A Signature Approach to Design

Stock & Trade Design Co.

By Anna Gilchrist | Photography courtesy of Stock & Trade Design Co.

With a unique knack for transforming houses into homes, Stock & Trade Design Co. aims to redefine any space through thoughtful design and dedication. What began as a family-run business in Birmingham, Alabama, in 2012 has since grown into a renowned design company with five locations across the Southeast. Under the leadership of CEO and founder Michael Carey, Stock & Trade Design Co. has expanded its locations to Destin/30-A, Nashville, Spanish Fort, and Atlanta, bringing its signature approach and one-of-a-kind design style to a wide range of clientele.

Stock & Trade Design Co. sets itself apart with a unique full-service design approach. Whether a full-home installation or a simple space refresh, the team offers in-house consultations to assist clients through every step of the journey. From space planning and furniture selection to delivery and installation, Stock & Trade works with each client to simplify the process. Their design process combines curated floor models and custom, USA-made special-order furnishings, with a turnaround time of just four to six weeks. Every detail is intentional and rooted in the team’s passion for creating beautiful spaces that cater to each client’s unique needs.

Their talent shines through in each of their projects along the Gulf Coast. The firm’s Oyster Lake project, located in the Dune Allen community off Scenic Highway 30-A, and the Bramble Grove project in Seagrove Beach are perfect examples. Nestled along the water and surrounded by natural beauty, the two-story Oyster Lake residence was brought to life with a blend of clean lines and classic coastal style. Vast windows invite natural light into the space, showcasing the views of Oyster Lake. Inside the home, the team worked with soft palettes, layering textures and tones to create depth. Pops of blue found in accent chairs and decor subtly mimic the home’s coastal feel. Delicately placed hues of coral, pink, and orange add warmth without overpowering the space’s neutral palette. The contrast between the light walls and appliances, paired with vibrant accents, creates a balanced look throughout the space. In the living room, pink patterned pillows and cozy orange throws invite guests in, while baby blue armchairs maintain the home’s quaint coastal charm. Bramble Grove, by contrast, features a softer, more neutral palette evoking the feel of the sand dunes and skies along the Gulf. The Stock & Trade design team’s careful consideration and attention to detail helped turn each of these houses into a luxurious home exuding coastal elegance.

Another striking project is a recent project near Mobile Bay, a bold and refreshing spin on a classic Alabama coastal design. In this space, the Stock & Trade team embraced vivid colors and furnishings to make a statement. Various shades and patterns of green appear in pillows and upholstery, adding vibrancy to the neutral-toned sofas. These touches of color are contrasted with dark-stained wood furnishings, bringing the living room together. Lush indoor plants complement the natural light filtering through the windows. One of the most captivating features of the home is the fireplace, where the intricate mantelpiece sits just below a bright painting, drawing the eye to it. Once again, Stock & Trade showed its ability to tell a story through design and signature touches.

Stock & Trade’s flagship showroom in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, is a destination all its own. With an impressive 65,000 square feet across three beautifully designed floors, the showroom turns shopping into a fully immersive experience. Visitors can browse through a curated collection of high-end furnishings or consult with the company’s talented designers in the full-service design center. The showroom also features an in-house coffee shop, Stock & Brew, with an array of exceptional beverages and fresh pastries to pick from. This unique setting offers a space for both clients and coffee connoisseurs.

Michael Carey is also the founder and passion behind Harlan’s Place Foundation, a project born from personal inspiration. Michael founded the organization in honor of his son, Harlan, who was born with Down syndrome. Harlan’s Place is dedicated to providing safe, empowering housing for adults with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities. Harlan’s Place will comprise sixty thoughtfully designed apartments in Santa Rosa Beach, where residents can live an independent life in a warm and supportive environment.

Harlan’s Place is a reflection of Michael’s love for his son and his commitment to providing every individual with the opportunity to live in a beautiful, enriching environment. To support its mission, the foundation will host its annual Gatsby Gala and newly added golf tournament on October 4–5, 2025, a fundraising weekend where all proceeds will directly support Harlan’s Place.

Through design and a commitment to excellence, Stock & Trade Design Co. continues to impact lives by creating beautiful spaces and giving back to its community. Ultimately, every aspect of their work contributes to the team’s goal of making people feel at home.

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Visit StockandTrade.com, follow @stockandtradedesignco on Instagram, or stop by the Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, showroom at 2668 US Highway 98 to learn more, shop, or start your next design project. Visit HarlansPlace.org to learn more or get tickets to Gala & Golf: A Gatsby Affair!