THE TRADE EXCLUSIVE
Kathy Kuo Home Trade Member Spotlight: Steven Marusarz Interior Design Inc.
Hi cuties! ‘Tis the season, and ’tis also time for one of my favorite monthly content series we do here at The Kuotes: Trade Member Spotlights! This month, we’re headed to Utah to shine a light on the oh-so-talented Steven Marusarz, principal at Steven Marusarz Interior Design Inc. (SMID INC).
Since 2023, Steven Marusarz has been guided by artistic-centered design principles to offer a unique and personalized experience to all of his clients. Based in Park City, Steven takes on many Utah-based projects but also loves to travel to clients throughout the country—from Colorado and California, to Florida, Texas, and Louisiana, to Illinois and Michigan.
“I have used Kathy Kuo Home for a few years now because they have a wide variety of great brands, quality finishes, and great customer service.” -Steven Marusarz
Finding inspiration in the boldness and creativity of fashion, and peace and joy in Utah’s beautiful natural landscape when he’s not working, Steven is a designer after my own heart, as what he loves most about his work is making his clients feel proud of their homes and seeing them bring that positivity into other aspects of thei lives! Read on to learn more about Steven Marusarz and SMID INC, and to check out some gorgeous photos of one his recent projects in Promontory, Utah.
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Tell our readers about your business—what are your specialities and core offerings?
Steven Marusarz Interior Design Inc. (SMID INC.) is an art focused Architectural and Interior Design firm which offers unique experiences for each and every client. I always say I don’t have a specific style—I understand and love them all, and let each client take me on a journey to their dream home, and I just apply my taste.
Do you have a favorite any particular favorite interior design style to work with on projects?
I do enjoy the cleaner lines of contemporary, mountain-mod has become my personal favorite, but if I’m given the opportunity to recreate Versailles, I’ll happily oblige!
How would you describe the style of your own home?
My style is where modern meets west. It’s simple, timeless, and livable mixed with laid back unexpected moments.
“My favorite piece of furniture is actually an accessory which is a giant full-length mirror with light bulbs all around it, not because of the look, but because of the energy and happiness it brings.”
When my friends come over, my full-length mirror becomes the first-stop selfie mirror and everyone checks their looks before we go out—it’s just “THE SPOT.” We all need one, and I love finding at least one “SPOT” for each and every one of my clients.
Tell us about a notable project from the past few years.
My latest project in Promontory (shown here in the photos throughout), an amazing neighborhood in Park City, Utah is one of my favorites mainly because of the client relationship. Her willingness to let me go free with ideas, and fun we had the whole way made hers a special place for me. We are still working on phase two of the home with more details and accessories, but we were too excited to wait to show it off together!
“I love making people proud of their spaces, and it does actually affect other aspects of their lives positively, almost like a veil of confidence.”
What have been some of the biggest joys and challenges you’ve faced in your career in the design industry?
The biggest challenges I have faced in my profession are the many inevitable life situations that unfold in your client’s lives when you are with them 1-2 years, sometimes more! I am always automatically enveloped in their world as design is a very personal job.
“I’m proud of the person I’ve become through these experiences, and proud of the designer I am, through listening.”
I absolutely love that everyone feels comfortable being honest with me, it just at times can be heavy. That is why I never take on more than I can handle at a time, so that everyone feels my full attention.
Are there any design trends you see on the horizon for the year to come? Any design trends on their way out?
I do see the Utah farmhouse trend/look staying possibly forever, I love it! The colors use my go-to “Power Of Three” trade secret. You need your light, dark and mid-tones in a room, or it will fall flat. This style nails it every time, no matter what combination I see. It is comfortable and beautiful and I totally get why it’s so popular. Several firms here in Utah absolutely nail it.
Ultra minimal must go—it is sterile, uncomfortable to live in, and if one thing is out of place, you actually look like a disaster.
What advice would you give someone who wants to work with an interior designer on their home, but they feel intimidated or hesitant? For someone who’s never worked with a designer, what’s the major upside?
I would say everyone should have a designer in their back pocket. We are not just fluff, we can transform your lives into the best they can be. The major upside is that you won’t have to do anything but point and say “I like that,” and then we do the rest.
“Interior designers understand styles, organizational tools, color theory, scale, and everything that can make your home ‘make sense.'”
Most of us are not intimidating, and I would never make fun of anyone no matter what part of their design journey they are at. I am happily an integral part of many families all around now because they trusted me and let me in. I love that I will forever help as little or as much as they want, and the list is growing!
Speaking to fellow design pros: what advice do you have about working a challenging client or overcoming unforeseen obstacles on a design project?
Always come with a positive mindset, you can adjust the mood of an entire meeting just how you show up. We balance all personalities across the board, so it’s imperative to just be positive. That will take you the furthest!
Outside of work, where do you find joy and peace?
Nature! That is the entire reason I moved my hustle-bustle life from hopping between Los Angeles, CA, Puerto Vallarta Mexico, and Park City, to just Utah! The more time I spent here, the more connected I felt, and the happier I became! I like mountain biking, hiking, boating in the summer, and skiing in the winter. I am truly happy all year here. I’ve always said: “if you can reset in nature, then you are forever set.”
Are there any exciting updates with your business that you’d like our readers to know about?
I have recently signed for the largest project of my life, many updates to come, but it will be a multi-year amazing before and after that I truly believe will set me at the level I’ve always dreamed.
The Kathy Kuo Home Trade Program
Feeling inspired by Maggie Griffin Design? If you’re an interior designer or architect you can apply to our Trade Program to enjoy a wide array of professional benefits, as well as access to a thriving community of interior design pros. You can learn all about it HERE, but in brief, KKH Trade members receive: Competitive Trade Pricing, Free Shipping, Low Storage Fees, Dedicated Trade Specialist to Coordinate Orders from Start to Finish.
