Name

Tamara Matthews-Stephenson

Occupation 

Interior Designer/blog author Nest by Tamara/product designer

Tell me about a project or accomplishment that you consider to be the most 

significant in your career . . . 

I recently went into business with one of my 
dearest friends, fashion designer Susan young, and we are combining both 

of our talents to create wares for the home called Root Cellar Designs. Represented at Bradley USA in Atlanta and Chicago.

What things do you not like to do . . .

 vacuuming

What is your perfect pizza . . .

 Carmelized onion, no cheese, pesto

What kitchen utensil do you use most frequently . . .

 A zester!

Who is your secret celebrity crush . . .

 Brad Pitt

Are you a night owl or a morning person . . . 

Definitely a night owl – I do all my writing at night

What time of day were you born . . .

 11 pm 

Do you know your heritage . . .

Yes – Spanish, German, English, Irish 

Do you follow astrology . .  What zodiac sign are you  . . 

Virgo baby, very controlling!

What would your DJ Name be . . . 

I was a DJ in college – my future DJ name would be DJ Élan 

Do you have a favorite number . . . 

5

How many pairs of shoes do you own . . .

About 200

What is your present state of mind . . .

 optimistic

It’s 6pm at your favorite bar or restaurant, what drink do you order? 

blood orange margarita

Do you awake with or with an alarm . . . 

No alarm

Uber, Taxi, Subway or Citi Bike . . . 

 Uber, definitely uber

What song is ready to play on your playlist . . .

Joni Mitchell’s Blue is always on my phone and 
although it’s melancholy it reminds me of my mom, who
loved music so I play it all the time when I miss her

What is the last photo you took with your cell phone . . .

 Tomatoes at the farmer’s market

If we were to peek in your closet, the dominant color would be . . . 

Indigo blue and black 

One of the best lessons my parents taught me is to . . .

work hard

What is your favorite work of art . . . 

Anything by Matisse – Harmony in red 

dessert in red- has so many things I love – the color red, depicting fabric 

design, the essence of blue china patterning.  Matisse puts all the elements 

of design together in his paintings that captures an exquisite perspective on 

homes and his vision at that time – he is truly my favorite painter, a 

fabulous colorist as well.

What is your favorite building in Manhattan?

Grand Central Station

Tamara Matthews Stephenson has been a freelance writer for a variety of magazines and websites including NYC&G, Trad Home, Traditional Home, Venu, Today’s Equestrian,  IFDA NY blog and New York Spaces.  

#nestbytamara #lifestyleblog #InteriorDesign #rootcellerdesigns #persepective