Tag: dallas designer

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
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
Roz Murphy Design And My Journey To A Career In Interiors

Childhood Days

My pathway to a career in design, and creating Roz Murphy Design, was heavily influenced and shaped by the experiences I had during childhood and early adolescence. I was born and raised on the East Coast between Florida and New Hampshire and spent my time in the early 80’s surrounded by bold wall paper, layered and formal furnishings, chintz and saturated color. This led me to develop a love for many different design elements. Between the fashions and trends of the 80’s and the fact that my mother also loved design and had a knack for creating beautiful spaces, it was a natural fit for me to follow in these footsteps. I learned a lot from her and have carried these memories and experiences with me ever since.

I originally came to Dallas, Texas, to attend SMU and completely fell in love with the city. The people here are warm and welcoming, and there is a level of sophistication exuding from the individuals and families living in Dallas. I quickly became enamored with the Dallas people and its culture. From personal style to home interiors to social settings, the people of Dallas are very well put together. The culture is ripe with entertaining and gathering with friends and family which is also something I love. Furthermore, entertaining and hosting social gatherings is such a deep part of the Dallas culture. This means you have to get everything together in your home in order to host a fabulous party. Dallas also has a variety of styles, so everything isn’t the same. There is always an element of excitement.

How My Education Influenced My Career

I ended up graduating from SMU with a degree in English and a minor in Art History. My love for art is another factor that helped propel me into a career in interior design. Art History encompasses disciplines of architecture and modern art, giving me a more thorough and well-rounded understanding of design as a whole.

During undergrad, I spent a semester in Spain learning a tremendous amount about Spanish art. It just so happens that SMU has a large collection of Spanish art in their museum! This allowed me to continue nurturing this knowledge and interest and all the ways it overlapped with home interiors even after my return. Shortly after completing my degree, I attended design school at El Centro. Although my time here was valuable, I gained the most knowledge and greatest amount of expertise through the experiences working with other designers in Dallas. Design school gave me the technical basis I needed but didn’t necessarily influence the way I began to pull things together.

During the early stages of design school and my career, I interned at Wilson and Associates hospitality firm and then had the opportunity to work for Emily Summers. I established a true niche by working for Lisa Barfield who specialized in couture drapery design and fabrication. By gaining the detailed knowledge about window treatments, I was able to start with a project designing windows, and then ended up designing the client’s entire home.

Forming Roz Murphy Design

In 2001 I went out on my own and have continued to work hard to develop my business at a steady pace. My business, Roz Murphy Design, is multifaceted. I specialize in high end residential design and new construction. I will also work on my client’s executive offices, vacation homes and have worked on hospitality projects such as a country club restaurant and golf shop. Developing strong relationships with my clients is crucial and something I prioritize. My objective is to listen to the design goals of my clients, and ultimately create a space that they love and reflects their style and personality.

I am honored to work in such a dynamic community of designers in Dallas and beyond, and excited about what the future holds. In addition to continuing my work in Dallas, I am also expanding to do more vacation homes and homes outside of Dallas. This will be a fun, new and exciting challenge for me and I am enjoying every minute of the journey.

September 5, 2019