Home in Raleigh, North Carolina is evolving, but not by forgetting where it came from. Instead, the Triangle area is embracing a design movement that blends tradition, personal history, and bold creativity.

On this episode of The Best of Raleigh, host Gretchen Coley sits down with Michael Kooiman, publisher of Home Design & Decor Magazine, and Vicky Serany, founder of Southern Studio Interior Design, to explore how design trends, storytelling, and community connections are redefining what home means in Wake County.

From the rise of color and pattern to the renewed love for antiques and indoor outdoor living, this conversation offers a front row seat to where Raleigh interiors are headed next.

The Vision Behind Home Design & Decor Magazine

From Advertiser to Publisher

Michael Kooiman did not start his career in publishing. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs in Charlotte, Michael originally advertised his retail businesses in Home Design & Decor Magazine. When the opportunity arose to purchase the publication in late 2022, he stepped into an entirely new role.

Rather than micromanaging, Michael empowered a talented editorial team to lead the creative direction. That trust has paid off. Under his leadership, the magazine has undergone a major visual and editorial refresh that feels elevated, modern, and deeply rooted in regional storytelling across Raleigh and the Carolinas.

A Refresh That Redefined the Brand

In May 2024, Home Design & Decor introduced what Michael calls a refresh, though many would consider it a full rebrand. With shared editors in chief across the Raleigh and Charlotte editions, the magazine now blends multiple perspectives, design styles, and creative instincts into one cohesive vision.

The result is a publication that feels more global while still celebrating local architects, builders, designers, and artists throughout the Triangle area.

Why Raleigh Design Is Taking More Risks

Color, Pattern, and Personality Are Back

One of the biggest shifts Michael has noticed in Raleigh is a willingness to take risks. Homeowners are leaning into color, texture, and pattern, moving away from overly neutral spaces and embracing homes that feel layered and personal.

Design is no longer about playing it safe for resale. It is about creating spaces that reflect who people are and where they come from.

Tradition Reimagined for Modern Living

Rather than abandoning tradition, Raleigh homeowners are reinterpreting it. Think classic architectural elements paired with contemporary fabrics, or vintage furniture reupholstered in bold, modern textiles. This blend creates homes that feel timeless yet current, familiar yet fresh.

According to Michael, people want houses that remind them of home, spaces that feel grounding, welcoming, and meaningful.

Vicky Serany on Designing Homes That Feel Like Sanctuary

A Lifelong Love of Interiors

For Vicky Serany, founder of Southern Studio Interior Design based in downtown Cary, her passion for interiors started early. Childhood memories of touring model homes sparked a lifelong fascination with how spaces shape the way people live and feel.

That perspective continues to guide her work today. To Vicky, home is more than design. It is sanctuary, connection, and restoration.

Leadership, Mentorship, and Giving Back

After decades in the industry, Vicky sees mentorship as a responsibility. She believes strongly in building relationships, connecting people, and supporting the next generation of designers. That philosophy aligns closely with her long standing relationship with Home Design & Decor Magazine, where she has been an advertiser and contributor for over a decade.

For Vicky, the magazine is more than marketing. It is a trusted voice that supports the local design community and fosters collaboration across Raleigh, Cary, and beyond.

Design Trends Shaping Raleigh Homes in 2026

Both Michael and Vicky agree that the future of home design in Wake County is expressive, functional, and deeply personal.

What We Are Seeing More Of

• Indoor outdoor living inspired by West Coast lifestyles, now reimagined for the Triangle climate
• Formal dining rooms making a quiet comeback as families value intentional gathering spaces
• Home gyms and wellness focused spaces becoming standard features
• Wall coverings, textures, and layered materials used throughout the home
• Vintage and antique pieces mixed with modern furnishings for character and depth

The Most Important Trend of All

According to Vicky, the biggest trend is authenticity. Homeowners are designing for themselves, not for trends or future buyers. Questions about resale value are taking a back seat to comfort, joy, and self expression.

That shift is changing everything, from custom homes to builder spec houses, which are now showing more creativity and personality than ever before.

Where to Find These Local Design Leaders

Southern Studio Interior Design
Website: southernstudio.com
Instagram: @southernstudio
Location: Downtown Cary

Home Design & Decor Magazine
Website: hdddmagonline.com
Instagram: @hdddmagazine_tri
Print copies available at over 60 stockists across Raleigh and the Triangle area

Why This Conversation Matters for Raleigh

This episode of The Best of Raleigh highlights something bigger than design trends. It reflects a cultural shift happening across Raleigh, North Carolina, where homes are becoming more personal, expressive, and connected to community.

Designers, publishers, builders, and homeowners are shaping a city that values creativity, history, and individuality. That spirit is what continues to make Raleigh one of the most exciting places to live, design, and grow.

For more conversations with the people shaping life in the Triangle, explore more stories from Best of Raleigh and follow along every Friday for new podcast episodes.