Category: Other

DESIGNING THE PERFECT POWDER ROOM

When you think of your favorite room in your home, which room comes to mind? One of my favorite spaces to design is the powder room. It’s the perfect place to add unexpected design elements and create a truly unique aesthetic. If you’re not sure how you feel about your powder room, we have some helpful tips for you to pull off your ideal style for you and your guests to enjoy.

1. MAKE THE VANITY COUNT

The vanity is typically the focal point of your powder bath so it’s important to make a statement with this. Lacquered vanities can add a glamourous touch, and don’t be afraid to consider using saturated color. Your cabinet hardware should be substantial and make the vanity feel more like a piece of furniture. Gemstones, fretwork brass squares, and acrylic are some of my go-to styles.

2. WALLPAPER WITH PERSONALITY

Wallpaper is the best way to add color and personality to the space. There are many great choices to choose from, like grasscloth, unique floral designs, and contemporary geometric styles. I also opt to paint the crown, trim, and vanity in a vibrant color that complements the paper. It can help tie the design together and make the space feel like a beautiful jewelry box.

3. DRESS UP YOUR FAUCET

A unique faucet in a brass finish can dress up the space, while the knobs or levers can help support the overall look. The same goes for the hand towel ring. Phylrich, Waterworks, Sherle Wagner, and Newport Brass are brands I often include in my designs.

4. LIGHTEN THE MOOD

Lighting is also key, so be sure to select sconces or pendants that feel more bespoke and unique rather than harsh and utilitarian. Layering in the right kind of light will give your powder room that added touch of luxury.

5. MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL

Mirrors are another great way to add style and are a complementary element to your vanity. Feel free to mix and match metals or go for a vintage Venetian or bamboo frame to highlight your unique look.

6. MAKE IT PERSONAL

Don’t forget the personal touches too. Leontine Linens, Aerin Lauder, and B’s Knees are some of our favorite places to find those personal touches. These items can include monogrammed or embroidered hand towels, luxury bars of soap, fragrance diffusers, and shagreen matchboxes. No matter how small, these thoughtful additions always go a long way.

If you or someone you know is planning on a powder room refresh, we hope these pointers serve as a guide to bring that extra dose of personality to your home. No matter your style, you can always make an impact with these elements to create your perfect powder room.

May 16, 2022
4 Tips on Designing a Powder Room

When it comes to designing a powder bath, I always tell my clients to dig deep into their personal style and not to be afraid of taking it to the next level. While the space may be small or seem insignificant, it is one of the only rooms in the house that allows full creativity and freedom to take a chance on something fun. Keep reading below for some of my tips on remodeling your guest or powder bathroom.

Designing a powder room is the perfect opportunity to dial up the style in your home.

Pushing luxury and sophistication to new limits in your powder bath will bring an unexpected, yet swoon-worthy statement to your overall interior. In this case, it is perfectly acceptable for this space to have a whole different feel than the rest of your home.

Wallpaper is the perfect solution to add pattern, drama and color to a small space.

That funky wallpaper print you have always loved but have been too scared to use? This is the perfect time and space! Bring on the playful prints and unexpected colors, you won’t regret it.

Decorative plumbing, hardware and unique sconces create the “jewelry” for the room.

In other words, be bold with accessories! Whether it be a glamorous brass faucet or eye-catching sconces, dressing the interior with the right hardware and lighting makes all of the difference.

A custom vanity is a must to make it look polished and unique.

As mentioned before, this is an opportunity to really bring personality into your home! Completing the space with a unique vanity will not only bring an extra layer of customization but creates a one-of-a-kind design you love.

By following the steps above, your powder room can look like a jewel box! For more tips on mastering your bathroom remodel, check out this blog post by Redfin, How to Tackle a Guest Bathroom Remodel like a Pro.

April 1, 2021
Holiday Decorating in 2020

Every year I always look forward to decorating for the holidays, whether it’s for clients or my own home. It’s the perfect opportunity to shake things up and add some sparkle and shine.

When it comes to trimming my tree, I pick a few colors for the scheme and throw in metallic accents to add some brilliance. Normally I try to coordinate the color scheme to complement the room. Having a tree in every living area is another way to diversify the décor and bring joy to every room. When my girls were young we loved displaying the precious Christmas ornaments that they made over the years. Since they didn’t match my living room, I made sure to have a second tree that they could decorate themselves. They also have mini trees in their bedrooms which reflect their personal style.

Holiday décor doesn’t stop at the tree! Because we entertain so much, we can’t neglect our bar cart. Giving your bar cart some holiday accents is a great way to contribute to the holiday cheer. Try adding some garland, a bowl filled with ornaments, or a tabletop Christmas tree.

When setting a holiday table, I always aim for a glam look with shimmer and sparkle. A neutral table cloth in gold or silver creates the perfect foundation for the crystal, china and silver. I love including fresh flowers and greenery, along with decorative items like Christmas trees and ornaments. Nutcrackers give the table some personality and kids always love to play with them.

This year more than ever, I feel that decorating for the holidays at home is the perfect way for families to quietly celebrate the season. I encourage you to get together with your loved ones, turn on some Christmas music, and give your home some holiday flair!

December 2, 2020
Window Treatments: 3 Styles To Know And Love
Creating beautiful window treatments is one of my favorite elements of any design project. Not only do they function for practical purposes, but they also add the finishing touch to any room.

Here are some of my favorite styles:

DRAPERY PANELS:
- For formal spaces, drapery panels can add some drama and will soften the spaces where there are tall ceilings.
- I will incorporate a solid dupioni silk, crisp linen or a print.
- Adding a tape trim down the leading edge of a solid panel creates a more finished look with a solid fabric and creates a more tailored feel.
- Using a bold colored fabric or heavy texture in a formal space such as velvet is a great way to add some color and drama.
- Don’t forget the hardware! Gone are the days of super stylized rods and finials. I opt for simple clean lines with smooth metal rods and acrylic hardware works well for formal spaces to create a clean but glamorous look.
- For bedrooms I recommend a simple solid linen with black out to create a soothing palette and allows you to sleep in!
ROMAN SHADES:
- Roman shades are a great option for bathrooms and bedrooms if you are wanting a crisp, clean look.
- For bedrooms you can use a black out lining and for bathrooms you can opt for a privacy or light filtering shade
- Roman shades are the perfect option to frame a window in a kitchen by adding some color and pattern
- Adding a colorful tape trim or geometric trim can give a simple shade some style
WOVEN SHADES:
- Woven shades are the perfect option for light filtering spaces that can have a more natural look
- Unlined woven shades are great for kitchen and bathrooms to create some privacy but not have total black out or heavy fabric.
- In Living Rooms woven shades can add another layer to a large window and they add privacy at night.
- In bedrooms a black out woven shade can create some texture but is also practical if there is black out
October 13, 2020
Floor Coverings: 5 Key Areas In The Home
Your home is a reflection of your personality and preferences. Each space is a balancing act between many different elements that fulfill the function and unique form. These pieces can call attention to complementary features glimmered in your personal vision. A crucial piece to this design puzzle is the careful selection of floor coverings. Here are some ideas on how to tactfully utilize floor coverings in five key areas within the home.

FORMAL ROOMS
- For formal rooms like the dining and living areas, many clients seek a sense of elegance and formality. A hand-woven Oushak or Persian rug can create the perfect backdrop for these spaces. Careful attention should be dedicated to selecting the right pattern, color scheme, and sizes. Pieces like these are often one-of-a-kind and should be handled with care as a long-term investment for your home. Some tips to keep in mind during your search for the perfect floor covering are:
  - Shop with a reputable dealer – Interior Resources and Blackstone Carpets are two great resources to consider
  - Make sure you do not buy based on the trend of the moment
  - Know the proper material content to ensure your rug will last
  - The most desirable option is wool
INFORMAL ROOMS
- For informal rooms, a broadloom woven carpet is a great option. These selections are available in specific sizes that range in widths from 12’-15’. Because of the breadth of these floor coverings, it is important to make sure the size of the room is large enough to accommodate the scale. The balancing act here can be paired in a few different combinations. You can use a neutral color if you want a more soothing palette so that the carpet does not compete with the furniture. You can also choose a saturated color with an interesting pattern to create an energetic, and dynamic look. When it comes to the weave, a loop is a great option for a crisp, clean look while a cut pile is ideal if you want something super soft. I often recommend using a wool option that can have hints of nylon or poly-silk, but I always advise against Viscose.
STAIRCASES
- Don’t forget about your staircase! Staircases are a great place to add a design element that enhances the look of a space as well as its function. For a formal staircase, incorporating a pattern adds a feeling of luxury and can soften the structure of those steps. A geometric pattern is versatile but should also be envisioned as it would overlay on the stairs. For example, if you have a curved stairway you will need to consider how the pattern will be altered on each step. For high traffic areas such as a family’s back stairs using a tight material, the weave can ensure durability to withstand the wear and tear of daily life.
OUTDOORS
- There are some creative options for performance outdoor rugs that can be used inside. Gone are the days when a performance rug looked like plastic or felt too thin. These rugs are best used in breakfast areas to warm up spaces but can be easily cleaned.
HALLWAYS
- Lastly, adding texture with a rug has never been more fun! Using an animal hide can activate a sense of interest and is very easy to clean. I like to incorporate custom hide runners to spice up a hallway or add an asymmetrical element to an open space, such as a vestibule or entry.
June 30, 2020
A Home Remodeling Timeline: 5 Simple Steps
Thinking about taking the leap and starting your home renovation project? First it is important for you to know the project timeline and everything necessary to guarantee your project is completed flawlessly and in a timely manner. This article contains everything you need to know about creating a home remodeling timeline.

Below are 5 crucial steps of the timeline you don’t want to miss.

Step 1: Hire a Builder and Architect.
- The first step of your home remodeling timeline is to hire the right team. After making the final decision to move forward with your project, the most important thing to do is hire a builder and architect. The builder and architect will help determine the plans, budget and construction schedule. Do you have a strict budget or are you more flexible? Your builder and architect will be able to break down and explain the cost of each section of your project. They will also walk you through everything you need to know regarding the length of your project timeline. Another great resource is to read through a previous post of ours, 3 Tips On How To Budget For Your Home Remodel Project.
Step 2: Hire a Designer.
- Once you have found your builder and architect, move on to finding the right designer for you and your project. Your designer will help select the materials such as plumbing fixtures, tile, countertops, cabinets, paint finishes and lighting. In case you missed it, check out my recent article on Top 4 Things To Look For In An Interior Designer. This resource will help you think through how to find a designer to work with. Here, you can learn more about the process and how to find the best and most qualified designer for you.
Step 3: Determine your Finish Out.
- The third step in your home remodeling timeline is a critical one. It is also critical to work closely with your designer at this step because the items that you select (tile, countertops, cabinetry and architectural details) are the decisions that will make your design goals come to life. Working closely with your designer at this point of the project is crucial if you want the finished result to live up to your expectations. Plus, they can guide you throughout the entire process. Check out the below before and after shots of the living room in a recent home remodel project we completed. As you can see, the materials selection and design details make all the difference.
Step 4: Schedule Walk Throughs.
- Some people are shocked to find out that often times during a construction project, many decisions will be made on-site. It is important to schedule regular meetings and walkthroughs with your designer and builder. This way, you stay up to date with the progress and feel confident that your renovation is running smoothly. During these walkthroughs you will have the opportunity to ask questions, so it is important to come prepared.
Step 5: Finalized Design Details.
- Lastly, you get to see your vision come to life! Finishing touches such as the carpet and rug selection, hardwood stain colors and hardware placement are some of the last but most important steps in your renovation project. Making the decision to remodel is a big one and it can be a long process. While it can be exciting to reach the end point, don’t rush this part! You will find that the options are endless, and you want to feel confident about your end result and the pieces you selected. The below before and after shots are of the breakfast table in the same home we showed above. As you can see, these projects are completely transformative!
December 12, 2019
Home Remodeling Budget: 3 Tips To Help You Succeed
Determining a home remodeling budget is one of the most important pieces of a successful renovation. So, how much should you budget for your home remodeling project? This is everyone’s burning question, and unfortunately, there is no easy answer. As you know, there are many factors to take into consideration for establishing a budget for your project. This will largely depend on your personal taste and style preferences. However, below are 3 tips on how to budget for your home remodel project. These tips can help anyone when it comes to budgeting for a home remodel.

Make a list of everything you want included, and understand the costs associated with each.
- As mentioned in my article on the 3 Phases of a Home Renovation Project, you will spend ample time in the initial planning stages talking with your builder. This is where you will determine the scope of work and also consult with your designer to select materials and finishes. It is in both of these steps combined that you will gain a better understanding of the costs associated with each item on your list.
- The builder or contractor will likely have a set fee for implementing the work, but the selections you make on materials and finishes can drastically impact the cost. Higher end, more durable materials will naturally cost more than lower end, less durable materials. Similarly, selecting products and materials from local and/or ethical and sustainable suppliers can also drive up costs. This is where you will need to spend a little time figuring out which items on your wish list are most important to you, and where your value lies. This leads us to the next tip on the list, defining what is “non-negotiable”.
Review your complete wish-list for the project and determine which items on this list are considered “non-negotiable”.
- After creating your wish list and going through each item with your designer, you will want to highlight which items on the list are most important to you. Consider these items “non-negotiable”. These are the items you are less likely to budge and compromise on when making your selections. For example, when it comes to prioritizing, focus on the luxury items first such as tile and countertops. You can then work with your designer to value engineer other items, such as lighting and hardware, which can easily be upgraded over time.
- All of your home details are important, but only you can decide which ones take priority over others. Establishing your list of non-negotiables is important for creating your home remodeling budget. This will also help you down the road in the event costs become too high and you need to cut items off the list or downgrade to a more affordable option.
Add a buffer to plan for the unexpected.
- Lastly, build in a buffer to your overall home remodeling budget in the event that unexpected items come up. This is just a good rule of thumb to follow! Although you are working with a team of qualified experts from the builder to the designer, it is inevitable that unexpected issues may arise during the execution phase. Even in cases of meticulous planning and thoughtfulness, unexpected costs can occur. If this happens, it will help soften the blow if you lead with appropriate expectations and plan for a few hiccups from the beginning.
December 6, 2019
Hiring An Interior Designer: Top 4 Things To Look For
In one of our previous discussions, we talked about researching and evaluating builders and contractors for your home remodel project. You can catch the recap by reading my article, 3 Things to do Before Beginning a Home Renovation or Home Remodel Project. Similarly, you will want to complete the same level of due diligence when it comes to hiring an interior designer.

So how do you choose an interior designer to work with on your home renovation or remodel project? Below is a short list of the top 4 things to consider when selecting an interior designer to work with.

Qualifications
- A coveted interior designer will have a long list of qualifications and accolades you can turn to for validation purposes. When hiring an interior designer, a good place to begin is simply by reading the prospective designer’s bio or about page on their website. This is where you will gain access to all of the basic information you need to know. By reviewing a designer’s about page and online presences, you will learn:
  - How they began their career
  - Where they went to design school
  - Any unique qualifications or specializations the designer has obtained
  - Awards received
  - Any other pertinent information that will help highlight their style and approach to design as a whole
- Take a look at my about page for a good example of how this information is presented. Many designers will also have more in-depth information on their qualifications if you look a little further. For example, to read more about me and my experience beyond what is provided on the about page of my website, read more about how I landed on a career in interior design.
My Journey to a Career in Interior Design

Experience
- You may also be interested in learning about the experience level of the designer. This could include not only how long the designer has been in business, but also what types of projects the designer likes to take on. When it comes to home remodel projects specifically, be sure to ask any prospective designer about their experience in this area. It’s also appropriate (and common) to ask for a few referrals. This will help you gain a well-rounded understanding of the designer’s capabilities and previous clients’ satisfaction. You can also check out any reviews or testimonials on the designer’s website.
Style-fit
- What is your preferred design style? Are you looking for traditional interiors or a more modern approach? Do you lean towards bright and bold colors or prefer a more subdued pallet? These are all questions to consider when looking to hire an interior designer. You want to be sure there is a strong style-fit for what you’re looking to accomplish in your home design.
  - For example, some designers have a very specific design style, while others boast the ability to create and implement designs of greater variety. There are some designers that claim to specialize in designing for all styles and preferences. Either way, a great resource for reviewing the style and work of an interior designer is by reviewing their project portfolio on their website. For more inspiration photos, head over to Instagram to review their profile. Many designers will also share photos and videos to their Instagram stories and highlight buttons which will help you get to know them a little bit better. This can help contribute to the last and final thing to consider, the personality-fit between you and your designer.
Follow me on Instagram @rozmurphydesign

Personality-fit
- Lastly, when hiring an interior designer, you want to make sure there is a strong level of personality-fit. To put it in laymen’s terms, you want to see how well you will gel with your designer as you will be working closely with them throughout the entire home remodel project. A strong personality fit can also ensure your designer is well equipped for working on the renovation project on your behalf and collaborating with the builder, contractor and vendors. Plus, by building a strong relationship with your interior designer, you will have someone in your corner for years to come who can help with seasonal updates, refreshing interiors after a move, designing and furnishing your vacation home and any other home design needs that arise in the future.
November 27, 2019
Home Renovation Project: 3 Phases For Successful Execution
Although many details are involved in implementing a successful home remodel project, there are three primary phases every homeowner should be aware of. In this article, we discuss the three phases of a home renovation or remodel project and provide some basic information on each.

Phase 1: Work with your builder to figure out the scope of your project.
- Did you read my previous article on 3 Things to do Before Beginning a Home Renovation or Home Remodel Project? If so, you are probably already well prepared for this phase. In phase 1, you will spend a lot of time and energy on defining the scope of your project. This is where you will work with your builder or contractor to create a detailed outline of the work to be completed in the project. Once each detail is outlined, your builder will help allocate their costs to each, and tie it to an approximate timeline for completion.
- Once the scope of work is determined, you can begin to move forward with the project. You will quickly notice that there are many decisions to make along the way. This is where your interior designer will be most helpful and provide the greatest value to you and your family. One thing to remember is that although you may love your builder and the contracting team, they are not professional interior designers! Make sure you consult your designer on every design element and decision related to your home remodel. This will ensure a result you will love for years to come.
Phase 2: Work with your interior designer to make design decisions and select materials.
- This is the fun part – creating the design! Again, your interior designer will help educate you on the options available for each decision you need to make. Every single decision is important! You will make decisions along the way that include, (but are not limited to) the below:
  - Color selections
  - Hardware choices
  - Organic paint options
  - Functional design of the layout
  - Materials to use for each component in the design
  - And much more
- Your interior designer will be your best friend, greatest resource and your biggest advocate for ensuring a quality final result. Designers have the ability to approach this process with thoughtfulness, and to help you think about things that might otherwise be overlooked. Working with an experienced and qualified interior designer means you end up with a design that is beautiful and comfortable. It means you end up with a design that includes practical and functional elements to properly serve the unique needs of you and your family.
Phase 3: Execution.
- Once you have determined the scope of work with your builder and made all of the material selections with your interior designer, your project is ready to enter the execution phase. This is when the construction and installation begin. To estimate how long it will take to complete the construction of your home renovation project, consult with your builder and designer. Many variables will impact the speed at which your project can be completed:
  - Availability of material selections
  - Shipping and receiving time of all components
  - Existing workload of your builder
  - The overall size and scope of your project
- While larger projects generally take more time to complete than smaller scale projects, an efficient team and solid plan can make all the difference. Working with a professional team will help yield a turnaround time that is realistic, feasible and comfortable for you.
November 21, 2019
Home Renovations Projects: 3 Things To Do Before You Begin
Are you interested in remodeling your home or dabbling in other home renovation projects, but not sure where to begin? Does the idea of remodeling your home seem overwhelming and intimidating? Unsure of how to plan for the unexpected? This article is for you!

In my current video series on home remodels, I am covering all of the basic information you need to know for a successful renovation project. This series will discuss everything from the initial planning to the design phase to the full execution of the project. To tune into the video series, follow me on Instagram, @rozmurphydesign. You can also find a host of other useful information on a successful home remodel project right here on my blog.

Be sure to subscribe in order to stay updated on all the new information being released! Now, let’s dive into the very basic things you need to know before beginning your home renovation project. Here is a shortlist of 3 things to do before you begin.

Determine exactly what it is you want to do.
- If you are considering a home remodel project, the first thing you need to do is clearly define what exactly it is you want to do. For example, do you want to completely remodel an outdated bathroom starting with a fully clean slate? Do you want to update your kitchen or implement a simple refresh? Or perhaps you are looking to renovate multiple rooms within your home, or even the entire house. This step is helpful for clearly outlining and articulating your goals for the remodel project. This step will prepare you to speak with builders, contractors and your interior designer, who will help you plan and implement the entire project.
- In the case of a bathroom remodel, it may require a full tear-out of existing bathroom appliances and finishes such as the cabinets, bathtub, shower and sink, and starting over with the bathroom design from scratch. When updating your kitchen, you may be happy with the overall layout and its functionality for everyday living, and only interested in updating the paint, finishes and backsplash for an elevated look. However, you may want an entirely new structure to your kitchen, increasing functionality of the space. This type of project will be much more involved than a refresh of your existing design.
- There are even some situations in which you’re looking for a full home remodel to bring a more modernized and elevated look to the entire home. Regardless of the size and scope of your project, having a clear understanding of everything you want to do in each room is imperative. This will help you effectively communicate with builders, contractors and your interior designer during the planning phases of your project. This step is also critical for prioritizing and understanding the budget required for your project.
Research information on builders and contractors in your area and look for reviews and rates.
- For anyone considering a home remodel project, it is imperative to conduct due diligence by researching and reviewing information on local builders and contractors. If you are someone who already has an interior designer, chances are your designer will have a list of preferred contractors he or she has worked with in the past. This provides an existing basis of trust and reliability with all major players on the design team.
- If not, it’s possible you already have a trustworthy builder or contractor you’re familiar with and in this case, lucky you! Carry on and proceed to the next item on this checklist. For those of you who do not already have a trusted resource for builders and contractors, and also do not already have an interior designer, you have a few options available to you. For starters, you may want to review my article on what to look for when hiring an interior designer.
Find a professional interior designer to work with.

This step is arguably one of the most important steps in the pre-planning phases of a potential home renovation project. If conducting a home remodel is new to you, you may not be aware of the significant level of value a qualified interior designer can provide. Interior designers are on the cutting edge of the latest styles and trends available for the home. Additionally, designers have access to the most coveted information in the industry. They have intimate relationships and connections with furniture manufacturers, art suppliers and other vendors of home appliances, finishes and products.

Lastly, designers have the expertise required to pull all of these elements together and match them with your individual taste and needs within the home. This helps to produce a design that is both beautiful and supportive to the needs of you and your family.
November 14, 2019