Every home begins with listening—not just to words, but to memories, emotions, and the quiet essence within. This space, designed for a writer, is becoming a poetic sanctuary where joy and nostalgia live in every detail. A mural of treetops and cornflowers, an arched mosaic of wildflowers, and a chandelier blooming with tulip petals all tell a story of warmth and creativity. More than just beautiful, the space is healing—crafted with intention, memory, and heart. This is not just design. It’s the art of coming home.

Art has the ability to shape lives, tell stories, and create deep connections—something that Susan of Cloud Nine Painter LLC knows intimately. Her journey as an artist began in her teenage years, inspired by daily visits to the Barnes Foundation. With brush in hand at just sixteen, she discovered a world of color and expression that would ultimately define her career. Today, Susan is a prolific, full-time painter, working from her Malvern, Pennsylvania studio—a creative haven nestled on her farm, where art and nature exist in harmony.

In the world of home design, a new trend is capturing the imagination of architects, designers, and homeowners alike: biophilic luxury. This innovative approach seamlessly integrates modern luxury with nature-inspired elements, redefining the concept of sustainability and comfort in residential spaces. The featured home, a breathtaking combination of eco-friendly materials and contemporary aesthetics, exemplifies this trend perfectly.

As the colder days of fall settle in, I’m excited to share a heartwarming project that brings the vibrant joy of spring into a home - a wonderful reminder that our spaces can uplift us, no matter the season.
Client Project Spotlight: A Fresh Start for Joanne’s Living and Dining Room
Joanne reached out to me after receiving one of my postcards, looking to rediscover a home she could truly love. After the loss of her longtime partner, she wanted her surroundings to reflect hope and renewal. Together, we embarked on a journey to transform her home into a bright, comforting retreat filled with warmth and joy.

Envision stepping into a space where the stresses of the day dissolve — a bathroom that transcends functionality and becomes a personal sanctuary. At Larisa McShane & Associates, we believe that the bathroom is more than just a utilitarian space. It’s a retreat where tranquility and luxury converge. Through thoughtful design and expert craftsmanship, we transform ordinary bathrooms into spa-inspired havens that reflect both your refined taste and your desire for a peaceful escape.

As a successful, independent woman, your home should reflect not only your achievements but also your personal style and vision. Every room can tell a story of your journey, showcasing your strength, sophistication, and individuality. Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, or a professional at the top of your field, designing a space that resonates with who you are today is an empowering experience.

Gone are the days when luxury meant excess. Today's sophisticated homes are defined by their ability to blend opulence with sustainability. By incorporating eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient technologies, we design spaces that are as luxurious as they are responsible. Whether it's the natural warmth of reclaimed wood, the sleek beauty of recycled glass, or the timeless appeal of bamboo flooring, every material choice we make is a step towards a more sustainable future

Are you ready to transform your home into a luxurious reflection of your unique personality? As an accomplished woman with discerning style, you deserve a space that feels authentically you. However, there are a few misconceptions that might be holding you back. Let’s debunk these myths and empower you to design with confidence!

Myth #1: You Need to Follow Trends to Have a Stylish Home

When it comes to interior design for the home, I’m a firm believer that personal style is the most important aspect. After all, your home should be a place that makes you feel happy and at peace. It should speak to who you are as a person and be a place that you truly feel is your own. Your home should also suit your lifestyle and be a place where you can function at your best, whether you’re looking to rest, work, or socialize. But how do you determine exactly what your personal style is?

As an interior designer in Pennsylvania, I’m often asked which design trends really resonate with me. Lately, that’s been the concept of quiet luxury. You may have heard the term being used in relation to fashion, where it refers to understated pieces that are subtle, but refined and made with high-quality materials. Quiet luxury in interior design is exactly that as well.

Have you ever noticed that spending time in nature can instantly lift your spirits? That feeling of calmness and rejuvenation it brings? Well, imagine bringing that same sense of tranquility into your home or workspace. That's the essence of biophilic design, a concept that's been trending in the world of interior design lately. But what exactly is biophilic design, and why is it gaining so much attention today?

If you've been following along with our blog, you might recall our recent exploration of how technology intertwines with interior design. But today, we're taking a different turn – we're dialing it back a bit, focusing on how to dial down the tech in your home.

Technology is such a huge part of our lives now that it’s difficult to imagine a day going by without using some sort of app, electronic gadget, or internet-based device. Nowhere is this more true than in the home. Technology is integral to interior design because it allows us to merge style and functionality. It also allows us to adapt the home to evolving lifestyles and enhance how we live and interact with our spaces.

The kitchen is so much more than just a place to cook. It's where families gather to share meals, friends congregate for drinks and snacks, and a place where you can relax with a cup of coffee or tea. And of course, it’s the one room in the house where you can exercise your culinary creativity. It stands to reason then that you want your kitchen to strike the perfect balance between style and functionality.

Have you ever walked into a room and instantly felt a sense of calmness and comfort? It’s that feeling of warmth that puts you at ease and makes you want to stay for a while. As an interior designer, one of my main goals is to take stark or bland spaces and transform them into warm, inviting areas that appeal to the senses. Whether you’re looking to create a soothing bedroom sanctuary or a cozy living room where the whole family can gather, there are a number of ways you can add warmth to any room.

What should you know about hiring an interior designer?

When it comes to creating a space that truly reflects your style and meets your needs, hiring an interior designer can make all the difference. While some may see it as an added expense, the value a designer brings to your project goes far beyond just making things look pretty. From maximizing space to enhancing functionality and aesthetics, an interior designer can help transform your vision into reality while saving you time, money, mistakes and headaches along the way.

Paint is a very powerful design tool. It can either overwhelm a space or add to the sense of openness and comfort. Once in a while, I work with clients who in the past made bold statements by choosing bright or strong colors for their walls. More often than not, this strategy backfires, as too much of a vivid color can constrict a space and detract from the architectural details and furniture. 

When it comes to paint, neutral tones have a magical ability to open up a room. It's like giving your space a breath of fresh air. Since most of the time paint is the largest material used in the space, you want it to enhance, not overpower your precious space. If you want to add aesthetic interest, textures like stone, wood, and fabric can add depth and nuance.

As we step into 2024, the buzz around interior design trends continues to grow. One trend that I’ve been seeing many of my clients become increasingly drawn to is fluidity in design. There’s something so alluring about fluid furniture that has soft curves and organic shapes. My prediction is that fluid furniture is going to be one of the top design trends for 2024.

When you think of the word fluid, what comes to mind? You might think of flexibility or smoothness. These concepts all apply to fluid furniture. Rather than being confined to a predictable, rigid form, fluid design pieces feature rounded corners, beautiful contours that draw the eye along a pleasing path, and surfaces that are soft to the touch and designed for comfort. 

The new year is a chance to start fresh with new goals and lifestyle habits. Most people make New Year’s resolutions focusing on personal aspects like health, career, or relationships. I also like to include my home in my goals for the year. After all, the home is an extension of you and your aspirations. Much like self-care, I like to think of the home as a work in progress that can always be improved upon.

If you’ve been putting off doing things around the home, there’s no better time than the new year to tackle those to-do list items. As with any New Year’s resolutions, it’s best to start with one attainable goal at a time. That way you won’t get overwhelmed. As you complete each task, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment. Here are a few achievable, yet transformative New Year's resolutions for your home.

The holiday season is finally here and I couldn’t be more excited. There is nothing I love more than being with the whole family and sharing great meals, conversation, and laughter. And at the center of all of it is a cozy home where we can gather.

Holiday decorating is so much more than just putting up a Christmas tree and stringing up some lights. It’s about transforming an everyday living space into a joyful sanctuary that radiates peace, love, acceptance, and comfort. It’s about creating a space that makes us feel at home.

First, there are the visuals. Soft lighting creates a warm ambiance that can be very soothing. Touches of texture like bows or pine cones can add layers of depth. Pops of color like deep greens and crimson add richness and evoke those holiday feelings.