fixture would light up her hallway through its intricate crystals enhancing even more her artwork on the walls!

This trend presents incredible opportunities for those of us who curate and share these pieces. It allows us to foster deeper connections with our customers by offering them more than just items—we offer them stories and a sense of continuity. However, it also comes with challenges. There is a delicate balance between preserving the authenticity of these items and making them accessible to a modern audience. There’s also the responsibility of educating customers about the value of sustainability in decor, ensuring that they understand the significance of choosing pieces that are not just beautiful, but meaningful and enduring.

The emergence of this trend is a testament to the evolving values in our society—where people are increasingly looking to create spaces that not only reflect their personal style but also their values and beliefs. It’s a trend that resonates deeply with me, as it aligns with my own philosophy of celebrating the extraordinary beauty of life, one carefully chosen piece at a time.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

For those who may not be familiar with my journey, my name is Stephanie, and I’m the founder and creative force behind Classically Adorned. My love for decor and design traces back to my childhood, growing up in Greece. I was constantly surrounded by the vibrant colors, rich history, and timeless beauty of ancient art and architecture. These early experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for art, culture, and the stories that objects can tell.

Fast forward to 2017, when I purchased my first home—a charming condo in Virginia Beach. Decorating it became a labor of love, and I found myself drawn to creating a space that was not only beautiful but also meaningful. I began sharing my decor projects and ideas on Instagram, and it wasn’t long before I realized that others shared my passion for curated, thoughtfully designed spaces. This led to the launch of Shop Classically Adorned in 2019, and since then, it has grown into a community of like-minded individuals who appreciate the beauty of carefully chosen, timeless pieces.

I strive to offer unique, vintage, and antique decor pieces that carry a sense of history and personal significance. My collections include everything from stunning antique mirrors and fixtures to original artwork and carefully selected vintage china. Each piece is handpicked for its quality, craftsmanship, and ability to tell a story—because I believe that the spaces we live in should reflect who we are and what we value.

In a world that often prioritizes convenience and mass production, my goal is to offer an alternative: pieces that are not only beautiful but also meaningful and sustainable. My clients come to me looking for more than just decor—they’re searching for items that will bring character, warmth, and a sense of continuity to their homes. Whether it’s finding the perfect piece of art to complete a room or sourcing a unique antique that becomes a conversation starter, it brings me so much joy to help others create spaces that are truly their own.

What sets Classically Adorned apart is the combination of my deep-rooted passion for art and design. Every piece in my collection has a story, and I take pride in curating items that not only enhance a space aesthetically but also resonate on a deeper level. I believe that our homes should be a reflection of our journey, filled with pieces that evoke memories, spark joy, and inspire us every day.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the community that Classically Adorned is part of. What started as a small Instagram page has blossomed into a space where people from all around come together to share their love for decor, design, and vintage finds. The friendships and connections I’ve made through this journey are invaluable, and I’m incredibly grateful for the support and enthusiasm of my followers and clients.

For those who are just getting to know me and my little shop, the most important thing I want you to take away is that Classically Adorned is more than just a business—it’s a celebration of the extraordinary beauty of life. It’s about honoring the past, embracing the present, and curating a future that is filled with love, creativity, and inspiration. Whether you’re looking for a unique piece to add to your home or simply want to connect with others who share your passion for design, I invite you to join me on this journey. Together, we can create spaces that reflect the stories of our lives, one carefully chosen piece at a time.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been building genuine relationships and growing organically. From the beginning, I made a conscious decision to avoid shortcuts like buying followers or using gimmicks to inflate my numbers. Instead, I focused on creating authentic connections with my audience, sharing my passion for decor and design, and offering valuable content that resonates with them.
Consistency has been key, although I’ll be the first to admit that it hasn’t always been easy. After my foot surgery, I had to take a long year-long break, which made it challenging to maintain momentum. However, I’ve learned that even when life gets in the way, it’s important to stay true to your vision and keep pushing forward, no matter how slow the progress might seem. Since returning, I’ve made it a priority to stay engaged with my audience, share regular updates, and most importantly, listen to their feedback.
Building my website was another critical step in growing my clientele. It was a goal I had for a long time, and finally achieving it has allowed me to reach a wider audience and offer a more comprehensive experience for my customers. The website serves as a central hub where people can learn more about my brand or DIY projects through the blog, browse my curated collections, and make purchases directly. It’s also a platform where I can implement the marketing and SEO strategies I’ve been learning about, helping me to promote my business through various outlets and grow my online presence.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building my audience on social media has been a journey of patience, learning, and authenticity. I started very slowly, sharing my passion for decor, design, and vintage finds on Instagram. In the beginning, it was just about connecting with people who shared similar interests, and I wasn’t too focused on the numbers. Over time, as I continued to post regularly and engage with my followers, my audience began to grow organically.
One of the biggest challenges has been navigating the ever-changing landscape of social media, particularly with Instagram’s frequent algorithm changes. It can feel like you’re constantly trying to keep up, but I’ve found that staying true to your brand and your message is the best way to build a loyal and engaged audience. Authenticity is what resonates most with people, and they can tell when you’re passionate about what you’re sharing.
After my foot surgery, I took a significant break from social media, which was tough because I lost some of the momentum I had built. But I knew that rushing back and trying to force growth wasn’t the right approach. Instead, I focused on slowly rebuilding my presence, staying consistent, and reconnecting with my audience. The launch of my website was a big milestone during this time, as it allowed me to offer more to my followers and customers.
For those just starting to build their social media presence, my advice would be to focus on authenticity and consistency. Don’t be discouraged if growth is slow—building a genuine following takes time. Engage with your audience, respond to comments, and create content that reflects your passion and expertise. It’s also important to stay adaptable and open to learning. Social media is constantly evolving, and keeping up with trends, marketing strategies, and SEO can help you navigate these changes more effectively.
Most importantly, remember that it’s not just about the numbers. Building meaningful connections with your audience is what will ultimately set you apart and create lasting success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shopclassicallyadorned.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classicallyadorned?igsh=MXhmd21remFod2wyNw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551256935457&mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Other: https://pin.it/1vxk2gftt

Image Credits

They are all original photos taken by me.