As a combined group of interior designers and home decorators, no one loves a home makeover as much as the HER Home Design team. When we got the call about this new home interior design and home decor project, we were THRILLED to jump right in! The Client Our primary client for this home makeover was a mom of a busy family of four with one adult son in college and a young adult daughter in her last years of high school. She and her husband both worked many hours in the medical field. The family had recently moved up into a larger home almost double the size of their last home. The 5 bedroom, 4 bath residence was super spacious boasting more than 6,000 sq. ft. and a beautiful in-ground swimming pool. It had great bones and a space for everyone, but it needed a ton of updates to make it comfortable for them to enjoy with their family and friends. The HER team was called in to give the home's main level a complete makeover with a fresh, up-to-date vibe. The Challenge The rooms in our project included the entry, home office, spiral staircase, two main floor powder rooms, formal living room, formal dining room, family room, sunroom and rear staircase. We were charged with creating an interior design plan with consistent contemporary, elegant theme that connected all the rooms on the main level, but still allowed each room to have its own personality. Our clients wanted new paint and lighting, updated furniture, wrought iron balusters to replace the existing wooden ones, a powder room that WOW'd them and one that was more casual. We had our work cut out for us, indeed. The Solution We were so excited to present our interior design plan for the home makeover to the family. Our new plan included: - Adding a textured grasscloth wallpaper to a wall in the home office and replacing the furniture with updated pieces and a beautiful light fixture - Updating all the lighting on the main floor to LED fixtures - there were more than 40 recessed lights! - Replacing the wooden spindles with wrought iron balusters and adding a fresh coat of high gloss to the banisters - Painting the home office, formal living room, dining room, family room, both baths and the sunroom - Highlighting the family's prized African art piece, a bust, as the focal point in their living room - Adding GORGEOUS, custom crown molding and hand-crafted chair rail in the sunroom and formal living room - Installing an ENTIRE wall of glass ceramic tile in the north powder which made it completely GLAM! - Making the guest bathroom feel bigger and brighter by laying white Carrera marble tile and painting the bathroom a soft Sea Salt green. Adding a strip of subway tile made the old peachy-colored bathroom feel updated and spa-like - Creating a new fireplace fascia on the family room side by adding stacked stone and soft, comfy seating around the fireplace - And lastly, making the family room an inviting place to relax and entertain by purchasing new, plush furniture and rearranging it to make it cozy

The homeowners chose to install perimeter cabinets using Dynasty by Omega. They chose the Madrid door style, Cherry wood, and a truffle stain. As for the island cabinets, they wanted the Madrid door style and Maple wood and then opted for the Pearl paint. The countertops are quartz and the island is granite. Before the renovation started, the homeowners selected Jenn-Air appliances, including an induction cooktop and built-in microwave oven with speed cook. Once the construction was underway, we removed the bulkheads to allow new cabinets that extended to the ceiling with two PC crown molding. This provided a cleaner, more modern look along with added storage for items that are occasionally used. We also swapped the pantry and refrigerator location to open up space as you enter the kitchen from the garage. The redesign also gave the refrigerator a built-in look. Then, we moved the cooktop to the corner and installed stainless steel Zephyr range hood and beveled subway tile in a herringbone pattern. The backsplash and new cooktop turned the most used area of the kitchen into a design feature. The addition of an enlarged island allows extra seating for up to four people. Moreover, island cabinets include two full-sized waste baskets for recycling and standard waste. The new farmhouse sink from Kohler not only looks and functions well but the drain is positioned at the rear corner. The plumbing in the cabinet below is consolidated to the back corner providing much more storage. Last, the built-in TV not only looks great but also reduces counter clutter. Plus, the drawer below the TV contains USB outlet for small personal device charging.

One morning, you’re starting your day as you normally would. Then you take a look at your closet, and it’s all the same. There’s not much room for anything, and everything is a mess. That was the daily routine for Mary, one of our recent Baton Rouge clients, until she decided she had finally had enough. Little to No Closet Space: The Start of a Solution Mary and her family moved into their new home in 2020, and they quickly realized they had had little to no closet space. Knowing that she needed that space for herself, she was inspired and wanted to see if she could turn a 10x12 office in her home into a closet. Mary took charge and found us through an online search for closet installations, and she decided to give us a call. After speaking with our expert designer Felicity and sharing some photos she saw online, she decided to trust us with her closet installation. “We had an instant connection and relationship,” Mary said. “Felicity was so down-to-earth and personable that a relationship was built immediately.” Get the Ball Rolling: Designing and Constructing the Closet Mary thought that the process was beautiful and simple. Felicity provided a 3D interactive design of the project and based it on Mary’s needs. Mary said, “It felt like she was trying to accommodate my needs by using her knowledge of what I would need in my closet. It felt very natural.” Felicity had a contractor she worked with closely. Together, they handled the project in two days, even with the crown molding that needed to be removed for the projected closet cabinets to reach the ceiling. Once we finished, Mary was amazed at how quickly we finished the closet. The Final Product: When Fashion and Functionality Work Together “I love how everything has a place, is very organized, and can all be seen very quickly,” Mary said. Along with the closet’s functionality, Mary loves that her closet looks like a boutique showroom. We were able to bring fashion and functionality to this closet with: Showroom lights; makes it look more like a boutique rather than a closet Hidden hamper Separate space to see her purses and shoes Jewelry drawer Display cabinet for belts and scarves Small closet for her four-year-old daughter to put her items in See for yourself! Saving Time and Stress Through The Day Now Mary has cut down on both her time and wardrobe. Thanks to her new closet, finding an outfit each day is “quick and easy.” She even entertains guests in her closet space, thanks to the showroom look we gave her closet. What makes it better? The small closet inside helps her daughter find her things and keep organized. Let Us Make Your Dreams Come True Our work has Mary making plans to work with us for the future. She is already planning to convert another room into a closet, design her pantry, and renovate her garage. Let us help you achieve your dream pantry, laundry room, or even a closet space like Mary’s!

Nestled within the bustling heart of Manhattan's Seaport District, my latest project unfolded in the form of a kid's bedroom, reflecting both a playful spirit and thoughtful practicality. The client's love for travel and a shared vision for a space that grows with their child guided the creative process, transforming the room into a haven of warmth, comfort, and character. ​ The journey began with the selection of a twin-size daybed in off-white, a transitional piece that resonates with the room's flexibility. Perfect for lounging or sleepovers, this piece stands ready to evolve into a bed when the time is right. The side table, equipped with a handy charging port, offers the dual function of storage now and a nightstand later, reflecting the room's readiness to adapt to its occupant's changing needs. ​ Adding to the room's multifunctionality, the chosen console table can either grace the space in simplicity or rotate into an L-shaped desk. From craft time to study hours, it's a piece that speaks to the creativity and growth of the child. Paired with a velvet-upholstered chair, a fashionable yet unobtrusive addition, it brings a contrasting pop of color to balance the room's light palette. ​ The leather lounge chair and globe pouf introduce a casual feel, enhancing the room's welcoming ambiance. Inspired by the family's months-long travel experience, the global-themed pouf stands as a tangible reminder of adventures shared and the world waiting to be explored. ​ With the final touch of a well-positioned bookcase at the foot of the daybed sofa, organization and accessibility became part of the room's charm. The careful addition of lighting with gold, white, and rattan elements, along with a uniquely textured blue rug, brings the design together in a harmonious blend of style and personality. ​ This project, situated in one of New York's most vibrant neighborhoods, was more than just a room transformation; it was a labor of love. Building a space that can effortlessly transition with the child's growth, filled with memories and inspiration from family experiences, was a challenge embraced with enthusiasm. Their child's bedroom is not merely a room; it's a carefully curated environment where dreams take flight, comfort reigns, and the future holds endless possibilities.

Nestled within the bustling heart of Manhattan's Seaport District, my latest project unfolded in the form of a kid's bedroom, reflecting both a playful spirit and thoughtful practicality. The client's love for travel and a shared vision for a space that grows with their child guided the creative process, transforming the room into a haven of warmth, comfort, and character. ​ The journey began with the selection of a twin-size daybed in off-white, a transitional piece that resonates with the room's flexibility. Perfect for lounging or sleepovers, this piece stands ready to evolve into a bed when the time is right. The side table, equipped with a handy charging port, offers the dual function of storage now and a nightstand later, reflecting the room's readiness to adapt to its occupant's changing needs. ​ Adding to the room's multifunctionality, the chosen console table can either grace the space in simplicity or rotate into an L-shaped desk. From craft time to study hours, it's a piece that speaks to the creativity and growth of the child. Paired with a velvet-upholstered chair, a fashionable yet unobtrusive addition, it brings a contrasting pop of color to balance the room's light palette. ​ The leather lounge chair and globe pouf introduce a casual feel, enhancing the room's welcoming ambiance. Inspired by the family's months-long travel experience, the global-themed pouf stands as a tangible reminder of adventures shared and the world waiting to be explored. ​ With the final touch of a well-positioned bookcase at the foot of the daybed sofa, organization and accessibility became part of the room's charm. The careful addition of lighting with gold, white, and rattan elements, along with a uniquely textured blue rug, brings the design together in a harmonious blend of style and personality. ​ This project, situated in one of New York's most vibrant neighborhoods, was more than just a room transformation; it was a labor of love. Building a space that can effortlessly transition with the child's growth, filled with memories and inspiration from family experiences, was a challenge embraced with enthusiasm. Their child's bedroom is not merely a room; it's a carefully curated environment where dreams take flight, comfort reigns, and the future holds endless possibilities.

The kitchen isn't the only room worthy of delicious design... and so when these clients saw THEIR personal style come to life in the kitchen, they decided to go all in and put the Maine Coast construction team in charge of building out their vision for the home in its entirety. Talent at its best -- with tastes of this client, we simply had the privilege of doing the easy part -- building their dream home!

Small minimalist galley light wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in DC Metro with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartzite countertops, gray backsplash, glass sheet backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

Eliminating several wing walls and changing the placement of the appliances completely opened up this kitchen. In the new layout, there is plenty of landing space on the two sides of the range. The wall cabinets obstructing the view from the family room and the soffits were eliminated. The peninsula was extended and the seating is now at the kitchen counter instead of a small breakfast table. The hall closets were replaced by tall pantry cabinets and a small mail center was incorporated here, with a built-in charging station in the drawer for personal electronics. The small office area between the kitchen and dining/family room gave room to a new beverage and coffee center.

This Brookfield Kitchen Remodel was initiated by the Owners desire to update her dated 1990's oak kitchen with a fresh new look. The once, u-shaped kitchen, was redesigned with a large island with granite countertop. A mix of white and dark stained custom cabinets brightened the space and gave personality to chef space. Quartz countertops on the perimeter coordinates with the grey glass subway backsplash. Glass Uppers finish the cabinetry off, providing a space for the Owner to display fun dish-ware. Additional customization is found in the message center with mail slots, charging station, cork board and dry erase boards.

- AVARIT SOFA. Sectional and sofa in wood and wood chipboard with elastic strips. Joints between the various components by means of “fork” mechanism. Matt painted metal feet. Fully removable fabric or leather covers. Also sectional available in different modules. https://cassoni.com/Avarit-sofa-03 - VOILA COFFEE TABLE. Voilà is an original coffee table. In the plexiglas version, it stands out for the appeal of its transparency and for a range of colours of doubtless vivacity: it is available transparent, smoked, orange, yellow or blue. The sheet metal version is painted matt in white, anthracite grey and dove grey and emphasizes instead the interest in its geometrical structure. Dimensions: 39"3/8W x 39"3/8D x 9"7/8H. https://cassoni.com/Voila_coffee_table-01 - TIE COFFEE TABLE. The slim bent sheet metal feet support the table top, affording an extremely light-weight appearance. The base of Tie, which is made of painted metal (white, anthracite grey, dove-grey or amaranth) or brass, copper or pickled effect, contrasts with the different textured materials of the table tops, in biomalta, glossy lacquered, heat-treated oak-wood or ceramic. Tie is available in the version with a round or hexagonal table top. Available in different sizes and shapes. https://cassoni.com/Tie_coffee_table-01 - NOTE BOOKCASE. A pentagram where the notes are the books which are arranged to the owner's liking to reflect the image of a personal melody. The Note bookcase is visually distinguished by the combination of the horizontal element, the shelves, with the vertical element, the beams. The shelves and beams are made of wood and are arranged in specific color combinations. Dimensions: 61"W x 16"1/2D x 68"1/8H. https://cassoni.com/Note_bookcase-01 - BLAZER LOUNGE CHAIR. Versatile and original relax armchair available in two different heights. Painted steel frame Seat with feather padding and backrest with high density shrink-resistant polyurethane, removable upholstery available in fabric or leather. With an extra charge, the outer upholstery of the backrest is available in another fabric category. Optional ottoman. Available with high or low back. https://cassoni.com/Blazer_lounge_chair-01

One of the focal points of the new kitchen design is the new, octagonal island made of slate stained cabinets with a Milan grey quartz countertop. For contrast, the wall cabinets have a chestnut stain with a terra brown quartz countertop. Our clients did not want to use recessed lighting in their kitchen, so we designed a custom track system and combined it with pendant lighting in other areas. For more formal family meals, we built a custom banquette that the children can also use for doing homework. The homeowner’s favorite part of the kitchen is the floor to ceiling cabinetry that offers loads of storage space. The children in the family are very active and involved in many activities, but this home was not built to handle their comings and goings and all the “stuff” that goes with it. We removed a closet and used the extra space to create a fantastic mudroom with custom lockers, each with its on bottom drawer on rollers, personal bench, hooks and phone charging station! We also used this area to bring in some of the homeowner’s favorite bright colors. We remodeled the laundry space to make it more functional for the family. Updates include open shelves to store laundry baskets, a new sink, cabinets with an oregano stain, and a countertop at just the right height for the parents. The master bath received a luxurious update to create a relaxing space for mom and dad. A large tile shower replaces the old alcove bathtub and a new double vanity features java stained cabinets and quartz countertops.

One of the focal points of the new kitchen design is the new, octagonal island made of slate stained cabinets with a Milan grey quartz countertop. For contrast, the wall cabinets have a chestnut stain with a terra brown quartz countertop. Our clients did not want to use recessed lighting in their kitchen, so we designed a custom track system and combined it with pendant lighting in other areas. For more formal family meals, we built a custom banquette that the children can also use for doing homework. The homeowner’s favorite part of the kitchen is the floor to ceiling cabinetry that offers loads of storage space. The children in the family are very active and involved in many activities, but this home was not built to handle their comings and goings and all the “stuff” that goes with it. We removed a closet and used the extra space to create a fantastic mudroom with custom lockers, each with its on bottom drawer on rollers, personal bench, hooks and phone charging station! We also used this area to bring in some of the homeowner’s favorite bright colors. We remodeled the laundry space to make it more functional for the family. Updates include open shelves to store laundry baskets, a new sink, cabinets with an oregano stain, and a countertop at just the right height for the parents. The master bath received a luxurious update to create a relaxing space for mom and dad. A large tile shower replaces the old alcove bathtub and a new double vanity features java stained cabinets and quartz countertops.

One of the focal points of the new kitchen design is the new, octagonal island made of slate stained cabinets with a Milan grey quartz countertop. For contrast, the wall cabinets have a chestnut stain with a terra brown quartz countertop. Our clients did not want to use recessed lighting in their kitchen, so we designed a custom track system and combined it with pendant lighting in other areas. For more formal family meals, we built a custom banquette that the children can also use for doing homework. The homeowner’s favorite part of the kitchen is the floor to ceiling cabinetry that offers loads of storage space. The children in the family are very active and involved in many activities, but this home was not built to handle their comings and goings and all the “stuff” that goes with it. We removed a closet and used the extra space to create a fantastic mudroom with custom lockers, each with its on bottom drawer on rollers, personal bench, hooks and phone charging station! We also used this area to bring in some of the homeowner’s favorite bright colors. We remodeled the laundry space to make it more functional for the family. Updates include open shelves to store laundry baskets, a new sink, cabinets with an oregano stain, and a countertop at just the right height for the parents. The master bath received a luxurious update to create a relaxing space for mom and dad. A large tile shower replaces the old alcove bathtub and a new double vanity features java stained cabinets and quartz countertops.

Design by Cynthia Murphy from Murphy's Design. Photography by Bob Narod.
Example of a large trendy master beige tile and stone tile dark wood floor walk-in shower design in DC Metro with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, a one-piece toilet and white walls

One morning, you’re starting your day as you normally would. Then you take a look at your closet, and it’s all the same. There’s not much room for anything, and everything is a mess. That was the daily routine for Mary, one of our recent Baton Rouge clients, until she decided she had finally had enough. Little to No Closet Space: The Start of a Solution Mary and her family moved into their new home in 2020, and they quickly realized they had had little to no closet space. Knowing that she needed that space for herself, she was inspired and wanted to see if she could turn a 10x12 office in her home into a closet. Mary took charge and found us through an online search for closet installations, and she decided to give us a call. After speaking with our expert designer Felicity and sharing some photos she saw online, she decided to trust us with her closet installation. “We had an instant connection and relationship,” Mary said. “Felicity was so down-to-earth and personable that a relationship was built immediately.” Get the Ball Rolling: Designing and Constructing the Closet Mary thought that the process was beautiful and simple. Felicity provided a 3D interactive design of the project and based it on Mary’s needs. Mary said, “It felt like she was trying to accommodate my needs by using her knowledge of what I would need in my closet. It felt very natural.” Felicity had a contractor she worked with closely. Together, they handled the project in two days, even with the crown molding that needed to be removed for the projected closet cabinets to reach the ceiling. Once we finished, Mary was amazed at how quickly we finished the closet. The Final Product: When Fashion and Functionality Work Together “I love how everything has a place, is very organized, and can all be seen very quickly,” Mary said. Along with the closet’s functionality, Mary loves that her closet looks like a boutique showroom. We were able to bring fashion and functionality to this closet with: Showroom lights; makes it look more like a boutique rather than a closet Hidden hamper Separate space to see her purses and shoes Jewelry drawer Display cabinet for belts and scarves Small closet for her four-year-old daughter to put her items in See for yourself! Saving Time and Stress Through The Day Now Mary has cut down on both her time and wardrobe. Thanks to her new closet, finding an outfit each day is “quick and easy.” She even entertains guests in her closet space, thanks to the showroom look we gave her closet. What makes it better? The small closet inside helps her daughter find her things and keep organized. Let Us Make Your Dreams Come True Our work has Mary making plans to work with us for the future. She is already planning to convert another room into a closet, design her pantry, and renovate her garage. Let us help you achieve your dream pantry, laundry room, or even a closet space like Mary’s!

© Peter Zimmerman Architects, Inc. John Toates, AIA Principle in Charge of Design Photo: John Toates, AIA
Example of a classic shed design in Philadelphia

This interior is a curated celebration of artistic freedom and layered textures. It blends Art Deco elegance with bohemian warmth—creating a space that feels both refined and richly expressive. Each element contributes to a narrative that is soulful, slightly unconventional, and deeply inviting. Intricate patterns meet luxurious surfaces: mirrored accents, matte metals, plush textiles, and layered rugs. The tactile contrast brings depth and personality, giving each corner a story of craftsmanship and layered design. Zones transition softly—seating areas, reading nooks, and display shelves coexist without visual tension. Arched openings, sculptural furniture, and atmospheric lighting guide movement through the space naturally, with poetic intention. Lighting is considered art—waning shadows, glowing highlights, and reflective surfaces breathe life into textures. The ambiance is calm but charged: moody yet intentional, theatrical without drama. This is a home that feels lived-in by a creative spirit. It's not rigidly modern, but rather curated—and beautifully imperfect. It exudes warmth, curiosity, and a quiet confidence that invites reflection.

This interior is a curated celebration of artistic freedom and layered textures. It blends Art Deco elegance with bohemian warmth—creating a space that feels both refined and richly expressive. Each element contributes to a narrative that is soulful, slightly unconventional, and deeply inviting. Intricate patterns meet luxurious surfaces: mirrored accents, matte metals, plush textiles, and layered rugs. The tactile contrast brings depth and personality, giving each corner a story of craftsmanship and layered design. Zones transition softly—seating areas, reading nooks, and display shelves coexist without visual tension. Arched openings, sculptural furniture, and atmospheric lighting guide movement through the space naturally, with poetic intention. Lighting is considered art—waning shadows, glowing highlights, and reflective surfaces breathe life into textures. The ambiance is calm but charged: moody yet intentional, theatrical without drama. This is a home that feels lived-in by a creative spirit. It's not rigidly modern, but rather curated—and beautifully imperfect. It exudes warmth, curiosity, and a quiet confidence that invites reflection.

Nestled within the bustling heart of Manhattan's Seaport District, my latest project unfolded in the form of a kid's bedroom, reflecting both a playful spirit and thoughtful practicality. The client's love for travel and a shared vision for a space that grows with their child guided the creative process, transforming the room into a haven of warmth, comfort, and character. ​ The journey began with the selection of a twin-size daybed in off-white, a transitional piece that resonates with the room's flexibility. Perfect for lounging or sleepovers, this piece stands ready to evolve into a bed when the time is right. The side table, equipped with a handy charging port, offers the dual function of storage now and a nightstand later, reflecting the room's readiness to adapt to its occupant's changing needs. ​ Adding to the room's multifunctionality, the chosen console table can either grace the space in simplicity or rotate into an L-shaped desk. From craft time to study hours, it's a piece that speaks to the creativity and growth of the child. Paired with a velvet-upholstered chair, a fashionable yet unobtrusive addition, it brings a contrasting pop of color to balance the room's light palette. ​ The leather lounge chair and globe pouf introduce a casual feel, enhancing the room's welcoming ambiance. Inspired by the family's months-long travel experience, the global-themed pouf stands as a tangible reminder of adventures shared and the world waiting to be explored. ​ With the final touch of a well-positioned bookcase at the foot of the daybed sofa, organization and accessibility became part of the room's charm. The careful addition of lighting with gold, white, and rattan elements, along with a uniquely textured blue rug, brings the design together in a harmonious blend of style and personality. ​ This project, situated in one of New York's most vibrant neighborhoods, was more than just a room transformation; it was a labor of love. Building a space that can effortlessly transition with the child's growth, filled with memories and inspiration from family experiences, was a challenge embraced with enthusiasm. Their child's bedroom is not merely a room; it's a carefully curated environment where dreams take flight, comfort reigns, and the future holds endless possibilities.