Stacy McCarthy Design

11/05/2026

When disaster changes the place you call home, rebuilding can bring a complicated mix of emotions. Some things you desperately want to restore, while others may offer an opportunity for change. Both deserve consideration.

Good design begins by listening. It means understanding what a home represents to the people who live there, respecting what they've been through, and helping them imagine what life could look like moving forward.

As we prepare to connect with a community that has experienced significant loss, I'm reminded why I do this work. Emergency Design isn't about making difficult experiences disappear. It's about helping people navigate the rebuilding process with thoughtful guidance, compassion, and an understanding that there can still be possibilities ahead.

But there's something else I think we need to talk about: who takes care of the designer?

Working with families after a disaster can be emotionally demanding. We hear difficult stories, help people make countless decisions during uncertain times, and sometimes carry a little of that emotional weight ourselves. Empathy is essential, but so are boundaries, time to recharge, and moments that remind us why we love what we do.

With the holidays approaching, I thought this happy photo from a project some time ago was a lovely reminder to make room for joy, too. Protecting our well-being and creativity isn't selfish. It helps us continue showing up for the people who need us.

A little reminder to my fellow designers: take care of the person behind the design. You matter, too.

11/04/2026

When a home is damaged by a natural disaster, one of the first questions is often how to put everything back together.

But I think there's another question worth asking: what should come next?

A reconstruction project can create an opportunity to reconsider how a home functions, how spaces connect, and what the family needs today.

Perhaps the kitchen could be more accessible. Maybe the original layout never quite worked. Perhaps better materials, improved storage, or more natural light could make everyday life a little easier.

Of course, rebuilding comes with real constraints: budgets, insurance coverage, structural requirements, and the practical realities of construction. But within those boundaries, there may be opportunities to create something more functional and supportive.

As we dedicate this week to Design After Disaster, especially ahead of an upcoming conversation with a community that has experienced significant loss, I want to emphasize that rebuilding can be both respectful and forward-looking.

We can honor the home people remember while helping them imagine a home that supports the life they're building now.

That's an important part of what I believe design can do.

Are you considering a major renovation or rebuilding after property damage? I'd love to hear what you're envisioning. Book a conversation with me, and let's explore how thoughtful design can help bring your next chapter to life.

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11/03/2026

One of the biggest decisions homeowners make during a renovation is choosing who will manage the work. Yet, it's also one of the decisions that deserves the most research.

Over the years, I've encountered situations where homeowners placed their trust in people who lacked the experience, qualifications, or integrity to manage a project. I sometimes call these characters the "Masters of Mayhem". It might sound funny, but the consequences certainly aren't.

A renovation involves much more than hiring someone to install cabinets or oversee construction. A qualified contractor must coordinate subcontractors, understand construction requirements, manage schedules, communicate changes, and take responsibility for the work being performed.

If you're planning a renovation, here are five things I'd encourage you to check before hiring:

👉 Credentials and insurance:Verify applicable licenses and make sure the contractor carries appropriate insurance.

👉 References:Speak with previous clients and ask about their experience throughout the project, not just the final result.

👉 Past projects: Look beyond beautiful photographs. Ask about projects similar in scope and complexity to yours.

👉 Written agreements: Document the scope of work, materials, payment milestones, deadlines, and responsibilities.

👉 Project management: Understand who will coordinate the different trades, supervise the work, and communicate with you throughout the process.

For designers, the lesson is just as important. Our contractors, cabinetmakers, and tradespeople are not simply vendors. They are collaborators whose expertise contributes directly to the quality of our work.

After more than 25 years in this industry, I know that the right professional relationships can make all the difference.

Good design takes a good team. And that team should always be built on trust and mutual respect. What do you think? 💙✨

10/30/2026

🎃 No tricks. No scary surprises. Just thoughtful design 🎃

The best homes aren't necessarily the ones that look perfect in photographs. They're the ones that make everyday life a little easier, give us a place to unwind, and make the ordinary moments feel a little more special.

For me, good design has always been about more than appearances. It's about creating spaces that work for the people who live in them and reflect what matters most to them.

This Halloween, I hope your home is filled with the good kind of magic: familiar routines, meaningful conversations, laughter around the table, and the simple comfort of being somewhere you belong. 🧡

What makes your home feel like home to you? I'd love to hear in the comments!

Happy Halloween! Stay safe and have fun! 👻

10/29/2026

💬 A little design advice, straight from my Messages.

🫅🏽 Client: Stacy, I'm choosing materials for my kitchen. What should I be thinking about besides how they look?

👩🏼 Stacy: I'm glad you asked! 😉 There are five questions I always recommend asking before making a decision.

🫅🏽 Client:Okay, tell me!

👩🏼 Stacy: First, how will it handle moisture? Kitchens and bathrooms deal with water, humidity, and spills, so the material needs to be suitable for the environment.

🫅🏽 Client: That makes sense. What else?

👩🏼 Stacy: How much maintenance does it need? Some surfaces require regular sealing or special cleaning products. You want to know what you're signing up for before you commit.

🫅🏽 Client: And how do I know if it's right for my space?

👩🏼 Stacy: Think about how you'll use it. A material needs to suit the room, the amount of traffic it receives, and the conditions it will face every day.

🫅🏽 Client: What about durability?

👩🏼 Stacy: Absolutely. Ask how it handles scratches, stains, heat, and everyday wear. Every material has its limitations, and it's better to understand them before installation.

🫅🏽 Client: Last question?

👩🏼 Stacy: Will it still work for your needs in five years? Your routines may change, so think about whether the material will continue to suit your lifestyle over time.

🫅🏽 Client: So it's not just about choosing something beautiful?

👩🏼 Stacy: Exactly! It's about finding materials that look beautiful AND work for the life you actually live.

📌 Save this conversation for your next renovation, and send it to someone who's choosing finishes for their home.

10/28/2026

🎃 A little project prevention can save a lot of project headaches.

One thing I've learned in more than 25 years in design is that some of the most frustrating problems begin with simple misunderstandings. The designer has one version of the plans, the builder is working from another, or a product changes without everyone understanding what that means for the rest of the project.

These are the kinds of issues that can often be addressed through better coordination. Before your next design or construction project moves forward, here are five questions worth asking:

📐 Are we all working from the latest plans and specifications? Make sure revisions reach everyone affected, not just the person who requested the change.

🔧 Have product substitutions been reviewed? A different appliance, finish, or fixture may affect dimensions, installation, or other specifications.

👥 Does everyone know what they're responsible for? Clarify who makes decisions, who approves them, and who needs to be consulted.

📋 Have installation requirements been discussed early enough? The people executing the work may identify practical considerations that aren't immediately apparent in a drawing.

✍️ Are decisions and changes documented? A quick conversation is useful, but a clear written record helps everyone stay aligned.

Of course, not every project problem can be anticipated. But creating space for questions and making sure information reaches the right people can help prevent avoidable surprises.

For the designers, builders, manufacturers, and installers here: What's the one communication habit that has made the biggest difference in your work?

I'd love to hear what has worked for you 💙✨

10/22/2026

Some of life's most meaningful moments happen around a table.

Think about the dinners that lasted longer than expected, the conversations that helped you see a problem differently, or the evenings when laughter made an ordinary day feel special.

Often, we remember these moments long after we have forgotten what was served or how the table was set.

Recently, I found myself reflecting on the importance of making room for these experiences. We spend so much time trying to be productive, accomplish more, and keep up with everything around us that we can forget to nurture the relationships that make our lives richer.

Friendships need time. Community needs participation. And meaningful relationships grow when we make the effort to show up, listen, encourage one another, and celebrate the little things.

I believe this is true in our personal lives and in our professional communities. We all move through different seasons, and sometimes the greatest gift we can offer someone is a listening ear. Other times, it is encouragement, a shared laugh, or simply letting them know they are not alone.

We do not have to wait for a special occasion to bring people together. Sometimes, a simple invitation is enough.

Who is someone you have been meaning to catch up with? Consider this your reminder to reach out and make that conversation happen. 💙✨


Thank you for a wonderful celebration of design and designers at ! ✨

10/22/2026

your home does not need to follow a trend to feel current. It needs to feel like you.

One thing I have been appreciating more and more in design is the freedom to mix influences, honor personal preferences, and create spaces that do not fit neatly into a single category.

Perhaps you love the clean lines of mid century modern furniture but are drawn to the rawness of natural stone. Maybe you appreciate traditional craftsmanship alongside contemporary art, or prefer a home that feels collected over time rather than decorated all at once.

Why should we have to choose just one?

Trends can introduce us to new ideas, but they should never become rules that dictate how we live. The most meaningful interiors often emerge when we give ourselves permission to combine the things we genuinely love.

I believe the return to traditional materials, natural textures, and enduring forms reflects a desire for something more personal. We want spaces that grow with us, accommodate the different seasons of our lives, and remain meaningful long after a particular trend has passed.

When I help someone think through their home, I want the result to do more than look beautiful. I want it to make sense for their routines, their relationships, and the way they want to feel when they walk through the door.

Tell me, are you drawn to one particular design style, or do you love mixing different influences to create something uniquely yours? 💙✨


In this video, the amazing Bernhardt showroom ✨

10/20/2026

What if the future of design is asking us to slow down?

After a weekend at High Point Market, I found myself thinking about the things that make a house feel like home. Not the latest trend or the newest technology, but the natural textures we love to touch, the familiar rituals that bring comfort, and the spaces where we gather with the people who matter most.

I was especially drawn to the renewed appreciation for raw wood, organic shapes, traditional craftsmanship, and materials that reconnect us with nature. I love seeing design move beyond the pressure to follow one particular style and embrace the freedom to create spaces that feel personal, meaningful, and timeless.

However, beautiful materials are only part of the story.

A kitchen becomes more than a room when it brings a family together around a meal. A dining table becomes more than furniture when it holds conversations that stay with us long after dinner. A home becomes more than a collection of rooms when it gives us a place to rest, recharge, and feel safe.

These everyday moments are worth designing for.

As The Emergency Designer, I know that a home is never just a building. It is where we find our footing after difficult seasons, rebuild familiar routines, and begin again. Thoughtful design can help make room for all of that.

Perhaps the most meaningful question we can ask is not simply, What will our homes look like in the future? It is, How do we want to feel in them?

I'd love to hear your thoughts. What makes a space feel truly like home to you? 💙✨

10/15/2026

High Point Market is just around the corner, and I'm looking forward to another opportunity to explore what's happening across the design industry!

One of my favorite things about these events is getting to see the products up close, learn about the thinking behind new collections, and reconnect with the people who bring so much creativity and expertise to this industry. There is always something new to discover, whether it's an unexpected material, an innovative detail, or a conversation that makes you look at a familiar product differently.

For me, the excitement isn't just about seeing what's new. It's also about the people, ideas, and shared experiences that make our industry such an interesting place to work.

Will you be attending High Point Market this weekend? Let me know! I'd love to see familiar faces and meet some new ones along the way. 💙✨