Suppose walking into a home that feels both strikingly modern and warmly nostalgic. The clean lines of a contemporary sofa are softened by a vintage, hand-knotted Persian rug. A sleek, new light fixture hangs above a weathered farmhouse table that’s seen decades of family meals. This isn’t just decor; it’s a story. And few people tell this story better than interior designer Shannon Reardon Swanick.
Based in the design-savvy hub of New York, Shannon has carved out a unique niche for herself by masterfully weaving together pieces from different eras into spaces that feel cohesive, personal, and incredibly livable. Her work is a testament to the idea that your home doesn’t have to be a time capsule—it can be a beautiful, ongoing conversation between the past and the present. Let’s pull up a chair and get to know the mind behind these inspiring spaces.
Who Is Shannon Reardon Swanick? The Woman Behind Reardon Design
First things first, let’s answer the core question. Shannon Reardon Swanick is the founder and principal designer of Reardon Design, a full-service interior design firm. While she’s a powerhouse in the world of East Coast design, her approach is refreshingly down-to-earth. She’s known for her ability to create environments that are elegant yet comfortable, sophisticated yet never stuffy.
Her journey into design wasn’t necessarily a straight line from point A to point B. Like many creatives, her path was shaped by a lifelong passion for art, history, and the stories objects tell. This intrinsic curiosity is what fuels her design philosophy today. She isn’t just placing furniture; she’s curating a narrative for each client, ensuring their personality is the true star of the show.
The Signature Shannon Reardon Swanick Design Philosophy
So, what exactly makes her style so special? You can’t pin it to a single aesthetic like “mid-century modern” or “farmhouse.” Instead, it’s defined by a set of principles that guide her work. Think of it as her design recipe.
Embracing the Mix. This is her superpower. Shannon expertly blends high and low, old and new, rustic and refined. A big-box store lamp might sit comfortably next to a one-of-a-kind antique find. This approach makes design accessible and prevents a room from feeling like a showroom or a museum.
Prioritizing Livability. A beautiful home is useless if you can’t live in it. Shannon’s spaces are designed for real life—for kids, pets, entertaining, and relaxing. She chooses durable fabrics, practical layouts, and pieces that invite you to sit down and stay awhile.
The Power of Layering. Her rooms have depth and dimension because she is a master of layering. This means combining different textures (a nubby wool throw, a smooth leather chair, a sleek metal side table), patterns, and lighting sources to create a rich, sensory experience.
Honoring History. Whether it’s preserving the architectural integrity of an older home or sourcing vintage pieces, there’s a deep respect for the past in her work. She understands that these elements add soul and character that simply can’t be replicated with new mass-produced items.
How to Get the Look: Shannon’s Tips for Your Own Home
You don’t have to hire a New York designer to incorporate a little Shannon Reardon Swanick magic into your space. Here are some actionable tips anyone can try.
- Start with a “Why”. Before you buy anything new, ask what story you want a room to tell. Is it a cozy, collected-over-time library? A bright, airy space for morning coffee? Let that intention guide your choices.
- The Vintage Anchor. In your next room redesign, try starting with one statement vintage piece—a unique sideboard, a vintage rug, or a great armchair. Build the rest of the room around that anchor piece. It will instantly give the space history and weight.
- Shop Secondhand (Like a Pro). Don’t be intimidated by flea markets or online vintage stores. Look for pieces with good bones—solid wood construction, interesting lines—and don’t be afraid of a little wear and tear. That’s the patina that tells a story.
- Mix Your Metals. Forget the old rule of matching all your hardware and light fixtures. Shannon often mixes brass, nickel, and black iron in a single room. It adds visual interest and feels more organic, as if the home was decorated over time.
- Textiles Are Your Best Friend. Introduce texture and softness through textiles. Layer a jute rug over a larger sisal one, drape a chunky knit blanket over a sofa, or add linen curtains. These elements make a space feel warm and inviting.
A Case Study in Contrast: The Sag Harbor Project
One of the best ways to understand a designer’s work is to see it in action. A fantastic example is Shannon’s Sag Harbor project. This home perfectly encapsulates her ability to balance modern comfort with historical charm.
The client, a young family, wanted a relaxed, beach-appropriate home that still felt refined. Shannon delivered by using a neutral, airy color palette as a canvas. She then introduced depth through a mix of materials: reclaimed wood beams, woven seagrass lighting, clean-lined modern seating, and strategic hits of black in fixtures and furniture to ground the space. The result is a home that feels both light and layered, perfectly suited for sandy feet and sophisticated entertaining. It’s a masterclass in her design philosophy.
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Before You Redesign: A Quick Reality Check
It’s easy to look at beautiful photos and feel inspired, but it’s just as important to be realistic. Here’s a quick pros and cons table for embracing a mixed, vintage-modern style like Shannon’s.
| Pros | Cons |
| Creates a unique, personal home that doesn’t look like everyone else’s. | Sourcing vintage pieces takes more time and effort than buying everything new online. |
| Often more sustainable, as you’re reusing and repurposing existing items. | Can require a sharper eye for quality and scale to ensure pieces work together. |
| Builds a home with soul and narrative, full of conversation-starting pieces. | May involve refurbishment or repair costs for older finds. |
| Allows for a more flexible, evolving design as your tastes change. | Letting go of the need for everything to “match” can be a mental hurdle. |
5 Quick Takeaways to Steal from Shannon Reardon Swanick
- Your home should tell your story. Fill it with pieces you love, not just what’s trendy.
- Embrace the imperfect. A scratch on a table is a chapter in its history, not a flaw.
- Layer, layer, layer. Combine textures, eras, and styles to create depth and interest.
- Comfort is king. A beautiful room is nothing if it isn’t comfortable and functional.
- Start small. You don’t need a full renovation. Try adding one vintage accessory or mixing two different dining chairs.
Shannon Reardon Swanick’s work reminds us that our homes are living, breathing entities. They don’t have to be perfect or finished. They can be a beautiful, ever-evolving collection of our lives, our history, and the things we find beautiful. So, the next time you look around your space, ask yourself: what story does it tell? And what one small change could you make to add a little more of your own narrative to it?
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you tried mixing vintage and modern in your home? What was your biggest win or challenge? Share your stories in the comments below!
FAQs
Where is Shannon Reardon Swanick based?
Her firm, Reardon Design, is based in New York, and she frequently works on projects throughout the East Coast, including New York City, the Hamptons, and Connecticut.
What services does Reardon Design offer?
Reardon Design is a full-service interior design firm. This means they handle everything from initial concept development and space planning to furniture sourcing, procurement, and project management through installation.
How can I see more of Shannon Reardon Swanick’s work?
The best place to see her portfolio is on the official Reardon Design website. Her work has also been featured in major publications like Domino, Apartment Therapy, and One Kings Lane.
I love the mixed style but am worried it will look messy. Any advice?
Start with a cohesive color palette. Keeping your wall colors, large furniture (like sofas), and rugs in neutral, complementary tones creates a calm base. Then, you can confidently introduce more eclectic vintage and modern pieces without the room feeling chaotic.
Does she only work on large, full-home projects?
While her portfolio showcases many complete homes, most design firms offer varying levels of service. It’s always worth inquiring about smaller-scale projects or e-design services if you need guidance for just a room or two.
What is one easy-to-find vintage item to start with?
Vintage books! Stack them on a coffee table or use them as risers for decorative objects. They add instant history, texture, and color. Other great starter items are vintage vases, wooden bowls, or art frames.
How does she approach modern kitchens and bathrooms?
Even in these more modern, hard-surface-heavy rooms, Shannon often incorporates warmth and texture. This could be through a vintage runner, open shelving with antique brackets, a unique vintage light fixture, or incorporating natural materials like wood and stone with character.
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