Supporting Women Who Build Beautiful Businesses—Inside and Out

A new year brings new energy—and a new twist—to Spotlight on Long Island. In 2026, I’m proud to shine a brighter light on women 55+ who own and run successful businesses, women whose experience, grit, and creativity only deepen with time. There’s something powerful about women supporting women—and today’s spotlight is a perfect example of that strength in action.

Meet Allegra Dioguardi, Founder & Principal Designer, Interiors by Allegra

Born in Glen Cove and raised in Stony Brook, Allegra Dioguardi didn’t follow a straight line to her calling—and that’s part of what makes her story so inspiring. She began college as a biology major in Ithaca, quickly realizing it wasn’t her path. Allegra returned home and commuted to Manhattan in the evenings to pursue a degree in Interior Design at Parsons School of Design. This choice laid the foundation for an impressive career exceeding forty years in the field.

In 2006, Allegra founded Styled and Sold, a home staging company that quickly earned a reputation for excellence across Long Island’s East End. Today, her rebrand to Interiors by Allegra reflects an evolution—one rooted in interior design, while still offering top-tier home staging. The name may be new, but the award-winning quality and trusted service remain the same.

“Living and working in beautiful, well-designed spaces just feels good.”

— Allegra Dioguardi

Designing with Experience—and Instinct

A national award winner in Interior Merchandising with 44 years in the industry, Allegra credits her success to an innate sense of color, balance, and harmony—and to truly knowing her clients. Long Island homes often lean into blues and coastal tones inspired by water views and beaches, but Allegra designs by geography and lifestyle, taking the time to understand how her clients live before leading them confidently through the process.

She’s known for her hands-on, old-school precision: every drawing is done by hand, to architectural scale, with furniture, lighting, elevations, and finishes carefully sized and placed. “I know what I’m doing,” she says with a smile. “It’s like putting together a puzzle. I enjoy it.”

Builders often consult Allegra before construction even begins, relying on her to critique floor plans and ensure spaces function beautifully. Her reputation is built almost entirely on word of mouth—from repeat clients (many 55+) to realtors and national builders alike.

Services at a Glance

Interiors by Allegra is a full-service, award-winning firm offering:

Interior Design

• Space planning & floor-plan review
• Finish, lighting, appliance & hardware selection
• Furniture, accessories & window treatments
• Built-ins, molding & custom details
• Residential & commercial projects—from construction to final styling

Home Staging

• Owner-occupied staging
• Complete vacant staging (model-home look)
• Two-hour consultations with a written “to-do” list

Consultancy

• Budget-based, room-by-room redesigns
• In-person or virtual consultations in any state
• Projects completed in stages when needed

Whether you’re designing to dwell or to sell, Allegra meets clients where they are—always with clarity, respect, and confidence.

A Life Designed with Purpose

A divorced single mom, Allegra says her son has always been her greatest motivator—her reason to keep going, building a life that was secure, creative, and fulfilling. “I didn’t envision life exactly as it is now,” she reflects, “but I have no regrets.”

Currently residing in West Hampton Beach, she works from home seven days a week during busy seasons, attends industry trade shows to stay current, and during quieter months travels to visit friends and family. “It’s important not to isolate,” she says. Retirement? Not on her radar. “I absolutely love what I do.”

One repeat client sums it up best: “Her years of experience prove to be invaluable.”

Connect with Allegra

If you’re in need of an interior designer who combines artistry, experience, and heart:

Website: www.interiorsbyallegra.com

Phone: 631-599-1297

Contact: Form available on her website

 As we begin this new year of Spotlight on Long Island, my hope is simple: that we continue to lift one another up, celebrate women who’ve built lasting businesses, and remind ourselves that experience is a superpower. Supporting women like Allegra means supporting excellence, wisdom, and the beauty that comes from doing what you love, for a lifetime.