koroseal - Redefine Design by Koroseal

Meet the Creator: Stacy Garcia

July 11, 2024

As an internationally renowned designer, Stacy Garcia has partnered with some of the world’s leading manufacturers to create artful interior products, spanning from floor to ceiling. Her works have been featured across resorts, hotels, and homes around the world. Stacy is also a visionary and entrepreneur serving as Founder of LebaTex - a distinctive commercial textile supplier; Principal of Stacy Garcia, Design Studio; and creator of her established brands Stacy Garcia | New York, Stacy Garcia Blue Label, Stay by Stacy Garcia, and Stacy Garcia Home

Stacy's Design Journey

As a child, Stacy was very interested in the arts, signing up for any after-school arts program she could, including ceramics, sewing, and even dollhouse furniture making. In high school, Stacy found herself inspired by a guest speaker that presented in her art class - a tile designer. Stacy had always been drawn to design as a form of communication and was awed by its ability to evoke emotion. Finding a career that allowed her to do so was exhilarating. This curiosity led Stacy to pursue a career in the visual arts. She attended both Central Saint Martins in London and Syracuse University in New York, earning a degree in Surface Pattern Design.

While working in the hospitality space, Stacy found a dear and enlightening mentor, Martha Tillim. Martha’s guidance was pivotal in Stacy’s career. Her knowledge in merchandising and sales, paired with her vibrant personality and unwavering support, helped Stacy enrich her skills as both a designer and businesswoman; paving the way for Stacy’s future career path.

The mentorship Stacy found in Martha inspired her to “pay it forward”. Stacy founded a mentorship program through The Hospitality Industry Network - NEWH - called “Martha’s Mentors”. The program is a transformative, 10-month initiative, designed to connect aspiring professionals in the hospitality industry with experienced industry mentors in honor of Martha’s legacy.

Today, Stacy also serves as a forecasting and design expert. She is a chair holder in the Color Marketing Group, the international association of color professionals; was voted one of the 10 leading voices in the hospitality design industry; and honored by ASID for Design Excellence. Her work has been featured in Interior Design, Boutique Design, LUXE, Architectural Digest, and Traditional Home.

Worldly Inspiration

Stacy’s passion for travel drives the inspiration for her profound designs. She finds that exploring different cultures, and exposing herself to diverse aesthetics and artistic traditions, fuels her creativity. An invaluable piece of advice she received also helped to shape her design career -

“Embrace the journey, not just the destination - It encourages me to appreciate every step of my creative process, from something sparking an idea in my mind, to the final product. It is a reminder for me that every experience, positive or negative, is an opportunity for growth and innovation.”

The story behind each of Stacy’s travels serves as an ongoing source of inspiration and appreciation for her. One of Stacy’s favorite hobbies is to collect unique souvenirs. During her worldly adventures, Stacy seeks to find art or décor pieces that will add a cultural richness to her home. The best part of finding these treasures - each item tells its own story, and serves as a reminder of the beauty and creativity she has experienced throughout the world.

Behind the Design with Stacy

We connected with Stacy to learn more about her designs, approach, and inspiration. See what she had to say!

What motivates you to continue evolving as a designer, and how do you stay updated on industry trends?

Stacy: Seeing many well-designed hotels first-hand fuels my passion for creating memorable experiences with my products’ designs. I stay updated on industry trends through both my travels and attendance of global trade shows, along with extensive trend research with my studio team. We recently released our trend report, which also acts as a testament to the in-depth work we do!

Can you delve into a design trend or technique that you are particularly fond of, and explain why it resonates with you?

Stacy: A design trend that deeply resonates with me is our Opulent Heritage trend, recently forecasted in our studio’s trend report. This trend truly captivates me with its bold designs; textured layers; and abundance of personality, embodying a romantic and enchanting take on well-traveled spaces. Rich velvets, traditional florals, and a maximalist approach create a lavish ambiance where traditional meets contemporary.

Opulent Heritage holds a special place in my heart as it seamlessly intertwines with my passion for travel and bold designs. The romantic and enchanting atmosphere created by this trend transports me back to the allure of historical palaces and luxurious estates I have seen throughout my travels. Each element evokes memories of craftsmanship, igniting a sense of nostalgia and admiration for the intricate details found in diverse cultures worldwide.

How do you approach the balance between creativity and functionality?

Stacy: A product needs to be functional first. I love the challenge of pushing the boundaries of creativity through material selections and form so that the end result is both functional and interesting. As a designer, you have succeeded when the final result is seamless.

How has your design style evolved over the course of your career?

Stacy: Early on I loved bright, bold, and unapologetic color. Today, I personally embrace a more modern eclectic aesthetic - characterized by vintage vibes, a mix of sophisticated materials, and pops of colors. My skills have also evolved and I think and design much more holistically, not just to create a single “wow” item. Now, I think more about how the design will live in a space and how an interior designer can integrate the product. My studio was an early adopter of AI and we are using this new technology to push the limits of design.