Designer Spotlight: Joelle Snavely

“It’s all about flow,” Interior Designer Joelle Snavely advocates. When working on a client project, the Chagrin Falls designer loves to mix different styles while staying true to the homeowner’s tastes.

“The first thing I do when starting a new project is think about how the space is used and how it needs to flow,” Snavely said. “I really spend a lot of time thinking about how a client will use a space in order to ensure everything is laid out correctly.”

Joelle’s Design Way

Snavely’s designs—similar to her charisma—are warm and inviting, like a hug from an old friend or the aroma of Thanksgiving dinner. Snavely works mostly on Cleveland’s eastside and in the city’s downtown core, with her clients finding her through word-of-mouth endorsements. The designer has always found comfort in art and it did not take much convincing for her to turn this love into her career.

After completing her undergraduate degree in graphic design, Snavely went back to school for interior design in her late 20s at Tri-C (Cuyahoga Community College). She started her career in retail interior design and landed her first job at Barbara Krai’s studio store in Chagrin Falls. Snavely worked with Krai for about five years before venturing out on her own.

Now, the majority of Snavely’s clients are repeat customers that hire her every 5 years when they buy a larger home, downsize or renovate.

Edelman Meets Joelle Design

Another continual relationship is that of Snavely and Edelman. Snavely has been working with Edelman for many years to make selections for plumbing, decorative hardware and more for renovation projects as well as new builds.

“I rely on their knowledge,” Snavely said. “From Andrew to Anna to Marianne to Bradley – everyone there has exceptional knowledge. They provide me with a good, honest solution for each project. They know their products and they make it really easy to work together. Above all, Edelman will sell me what I need and won’t upsell. They are honest and I appreciate that.”

In the bathroom photos above and below, Snavely sourced the Altmans faucet, Native Trails sink and Schaub hardware from her friends at Edelman.

Joelle Snavely’s Top 3 Cleveland Design Tips:

1. 1. In the midwest, opt for polished nickel and brass instead of chrome. Cleveland is cloudy and grey most of the year – and people really do respond positively to a little bit of warmth.

1. 1. But first, flow. Always determine how a space will be used before starting your design or picking appliances. Ask, “what do I need and where should it be situated to best suit my life?”

1. Use accent pieces to play with trends. Unless Pantone’s Greenery is your favorite color and you cannot live without a green kitchen, don’t go down that road.

Quality Over Quantity

“I help my clients envision their design without pushing them in any certain direction. I give them ideas that they wouldn’t necessarily think of on their own – outside of the box – while sticking to their own personal style,” Snavely said. “That’s why my clients hire me.”

Snavely opts for seemingly simple updates that yield statement-making results. A client may come to her thinking they need to do a total gut-rehab, but Snavely at times will look at the project and steer them towards renovating a certain focal point, plus a little re-accessorizing.

“Sometimes the time isn’t right for a gut-job and all you really need is a new color scheme,” Snavely said. “I’ll tell my client, ‘let’s grab some paint, change the lighting and add new accent pieces.'”

Visit Snavely’s Houzz profile to learn more about her work, gain some design tips or to contact her for an upcoming project.

Contact Edelman to speak with an expert sales associate, visit our showroom and to learn more about our offerings for the kitchen, bathroom and more.