EMK Interiors

Wood is more than just a material…in interior design it's a way to connect us to our own nature inside our homes. There are countless species, colors, and cuts to choose from, making the possibilities endless! And while there are always different trends for stain colors and grain cuts, the following are a few of the classic wood species used in interiors.

1. **Oak**
-Color: Light to medium brown for white oak, and with a reddish tint for red oak.
- Uses: Flooring, cabinetry, furniture, and millwork. It’s one of the most common hardwoods used for high-end furniture and construction.
-Aesthetic: Oak can often be associated with traditional designs when stained medium to dark in color, however, when white washed or kept light, oak can have a very modern appeal. It's known for its multiple grain patterns used in multiple styles.

2. **Walnut**
-Color: Rich dark browns and purplish-blacks.
-Uses: High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneers, and more. It’s popular for fine detailing.
-Aesthetic: Walnut has a sophisticated appearance that incorporates into a range of styles. It finishes beautifully, with a natural luster. The rich brown colors adds warmth but it also can look great lightened.

3. **Maple**
-Color: Creamy white to light reddish-brown
-Uses: Flooring, butcher blocks, and furniture
-Aesthetic: Often used in modern and contemporary designs due to its smooth grain and light color, Maple has a clean, simple look that’s great for a minimalistic style.

4. Reclaimed Woods, (Antique, Barnwood)
-Color: Variations depending on species, age and exposure…that’s the fun!
-Grain: Open grains, typically with a coarse texture
-Uses: Reclaimed for flooring, furniture, and accent pieces
-Aesthetic: The weathered look and patina give it a unique appearance that only comes with time.

Of course, this list doesn't even scratch the surface of what can actually be done with all these woods! When you're working with skilled craftsmen, wood can be transformed into stunning pieces of furniture, flooring, wall treatments….ART that adds warmth and character to any space.

Follow if you want to learn more about various interior design material.

I am sorry to say but you cannot pick your new rooms out of a catalogue…

The Serena & Lily Catalogue is great for inspiration, but it’s not the solution if you want to design or remodel the home of your dreams. Simply flipping through a magazine and buying furnishings without considering the architectural nuances of your space is a quick way to waste money.

You might fall in love with a room on page 57, but those pieces may not even work with your layout, proportions, or architectural style. And let’s face it—your living room will end up looking just like everyone else’s (remember when Rachel and Ross both bought that same Pottery Barn apothecary table?).

And even if you try to replicate what you see, it probably won’t resemble the catalogue photo because your room is different. The architecture of your home—ceiling heights, window placements, millwork— it all affects how the space and furnishings fit and flow. It’s okay if those specific details are genuinely what you love, but often, we like what we’re exposed to, which is what everyone else is seeing, too. Aren't you unique though? You can't be ordered out of a catalogue so why should your home be?

The possibilities for your space are as infinite as your individuality. YOUR unique design doesn’t exist yet, but that’s the beauty of it—we’ll create it together. Whether it’s reimagining your floor plan, incorporating bespoke millwork, or sourcing custom furnishings, you need a designer who can take you from magazine inspiration to a fully tailored architectural and interior experience.

DM me if you want to know what 20 years of experience can do to make your home truly yours.

You decided to take the lead on your home construction project but now you’re not seeing activity on a regular basis, despite initiating your project months ago. The progress has been slow and it’s frustrating. But typically, the main reasons are due to a delay in crucial decision-making and providing vital information.

In the construction phases, timely decisions are key in project ex*****on. From selecting materials to deciding on the details of the design, every decision impacts the project. A delay in these decisions can stall the construction process and result in fewer workers at your site because they can’t sit around waiting. They will move on to the next project and you will move to the back of the line.

Along with timely decisions, providing necessary project information is crucial. The construction team needs details about the design plan, the materials, the logistics and the timeline. Delays in supplying information can slow down the project if the material isn’t ready or installations need to be rescheduled.

Additionally, clear communication is vital in a construction project. Information must be shared and confirmed because assumptions or misunderstandings can lead to delays and a pause in work if you need to redo something that is wrong. Each step is dependent on the step before being executed properly.

So...not seeing the progress you want? A thoughtful design by an expert with the ability to make quick decisions and communicate intentions helps everyone to keep momentum and your construction project running smoothly.

✍️ Comment below if you have ever experienced not knowing how to make a decision in your home construction project!! DM me if you never want to experience that!

My love for blue is pretty concrete...especially in sink form.