Interior designer KatIe Winnington talks process, aesthetics and on-trend coastal accents
Interview by Kristen Hampshire
Photography by East + Lane, Heartbeat Branding Co. and Brian Wetzel
Coastal and elevated is C&E Furniture + Design, a boutique-style furniture store and interior design firm in Fenwick Island, DE, serving clients who value curated designs. A business that began with furnishings has evolved to offer several programs of interior design service, says owner Katie Winnington, who taps her boundless creativity and nearly two decades of experience to guide a collaborative, vision-driven process for clients.
Coastal Style sat down with Katie to learn what to seek in a design partner when embarking on a whole-house renovation, furnishing a home or sourcing just the right piece for an already completed floor plan. Plus, she shares some on-trend coastal cues to incorporate into the home.
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How does the design and selection process start from projects small and large?
From the beginning, I wanted to bring a design-firm level experience to everyone we worked with, even if it was selecting something as simple as a sofa. No matter the scope of a project, the C&E team personally visits the space, measures, develops a to-scale floor plan and offers recommendations on a design board. Basically, we’re there to hold your hand through the entire process by offering a more elevated buying experience.
How does the C&E design process accommodate a range of interior design requirements?
We offer three levels of design service with the idea being we can meet clients wherever they are in a project. Full Home Design is typically for new construction or a large-scale renovation. We assist with interior selections and manage all aspects of design from the time you break ground until furniture installation.
Full Furnishing Design involves various scopes—such as furnishing an entire home or just one room. Shop Design services is for those who already have many pieces they want but need help finding those final few items to pull the design together.
When looking for an interior design partner, find out how the firm tailors services to what you need. Flexibility is also important because the scope of a project can evolve.
Any tips for carrying out a coastal and elevated aesthetic with the latest touches?
I love incorporating organic elements with lots of neutrals and soft tonal pops of color while adding modern lines and mixed materials. (I really consider that our wheelhouse.) Some signature pieces and relevant designs include lots of texture, rattan accents, stone like marble and travertine, and chunky fabrics such as boucle. Also, curves and scalloped details are having a big moment. CS
CE Furniture + Design
302-581-0132
cefurniture.com