Written By Megin Potter
[From the 2025 Fall Magazine]
Linda Gerace Skinner
Photo by Megan Mumford
No single element defines a beautiful design. Instead, these rare wonders shine because of their uniqueness. Each ingenious choice, while striking on its own, is made even more compelling by how cohesively it exists within its environment.
The thoughtfully curated spaces by owner and principal designer Linda Gerace Skinner of Interior Designs Atelier balance traditional craftsmanship and technological innovations in award-winning designs that exude an inviting elegance.
These are luxury homes, custom builds, and large-scale renovations for busy families and professionals where breathtaking features, playful contrasts, and fine craftsmanship combine to create rooms that put on a show.
Diane Meyer
Photo by Megan Mumford
Just minutes from Broadway, at the architecturally stunning center of Saratoga Springs’ fashionable Franklin Square, Interior Designs Atelier shares its superb space within a stately 1836 Greek Revival with their friendly mascot, a rescue pup named Nikki, who also pops in on the other inspiring artisans who complete the ‘vibe’ of this area’s established (and growing!) design community.
After opening in 2020, Interior Designs Atelier lived upstairs for more than two years before the firm expanded and relocated to the first floor when Linda and her husband, Andrew, purchased The Workers Club, an established co-working space, then formed the Saratoga Design Collective, which invites other local designers in to rent their office, utilize their resource library, collaborate amongst other designers, and meet with their clients in the comfortable conference room.
Melding modern sensibilities with timeless elegance, Interior Designs Atelier is also a boutique interior design studio and a luxury shopping experience. With more than 450 trusted vendors and many exceptional furniture pieces on display, this space reflects the beautiful collaboration between its designers.
Linda and her main design collaborator; Senior Designer Diane Meyer, first met in 1999 while both were working for the high-end furniture showroom, Stickley Furniture in Albany. Linda moved to Minneapolis with her husband, Andrew Skinner, and Diane moved abroad, but after she returned from Amsterdam, Netherlands, the two reconnected.
“We always admired each other’s work,” said Linda. “We’re very similar, but we also have a great yin and yang that really works.”
Staying at the Cusp of Emerging Excellence
In 2014, Linda, formerly the principal and solo designer at the LGS Design Group, won first place from the ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) for her commercial interior design at Saratoga’s acclaimed restaurant, 15 Church. Project managing onsite for three months, Linda created a distinctive dining experience with elements including a gorgeous geode wall that exudes refinement.
Now, Linda is the Upstate New York American Society of Interior Designers President-Elect 2025-2026. She combines her vast experience with an incredible desire to stay abreast of the latest advances and designs. This April, Linda and Diane attended the largest home furnishings industry trade show in the world, The High Point Market, in North Carolina, and Linda attended the exquisite Salone Di Mobile, Milan's Design Week show in Italy. Linda also attended ASID’s three-day annual conference in Georgia in August, where she found continued inspiration and explored new innovations with designers from all over the country.
These exceptional experiences combine with Linda and Diane’s unique ability to tune into clients’ desires and an insatiable urge to design (creative ideas that can’t be turned off at any hour of the day or night).
“We take the time to get to know the client, their lifestyle, what color schemes they like, and how they want to live in the home,” said Linda. “Every client makes us better,” she continued. “Even after 35 years of experience, I’m still constantly learning and growing in this business. I take pride in building relationships with clients to ensure the end result authentically reflects them.”
As evidenced by their clientele, which is mostly referrals and repeat clients.
Adding the Details that Define a Design
By managing expectations and keeping the lines of communication open, the Interior Designs Atelier firm does all the heavy lifting for their clients by leveraging their trusted network of vendors and suppliers to source their clients’ items, onsite project managing, and deftly navigating the ever-changing global supply chain challenges with ease. With meticulous preparation, the IDA team brings your vision to life.
The monumental final reveal is one of my favorite parts of the process, said Diane. “I love the reveals. It is such a special surprise when the client comes in at the end and sees it all come together with those final touches. It’s such a sweet family moment!”
In October, you can see their latest collaboration with Bonacio Development on a model unit within the historic Tudor-style former carriage house of the Mabee family at 122 Regent Street. This historic building later served various academic institutions, including Skidmore College, Verrazzano College, and the Waldorf School, and is now being transformed into five luxury residences with rich character.
Look for Interior Designs Atelier’s designs decked out for the holidays in Simply Saratoga’s 2025 Holiday issue. Find updates on a Ribbon Cutting Celebration to commemorate their fifth anniversary and all their latest designs by following @interiordesignsatelier on Instagram. For more information, go to interiordesignsatelier.com