---
title: "QUARTER design studio — Interior Designers & Decorators | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/quarter-design-studio-pfvwus-pf~252563560
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~252563560.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "QUARTER design studio"
category: ["Interior Designers & Decorators"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/54f3230504e60c39_8991-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15221, United States"
latitude: 40.4346
longitude: -79.8655
phone: "(412) 256-8836"
website: http://www.quarterdesignstudio.com
rating: 5
review_count: 5
best_of_houzz_awards: 1
followers: 70
last_updated: 2026-09-08
---

# QUARTER design studio

Original Houzz profile: [QUARTER design studio](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/quarter-design-studio-pfvwus-pf~252563560)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Interior Designers & Decorators
- **Location:** Pittsburgh, PA
- **Serves:** Pittsburgh, Mount Lebanon, Bethel Park, Whitehall, Monroeville, Plum, Allison Park, Baldwin, Murrysville, West Mifflin, Wilkinsburg, South Park Township, New Kensington, Jefferson Hills, Munhall, North Versailles, Brentwood, Glenshaw, Swissvale, Pleasant Hills, Castle Shannon, Bellevue, Dormont, White Oak, West View, Forest Hills, Clairton, Sewickley, Fox Chapel, Turtle Creek, Green Tree, Glassport, North Braddock, Port Vue, Etna, Millvale, Mount Oliver, Trafford, Sharpsburg, Churchill, Pitcairn, Aspinwall, East McKeesport, Braddock, Rankin, Oakland, Beaver, Homewood, Mt. Lebanon
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (5 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2018), for Design.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 10,000 Ideabook Saves

quar·ter  /ˈkwôrdər/ verb : to provide with lodging or shelter.

The spaces we inhabit act as a reflection of our routines, our style, ourselves. At QUARTER design studio we strive to design the best possible reflection, combining function with an aesthetic personality that reveals the individual nature of each client.

Whether investing in your home or business QUARTER is devoted to providing beautiful, quality, lasting improvements. Working closely with clients we seek to develop thoughtful, tailored design solutions that will enhance both the enjoyment and simplicity of daily life.

QUARTER takes pride in working with a local artists, artisans, and small business owners to add customized, antique, repurposed, and character-rich elements to each design.

### Services Provided

- Interior Design
- Kitchen Design
- Bathroom Design
- Living Room Design
- Bedroom Design
- Color Consulting
- Space Planning
- Kids Bedroom Design
- Dining Room Design
- Lighting Design
- Entry Design
- Floor Plans
- Project Management
- Laundry Room Design
- Mudroom Design
- Nursery Design
- House Plans
- Closet Design
- Basement Design
- Drafting
- Home Office Design

### Areas Served

- Pittsburgh
- Mount Lebanon
- Bethel Park
- Whitehall
- Monroeville
- Plum
- Allison Park
- Baldwin
- Murrysville
- West Mifflin
- Wilkinsburg
- South Park Township
- New Kensington
- Jefferson Hills
- Munhall
- North Versailles
- Brentwood
- Glenshaw
- Swissvale
- Pleasant Hills
- Castle Shannon
- Bellevue
- Dormont
- White Oak
- West View
- Forest Hills
- Clairton
- Sewickley
- Fox Chapel
- Turtle Creek
- Green Tree
- Glassport
- North Braddock
- Port Vue
- Etna
- Millvale
- Mount Oliver
- Trafford
- Sharpsburg
- Churchill
- Pitcairn
- Aspinwall
- East McKeesport
- Braddock
- Rankin
- Oakland
- Beaver
- Homewood
- Mt. Lebanon

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | QUARTER design studio |
| Address | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15221, United States |
| Phone | (412) 256-8836 |
| Website | http://www.quarterdesignstudio.com |
| Followers on Houzz | 70 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/quarterdesignstudio
- Blog — www.quarterdesignstudio.com

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [QUARTER design studio](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/quarter-design-studio-pfvwus-pf~252563560)
- **Website:** http://www.quarterdesignstudio.com
- **Phone:** (412) 256-8836

## Credentials

- **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2018), for Design.

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 5 reviews**

*Aspect averages:*
- Work Quality: 50.0
- Communication: 50.0
- Value: 50.0

### All 5 reviews

**★★★★★ — nealklitsch, Nov. 2020**

> Emma helped us over a period of almost two years in a near-complete gut and remodel of our large home. In a word, she is amazing! She guided us through countless design choices with ease, patience, and style. We are particular, but it took her very little time to zero in on our style—even when we had difficulty communicating it ourselves. It was immensely helpful to see 3D renderings and sample photos of the options we were considering, and Emma always had a thought or idea to help us make the final decision. We could not be more thrilled with how everything turned out, and cannot recommend Quarter Design Studio highly enough. Thanks Emma!

**★★★★★ — Ryan Walsh, Oct. 2020**

> As first-time homebuyers who wanted to do a major renovation, my wife and I didn't know where to begin. We thought hiring a designer was only for rich people, but we found Emma at Quarter Design Studio, who was so helpful in bringing our hopes to life. Not only did she help us with numerous iterations of our design, but she worked directly with our contractor to sort out details. Throughout the process, she was a great listener, responsive, thoughtful, detail-oriented, and great to work with.
>
> Her highly detailed drawings definitely helped with our appraisal.  And she was invaluable in helping us choose fixtures and finishes for our new kitchen, living room, dining room, powder room, and main bathroom (I mean, who has time to think about sconces?). We loved working with Emma and would highly recommend her.

**★★★★★ — Jessica Reyes, Aug. 2017**

> I honestly don't know where to begin with this review as there are so many exceptional qualities worth mentioning when it comes to working with Quarter Design Studio, but I will do my best!  We first found Emma after having consulted with several "kitchen design" companies.  We had been living for 3 years in our 1950's cape cod style home, with a kitchen the size of a postage stamp that had plastic yellow tiles on the wall, a rotted out floor, and walls in all the wrong places that divided the already too small living room/kitchen/dining room into even smaller, more dysfunctional spaces.  We tried to articulate our needs to the other companies but no one really heard us...they would return with 1 or 2 floor plan options at exorbitant costs that did not fit our wishlist or lifestyle.  They basically told us we couldn't have what we wanted because our house was too tiny and it just wouldn't work with our space.  Then we found Emma at Quarter Design Studio.
>
> Emma was an absolute pleasure to work with, from project start to finish.  She spent quality time with us by coming to our home and learning our needs and hopes for the project. She took into consideration our style and came back with SEVERAL different floor plan options that were each so smart, it made it hard to choose.  We were in awe over her ability to come up with so many unique and functional designs.  After deciding on layout, Emma then gave us several designs to choose from, each with unique colors, textures, and mediums.  Again, she was so skilled and the options were all so appealing it was a difficult choice to make.  We finally narrowed down the options and made a decision and it has completely transformed the entire downstairs living space of our home.  We can now cook and entertain guests without feeling ashamed of our space...in fact several of our friends have commented that it looks like it's out of a magazine spread!  We are so proud of the final product but it's Emma's vision that got us here.
>
> As I said earlier, there are so many great qualities worth mentioning but in hopes of keeping this review to a readable length...I'll only go on to mention how professional and calm Emma was.  She was always very responsive to my queries before, during and after the project, and has a wonderfully calm and relaxed demeanor that helped me keep my cool when dealing with any renovation issues that arose with our contractor or any of his workers.
>
> Having taken on several fairly large home projects since buying our home and learning that you don't always get what you pay for, Quarter Design Studio absolutely exceeded our expectations in every way.  We feel fortunate to have met and worked with Emma and hope for the chance to do it again!

**★★★★★ — tirwin1954, Feb. 2016**

> We engaged Quarter Design Studio to design and help build a shelving room-divider as the final phase of a kitchen remodel. The remodel removed the wall between the dining room and kitchen of a 1901 Victorian house and we wanted the divider to serve a dual purpose: 1. provide storage for plates/dishes and 2. create a bridge between the old and new aesthetics. We are designers ourselves so we wanted the shelves to look as if they 'belonged' to the house but we were open to the use of unusual, industrial materials. Aside from discussing number of shelves and the doorway openings, we pretty much gave them free reign and they didn't disappoint. Through every stage of the process, from concept through materials presentation and fabrication they were absolutely wonderful to work with. The estimate was accurate and we couldn't believe how meticulous they were in building the piece and looking after our house during the construction (which was brief and efficient). Everyone who comes into our home raves about the room divider. We couldn't be happier and will work with them again!

**★★★★★ — mkl5555, March 2015**

> The amazing Emma transformed my humble spaces and made them show
> stoppers!  I worked with Emma on three projects from a small, awkward half bath to a whole house renovation and the results far exceeded my expectations each time.  Emma listened carefully to my thoughts and needs for the spaces and gently and respectfully guided me through the design process, coaxing me out of my comfort zone when needed!  She always provided me with various options and samples and her recommendations were always exactly right. Her ability to visualize and see the potential in even the most challenging space and communicate that vision made what could have been a daunting process into something exciting and fun.  Her attention to the smallest details gave each of my spaces a feeling of completion and are as functional as they are beautiful.  Emma was prompt, efficient, and highly professional in outlining the costs and timelines. She coordinated the contractor schedules and was fully in charge from beginning to end.  I have total faith in Emma and can't imagine working with any other designer on future projects. She's the best.

## Selected projects

- [Historic Queen Anne](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/historic-queen-anne-pj-vj~7568870)
  - Location: Madison, WI
  - Photos: 20
  - Description: Winner of a Restoration Award from the Madison Trust for Historic Preservation, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Timothy C. and Katherine McCarthy House was built in 1897 in the Queen Anne style. Early discussions with the clients centered around the concepts of stewardship and longevity as key tenets of the decision-making process. A constrained and period-appropriate palette of materials was selected to unify the house. Using the original woodwork and mouldings of th…
- [Seaside Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/seaside-residence-pj-vj~926218)
  - Location: Block Island, RI
  - Photos: 28
  - Description: A collaboration with EngineHouse design/build company, this small yet airy house was designed to capture the dramatic views and brightness of seaside living. Inspired by a weathering shipwreck that rests on the beach below, a material palette of finely-detailed and custom-crafted natural woods and metals provide a crisp, lofty interior that lifts the inhabitant high above the dramatic bluffs on which the house is perched.
- [Lawrenceville Rowhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lawrenceville-rowhouse-pj-vj~6380071)
  - Location: Pittsburgh, PA
  - Photos: 18
  - Description: A stately rowhouse indeed, with lofty ceilings and chunky moulding from it's 1880's construction. The owners sought a clean, bright home that would restore the original character of the building, while adding some modern amenities. Beginning with a renovated entry vestibule, new crown moulding and enlarged openings connect the 1st floor living spaces. Large windows overlooking the backyard were added to a fresh Kitchen design, utilizing quartzite countertops & emerald green glazed terra cotta ti…
- [Loft House Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/loft-house-remodel-pj-vj~6380160)
  - Location: Pittsburgh, PA
  - Photos: 11
  - Description: Located in the dense streets of Upper Lawrenceville, this diminutive 800-sf 1-bedroom house was completely reimagined into a lofty, open plan living space. A central staircase that bisected the floor plan was relocated, allowing for free-flowing cooking & living on the 1st floor, with eat-at kitchen island and undercounter appliances. The custom staircase was detailed in natural maple wood with open risers to allow light to permeate through. ​An oversized double sliding door at the rear opens on…
- [Craftsman Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/craftsman-renovation-pj-vj~2824481)
  - Location: Swissvale, PA
  - Photos: 19
  - Description: This renovation aimed to modernize the traditional "service" spaces (kitchen, mudroom, pantry, bathrooms) while highlighting original features of this Craftsman home. A reconfigured and light-filled mudroom leads into the kitchen where original floor-to-ceiling subway tile and pine floors were patched and restored. Slate and steel accents provide contrast to custom cabinetry and cherry woodwork. The minuscule powder room received compact, modern wall-hung fixtures alongside historic reproduction…
- [Minimalist Bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/minimalist-bathroom-pj-vj~2574329)
  - Location: Swissvale, PA
  - Photos: 12
  - Description: A lofted ceiling with operable skylight transforms this once-cramped master bath into a bright, airy space with simple, crisp details. Natural cleft slate adds contrast and texture to the shower, while encaustic cement hex tile brings a cool touch of color. Other features include radiant floor heating, custom vanity lighting, and built-in shelving for added storage.
- [Classic Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/classic-kitchen-pj-vj~4344216)
  - Location: Mount Lebanon, PA
  - Photos: 9
  - Description: Opening up this cozy 50's Cape Cod-style home was key in this renovation. By removing walls around a cramped efficiency kitchen, we were able to create an open plan kitchen–living area with access to light and views all around. Built-in bench seating saves space and provides additional storage below. Navy blue base cabinets contrast with an otherwise light, bright material palette, featuring a simple subway tile backsplash and durable marble-look quartz countertops.
- [TV Pedestal](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tv-pedestal-pj-vj~1140784)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 2
  - Description: In contrast to the typical wall-mounted television or large entertainment hutch, this simple TV stand was designed to provide movability and flexibility in a smaller living space where the television is not meant to be the center of attention. Fabricated from steel, this stand features a custom powder coated finish (seen here in 'Dijon'). The inch-thick steel base provides a weighty foundation, while the hollow stand post provides a hidden run for cords and cables. TV mount provides left/right s…
- [Victorian Bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/victorian-bathroom-pj-vj~893098)
  - Location: Melrose, MA
  - Photos: 9
  - Description: As the only full bathroom in this compact Victorian home, versatility and space-economy were of paramount importance. Twin pedestal sinks, built-in storage, bright finishes, and thoughtful lighting yield a functional yet generous space. Period-appropriate fixtures and detailed finishes reestablish the elegant Victorian heritage of this century-old home.
- [Partition Shelving](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/partition-shelving-pj-vj~1532578)
  - Location: Pittsburgh, PA
  - Photos: 8
  - Description: Designed in collaboration with (and fabricated by) EngineHouse, this shelving system allows light and views to permeate while enclosing the intimate dining room. The shelves, crafted from reclaimed white oak barn rafters, hover around the a large reclaimed structural column. Steel-topped base cabinets ground the shelves, and establish a quality of permanence to the installation.
- [Kitchen Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchen-remodel-pj-vj~1532441)
  - Location: Pittsburgh, PA
  - Photos: 9
  - Description: A classic fixer-upper. When purchased this 1950s home contained a minuscule kitchen and a veritable catalogue of dated wallpaper. By removing a wall between the kitchen and dining room we gained extra space for the kitchen, and access to daylight from the large front windows. Carrara marble countertops and Blue Celeste marble backsplash contrast the copper accents and custom cherry wood shelving. A custom-refinished antique hutch was built-in to add character and a pop of color to this otherwise…
- [Pergola](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pergola-pj-vj~1583873)
  - Location: Melrose, MA
  - Photos: 13
- [Firewood Storage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/firewood-storage-pj-vj~1263114)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 5
- [Coastal Summer Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/coastal-summer-cottage-pj-vj~937013)
  - Location: Wells, ME
  - Photos: 5
  - Description: This compact (600sf) seasonal cottage received a complete interior renovation, involving a high-efficiency spatial layout and window wall to capture views of the nearby tidal marsh and ocean beyond. The multi-purpose great room combines kitchen, dining, and living space. Built-in storage utilizes every accessible inch, leaving room for 2 bedrooms and a luxurious bathroom.
- [Modern-Eclectic Wetroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-eclectic-wetroom-pj-vj~970810)
  - Location: Pittsburgh, PA
  - Photos: 5
- [Powder Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/powder-room-pj-vj~934634)
  - Location: Melrose, MA
  - Photos: 4

[See all 16 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/quarter-design-studio-pfvwus-pf~252563560)

## Ideabooks

- [Baumgartner-Fu](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/126294366/list/baumgartner-fu) — 24 ideas
- [Lackett Condo](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/120822019/list/lackett-condo) — 32 ideas
- [Klitsch-Yoder](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/106560352/list/klitsch-yoder) — 119 ideas
- [Marinzel-Short Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/110712049/list/marinzel-short-residence) — 6 ideas
- [Codner Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/99076988/list/codner-residence) — 58 ideas
- [Lackett Florida](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/101104116/list/lackett-florida) — 2 ideas

[See all 6 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/quarterdesignstudio)

## Community Q&A

**Q: Baseboard . . .** *(in Photo Questions)*

Hey!!  This looks great!!  Do you know what height of baseboard that is and also if the bottom is a "shoe" or quarter-round??  :-)

A: Hello,
Thanks for your interest in our Victorian Bathroom. It's one of our favorites for sure. We don't share particular specifications for mouldings and detailing (as a design service it is how we make our living), but I will tell you that we used a standard 3x6 subway tile on the walls, so you can ballpark that the baseboard is roughly 6" tall. if you're interested in hiring us for more particulars we would be very happy to help you with further detailing on your project, just let us know. Thanks!

**Q: magnifique le carrelage au sol! où est ce que je peut le trouver?** *(in Photo Questions)*

en pleine renovation, je trouve cela super pour la future salle de bain de mes enfants!

A: The floor tile is "encaustic cement". There are a number of manufacturers of this type of tile, in a variety of colors. Check online for something near you.

**Q: Dimensions of powder room & door?** *(in Photo Questions)*

What are the length & width of this powder room? Could you also tell us how wide the door here is? Thanks in advance!

A: Hello nina7878! I believe this powder room was roughly 3ft x 7ft with a 28" wide door. The perimeter floor tiles are 2x4 so you can count them out for a more accurate dimension if that's helpful.

**Q: dimensions of room** *(in Photo Questions)*

We absolutely love this bath design. Would you be willing to share bathroom dimensions? Thank you!

A: Hello David. Thanks for your inquiry. This is a fairly small bathroom at about 6'x8' (the tub is 60" long if that helps). As felizlady noticed, there was not much available wall space for towel bars. We put a multi-tiered towel rack above the toilet, hooks on the back of the door, and installed a double shower curtain rod so towels can be hung on that extra rod as well. These clients didn't want to see the clutter that accumulates on counters so we used pedestal sinks and medicine cabinets for storage of daily use items. Door placement didn't allow for full-depth cabinetry along the sink wall either, so we worked with the rather modest space allowed in this old house.

**Q: This tile is fantastic, where it is it from?** *(in Photo Questions)*

So curious about who makes this type of flat tile.

A: \*\*it also helps if you have a really good tile-setter!! Not a lot of room for error!\*\*

**Q: Type of marble** *(in Photo Questions)*

What type of marble makes up that dark gray border trim? I can't seem to identify any marble in that color but am looking for a marble like that.  The bathroom looks beautiful.  Great job!

A: Hello @aznort
"Bardiglio" is a fairly common darker gray marble. "Nero Marquina" is more black if you want a higher contrast look.

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*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-08.*