Marblehead Interior Design Store To Hold Grand Opening Thursday

MARBLEHEAD, MA – Diana James has been an interior designer for about 15 years, and is launching her own aesthetic brand with her new store, Living Swell.

She describes her style as seaside luxe: Elegant but funky at the same time. Living Swell will carry refurbished pieces from the 1940s through the 1960s, textiles, leather goods, and body and home fragrances.

"Having something that’s just my own has always been something I’ve wanted to do," James said. She said her brand is informed by the seaside, but more of a West Coast or European Coast kind of feel than the North Shore.

Living Swell will hold a grand opening on Thursday, Feb. 16.

James offers interior design consulting out of her new space: Renovation, decorating projects, working with contractors and architects for space planning and more. She shares her ideas for spaces with her clients through pictures, photos, drawings.

"Basically I can give them a vision," James said. "A lot of people don’t know where to start so they don’t do anything."

"What sets me apart from other interior designers and retailers in the area is that I am creating a lifestyle brand through my original designs for leather goods, wall coverings, pottery, lighting and furniture. Everything in my store is hand chosen because it either suits my own personal aesthetic or I have designed it myself. I’ve taken choice mid century pieces and refurbished and reworked them to portray a style that speaks to today’s home interiors that is fun and elegant," James said.

"I believe in supporting local artisans and have a deep respect for those who can create my vision with their hands. As an example, my leather goods collection can be customized for the client by choosing leather, liner, hardware and design elements: No one is doing this. This summer I will launch an evening bag collection created exclusively for me, as well as a wall covering line that is being fabricated by a local artisan/printer."

You can see more of James' work on the Living Swell Facebook page and Instagram.

Images via Living Swell