THE THRILL OF THE HUNT Maggie Jewell, owner of MKS Designs, will go to any length to find the one-of-a-kind piece or element that perfects a space.
By Barb Wilson Photography Anne Matheis Interior Design MKS Designs Builder Brokaw Renovation, LLC
When asked to describe what distinguishes her approach to interior design, the first word that comes to Maggie Jewell’s mind is “originality.” “Obviously, my job is to determine the clients’ personal needs and style, then help to create the beautiful, functional space they’re looking for,” she says. “But every project is unique. I never design the same space twice and will often encourage the client to consider new ideas and options.” Ensuring that her designs are fresh, distinctive and original is actually a passion for Jewell. An ASID Industry Partner, she admits to being an inveterate shopper—a “finder of things”—and will scour countless local sources, websites and estate sales for the exact fabric, pattern, paint color or furniture piece that will fulfill her vision. “It’s the thrill of the hunt,” she laughs. “Sometimes, I even lie awake at night thinking about it.” In fact, creative design is probably in Jewell’s DNA. She worked for several years with her mom, Mary Stieven, the founder of MKS Designs, acquiring the company six years ago when Stieven retired. Interestingly, the homeowner of
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this story had known Stieven long before meeting Maggie at a function in late 2018. Whether fate or karma, their encounter seems almost predestined. Both women are busy mothers—Maggie a well-known interior designer with four youngsters, including a set of triplets; the homeowner a mother of five, soon to be an empty-nester and in search of a designer to renovate the spacious residence in Town and County where her family had lived for 15 years. The two clicked immediately, and plans began for a complete refurbishment of the home’s main level. When purchased in 2003, the five-bedroom two-story had been professionally designed in the traditional décor of the time—rather ornate and featuring a warm gold/ green/brown palette. Over subsequent years, however, the homeowner had “restyled things” herself, adding new items and, at one point, “tons of large red pieces. It was making me anxious,” she confesses good-naturedly. “All I wanted now was calm—and no more red!” Working together to achieve a more serene ambience,
