As we enter the fall dining season, Sarreid is delighted to shine our Designer Spotlight on Jamie Merida—an award-winning designer celebrated for his “traditional made modern” approach. Since founding Bountiful Interiors in 1999, he has expanded into a full design destination in Easton, Maryland, with Bountiful Home, Flooring, Framing, and Jamie Merida Interiors all under one roof. His work has been featured in House Beautiful, Veranda, Traditional Home, and many other national publications, cementing his reputation for creating elegant yet livable spaces.
This month, we asked Jamie to share his story and his perspective on design, dining, and the art of gathering.
Q: Your journey—from growing up between Belgium and Kentucky to launching Bountiful Interiors and later Jamie Merida Interiors—has been rooted in both global influence and local tradition. How have those early experiences shaped your aesthetic and design philosophy today?
A: As a child I was lucky enough to be surrounded by art, antiques, and culture. My parents were both accomplished artists and ran an art gallery and antiques business, so I was always interested in beautiful things. Living between Belgium and Kentucky gave me two very different, but equally formative, perspectives: European tradition and Southern hospitality. That blend is really at the heart of my work today. I like to say my style is “traditional made modern”—I honor timeless forms and materials but reinterpret them with fresh colors, textures, and layouts to make spaces feel elegant yet livable.
Q: Over the years, you’ve grown from a furniture store into a complete design destination. What inspired that expansion and how does it elevate the experience for your clients?
A: When I first opened Bountiful Interiors in 2000, it was purely a home furnishings and accents store. But clients naturally began asking for help beyond what they could buy in the shop—they wanted a complete vision for their homes. That led to launching Jamie Merida Interiors, and over time, we’ve grown into a team of designers, installers, CAD specialists, and more. Adding a kitchen and bath design center, flooring, and custom framing has allowed us to be a true one-stop destination. Client’s love knowing they can trust one team with every detail, from concept to installation, while still getting a highly personalized experience.
Q: With the dining season upon us, what design principles guide you when creating a dining space that feels both timeless and welcoming? Are there certain colors, textures, or layouts you turn to when the table becomes the heart of the home?
A: For me, it’s always about balance: a dining space should feel gracious yet approachable. I often draw inspiration from the landscapes and waterways of Maryland’s Eastern Shore—soft, natural palettes with layers of texture to keep things interesting. Good lighting is essential—it sets the tone for everything from a formal dinner to a casual family meal. I also think proportion matters tremendously. A table should fill the room in a way that feels grand but never crowded, and seating should be comfortable enough that guests linger long after the meal ends.
Q: For clients who love to host, what are the most impactful ways to infuse personality into a dining room—through furniture choices, lighting, art, or table styling—without sacrificing elegance?
A: The dining room is one of the best spaces to make a statement. A standout chandelier can completely transform the room’s atmosphere. Art is another powerful way to show personality—it doesn’t need to match the drapes; it needs to reflect who you are. Then there’s table styling: unique linens, fresh florals, or collected serving pieces add warmth and individuality. I always encourage clients to bring in something unexpected, whether it’s a bold fabric on the chairs or a treasured antique. The key is layering those personal touches with classic design elements so the room still feels timeless. Good lighting is paramount; you want the environment and your guests to good at a dinner party.
Lead Designer Leigh Mayhew w/ Jamie Merida Interiors | Square Back Side Chair
Q: As you’re working with clients on dining spaces, are there particular Sarreid dining pieces you’re especially drawn to right now?
A: Sarreid has such a great range that blends craftsmanship with versatility. Right now, I’m drawn to their dining tables with clean, traditional lines reimagined in fresh finishes. They anchor a space beautifully and adapt to so many different looks. I’ve always been a fan of their expanding Jupe tables which is something they are known for. They are great in spaces where a round table is ideal but needs to be able to expand for additional seating! Their sideboards and consoles are also favorites of mine because they provide both function and a strong design presence—you can style them with art, lighting, and accessories to give the dining room real depth.
Q: As we look toward the months ahead, what dining or entertaining trends excite you most?
A: I’m excited to see clients leaning into more relaxed, yet elevated, entertaining. There’s a move away from overly formal spaces toward rooms that feel truly lived in, with performance fabrics, versatile layouts, and durable finishes that don’t sacrifice beauty. I’m also seeing a renewed interest in mixing old and new—pairing antiques with modern pieces for a collected look. And I think dining spaces are becoming more flexible overall, functioning not just for dinner parties but for work, school, and family life. That makes thoughtful design even more important.
Lead Designer Carol Wheeler w/ Jamie Merida Interiors | Patton Canvas Field Chairs
Leave a Reply