The DESIGN library
Insider Guidance + Press Features
What Makes an Award-Winning Outdoor Space?
What does it take to create an award-winning outdoor living space? Go behind the design of our nationally recognized Royal Poinciana project in South Tampa, where personalized furnishings, creative collaboration, and a focus on how the homeowners wanted to live transformed their outdoor spaces into beautiful places to relax and entertain.
Why Great Homes Begin with Great Collaboration
Luxury begins with the experience of creating your home. Discover how early collaboration between your interior designer, builder, and trusted trade partners protects your investment and creates a process that feels just as rewarding as the finished home.
From Builder-Grade to Beautifully Personal
A strategic floor plan change transformed this builder-grade Palma Ceia home into a warm, sophisticated space designed for gathering, everyday living, and lasting impact. Explore the kitchen renovation, dramatic powder room transformation, and the thoughtful choices that made it all possible.
Southern Living: Small Front Porch Ideas That Make a Big Impact
Discover small front porch ideas from Tampa designer Audra Samnotra, as featured in Southern Living, with tips to elevate curb appeal and charm.
Canvas Rebel: Meet Audra Samnotra of Social Swan Decor
Audra Samnotra, founder of Social Swan Decor, shares her journey into interior design and the philosophy behind her client-centered approach in this Canvas Rebel feature.
Why Every Dining Room Needs a Clear Star
Every dining room needs a defining feature. See how Social Swan Decor designs spaces around statement lighting, art, furnishings, and custom details across Tampa homes.
Houzz 2026 Best of Service Award: Our Commitment to Client Experience
Social Swan Decor has been awarded Houzz Best of Service 2026, a recognition based on client reviews and satisfaction. Discover how our signature process delivers an elevated experience from concept to final reveal.
Real Simple: An Unexpected Way to Use Kitchen Lighting
Real Simple asked Audra Samnotra to share how unexpected lighting choices can transform the kitchen into a warmer, more intentional space.
House Beautiful: Designer-Approved Home Upgrades That Make a Big Impact
House Beautiful asked Audra Samnotra of Social Swan Decor to share simple, budget-friendly upgrades that make a home feel intentional and elevated.
Parade Home & Garden: A designer’s Take on the Best Neutral Rugs
Neutral rugs are anything but boring. Discover how texture, scale, and thoughtful selection create timeless, livable interiors.
From Blueprint to Beautiful: Inside Our Signature Process with this Bathroom Renovation
At Social Swan Decor, our Signature Process guides every project with intention—from the first conversation to the final reveal—so your home feels beautifully considered and effortless.
Apartment Therapy: State of Home Design 2026 Trend Report
As a contributor to Apartment Therapy’s 2026 trend report, I’m sharing what design shifts I’m most excited about—from bold colors to custom furnishings—and how they’re already influencing my projects.
3 Reasons to Invest in Custom Upholstery and Fine Furnishings
In a world of fast furniture and fleeting trends, custom upholstery stands apart. Explore how bespoke craftsmanship and thoughtful design create timeless, meaningful interiors.
Southern Living: What To Do With Sentimental Family Furniture That's Not Your Style
Quoted in Southern Living, Audra shares how a beloved dressing table from her grandmother’s home now serves as a poudreuse in her daughter’s bedroom. Discover how heirloom pieces can feel timeless—not outdated—when styled with intention and layered into a collected, elevated home.
House Beautiful: Outdoor Planters that Designers Swear By
Audra was recently featured in House Beautiful for her outdoor planter pick, chosen for its quiet charm and versatility. In this post, she shares how she styles it with intention—not just as a container, but as a design element that finishes a space with elegance and ease.
Voyage Tampa: Inspiring Conversations with Audra Samnotra of Social Swan Decor
Originally featured in VoyageTampa, this article highlights how Audra Samnotra’s global experiences and finance career shaped the foundation of Social Swan Decor.
Tampa Magazine: Designing Bathrooms for the Long Haul
Social Swan Decor’s design for lasting, beautiful bathrooms earned a feature in Tampa Magazine. Discover how they blend stealth luxury with thoughtful longevity.
The Spruce: 5 Styling Tricks to Make a Home Look Instantly Done
Social Swan Decor is excited to be featured in The Spruce, sharing styling tips that bring polish and personality to any room—plus our founder’s expert perspectives.
Tampa Magazine: A South Tampa Mediterranean Revival
Social Swan Decor is honored to be featured in Tampa Magazine for a full-home project that blends Mediterranean character with modern warmth and soulful detail. See the project and publication highlights.
Design Is the Real Luxury: Reflections from a Naples Home Tour
During a private design retreat in Naples, I toured homes from $3M to $35M—and left with an unexpected lesson: great design—not the price tag—defines true luxury. Here’s why I’ll always choose thoughtful, intentional design over square footage alone.