Page 137 - South Mississippi Living - February, 2026

A vestibule connects the sleeping and living areas of the home.
Kiki, and there are foster dogs in and out all the time. “I like everyone being able to go in and out as they please. The house gets dirty, but it can be cleaned.”
A good friend helped her with interior design decisions, encouraging her to explore her love of color. She used old walls in the house to experiment with paint and wallpaper. She knows what she likes when she sees it but wanted help putting the colors and patterns together.
“My friend Bradley has a fantastic eye and impeccable sense of taste. When I wanted to do something insane, he made it look classy!” This includes painting the washer and dryer in the hall laundry a plum color to match her bold wallpaper. Every turn in the house offers a pleasing new color and pattern.
Maloney enjoys finding things that are different and exciting. “I don’t want what everyone is blogging about. If I have seen it, I don’t want it.” That love of discovery has drawn her to all things vintage. She showcases her finds in the Prop Shop, her small vintage shop in Old Town. “When you find an old unique piece, it could be one of a kind!”
As a former travel blogger, she has traveled to over 50 countries. “I really love the things I have collected. I change them out all the time. The spaces in my house have significance because there are stories behind each pretty little thing.”
It reflects her cheerful outlook and easy going personality. The room was designed around a vintage light fixture with brightly colored yellow and orange metal flowers in a trellis-like shape. There is a yellow leather banquet in the corner, open shelving displaying some of her favorite treasures, and wallpaper on the ceiling, a spot for design she emphatically believes most people overlook. “I knew exactly what I wanted for this kitchen, and this
is it.”
The design has changed her lifestyle.
She says, “Cooking is not a chore anymore. I love growing food in my new garden out back and cooking here in this kitchen. When I lived in the Quarter,
the oven did not even work. I stored my sweaters in it! I have become a back porch person. I love to sit and watch the back yard grow.”
After her experiences creating her dream home, Maloney has some advice for others wanting to make changes. “I do not like to hear people talk about resale value when considering a home project. Design for you. It is completely bizarre
to me that you would design and invest
in your home for other people. Try your ideas. Paint and paper can be repainted, nothing is permanent. Get help when you need it and wait for the right people.”
Maloney did just that and has created a one-of-a-kind home for her one-of-a-kind self.
Holly Harrison has been a licensed interior designer for over 35 years. Shannon Stage has spent nearly 20 years in the giftware industry. Together they own Sassy Bird Interiors in Bay
St. Louis, Mississippi.
Sassy Bird Interiors
211 Main St. Bay St. Louis 228.344.3181 | www.sassybirdinteriors.com
February 2026 | 137
Her sunny kitchen is her favorite room. SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net
Maloney explores her love of color and patterns in her new guest bath.
The new master bath is a bright, airy tropical oasis.