Stacy McCarthy Design

05/26/2026

Many homeowners use the terms “remodel” and “renovation” interchangeably, but they actually mean very different things, especially when it comes to budget, planning, and expectations.

✨ A renovation is usually cosmetic.
✨ A remodel changes how the space functions.

Understanding that difference before starting a project can save homeowners a lot of stress, unexpected costs, and frustration later on.

One of the biggest reasons budgets shift during construction is because once walls are opened, we often discover outdated plumbing, electrical systems, or structural issues that need to be brought up to current code. Other times, beautiful design selections require additional work behind the scenes that homeowners may not initially realize.

The truth is: thoughtful design is about much more than finishes and aesthetics. It’s about creating spaces that truly support the way you live.

In my newest article, I’m sharing:

👉 The key differences between remodeling and renovating
👉 The 3 biggest factors that affect project pricing
👉 Practical tips homeowners should know before starting
👉 How to determine which option is right for your home

If you’re considering updating your home and don’t know where to begin, a discovery call can help you better understand the process and make more informed decisions before moving forward.

For more weekly articles and expert insights on remodeling, renovation, and thoughtful interior design, visit my LinkedIn profile and follow along for new content each week: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-mccarthy/

05/25/2026

Memorial Day reminds us that freedom is never free.

Today, I’m remembering my father, who served proudly in the Army and has since passed away. This folded flag from his memorial service is one of the most treasured reminders of the life he lived, the values he carried, and the sacrifices made not only by those who serve, but also by the families who love them.

Behind every uniform is a story.
A family.
A legacy.
A life devoted to something greater than self.

As we spend time with loved ones today, I hope we also take a moment to honor those who gave everything in service to our country and the families who continue to carry their memory forward.

Forever grateful. ❤️🤍💙

05/23/2026

Such a fun day at the Palm Beach County Home Show surrounded by incredible design talent, industry professionals, and my friends from NKBA Treasure Coast Chapter ✨

It was especially great spending time with my friend Dr. Taniya Nayak ahead of the Rock the Block grand finale this Monday! Huge congratulations to Taniya on recently receiving an honorary doctorate from the Boston Architectural College. Such an incredible and well deserved accomplishment 👏

There’s something so inspiring about being in a space filled with creativity, innovation, and people who are passionate about how design impacts the way we live.

Wishing Taniya and her teammate Drew Lachey the very best of luck in the finale 👏 We’ll definitely be watching!

05/19/2026

Some evenings stay with you long after they end.

Taste of Africa was one of those beautiful reminders that community, generosity, and purpose can come together to create real impact. I was honored to sponsor and support an event dedicated to helping provide opportunities and resources for children through education and sustainable initiatives through the African Orphan Educational Foundation.

What I love most about events like these is that they inspire continued action long after the event itself is over.

That spirit of giving is also what makes organizations like Build4Hope International so meaningful. Their current efforts to fund a new solar system and eco cooker for an orphanage serving over 100 children daily are the kind of thoughtful, long term solutions that can truly change lives.

I truly believe design goes far beyond creating beautiful homes. It is about improving lives, creating comfort, and helping build stronger communities whenever we can.
Grateful for everyone who continues to show up, give back, and support meaningful causes both locally and globally.

To learn more or support these organizations:

Build4Hope International: https://www.build4hope.com
African Orphan Educational Foundation: https://africanorphaneducation.org

And if you'd like to know more about these causes Stacy McCarthy Design is supporting, please send me a message. I'll be happy to let you know more.

05/18/2026

The future of design is not one size fits all anymore. ✨

Today’s clients are asking for more thoughtful, more personalized, and more meaningful solutions and designers are finding new ways to meet those needs through specialized services that go far beyond traditional design.

At 19Hours: Preparing for the Next Wave, we’ll be having honest conversations about where the industry is heading and how designers can create deeper impact while opening new opportunities within their businesses.

I’ll be leading a breakout session called Design After Disaster, focused on helping families navigate fire, water, and structural restoration projects with empathy, organization, and expertise during some of the most stressful moments of their lives.

We’ll also explore:

🌿 Wellness focused spaces through sound, light, and scent
♻️ Sustainability in luxury design
🏠 Restoration and recovery support for homeowners

These are the kinds of conversations that move our industry forward and help us better serve the people trusting us with their homes and their lives.

Would love to see some familiar faces there 💙✨

🗓️ May 27 and 28
🔗 Registration: https://events.zoom.us/ev/Are3Gox1SV5cs9cYbtWyBu8awL5nT9OIuNhNCB1grgKdYTfpVJkA~AjFOkvhbs4q-Vbl3ePa4_hMtg6rlGCubq4jhtULuwIKne9HzcDIm2vqomQ

05/14/2026

05/13/2026

Last week, I had the opportunity to participate in Luxury Guide USA’s Designer’s Choice Showroom Hopping Limo Tour™ in Palm Beach alongside an incredible group of designers and luxury brands.

Throughout the day, we visited inspiring showrooms showcasing bespoke Italian furnishings, artisan millwork, natural stone, luxury linens, lighting, automation systems, and thoughtfully integrated home technology. But beyond the beauty, what stayed with me most was the shared focus on craftsmanship, longevity, and intentional design.

The more years I spend designing homes, the more I believe true luxury is not about excess. It is about creating spaces that continue to feel meaningful, functional, and timeless years from now.

I believe luxury is found in thoughtful decisions, in materials that age gracefully, in pieces collected intentionally over time, and in homes designed to support your life through every season.

When you invest in quality, you often buy less, replace less, waste less, and regret less.

I also believe this is where the role of a knowledgeable designer becomes incredibly important. Luxury is not simply about selecting beautiful pieces. It is about understanding craftsmanship, knowing which materials will truly endure, and creating spaces that balance beauty, comfort, functionality, and longevity.

Thank you to Luxury Guide USA and all the participating showrooms for such an inspiring experience and conversation around the future of luxury living.


Now I'd like to ask you: What does luxury mean to you today? Let me know your answer in the comments!

05/10/2026

This photo holds more than a memory.

Long before the work, the projects, and the experience, there were early moments that shaped how I see and care for the world around me. My mother played a big role in that… in the way I learned to pay attention, to support others, and to create with intention.

Now, being a mother and a MiMi, I see that same love continue in a new way. What we receive, we carry forward. It shows up in how we care for our families, and in how we show up for others in our everyday lives.

So much of who we become is shaped by those bonds.

Wishing a Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers and mother figures who continue to shape lives with that same lasting love 💙✨

05/05/2026

Not every rebuild should go back to exactly what was there before.

After damage, most homeowners are guided toward a “like for like” process. It makes sense. It feels straightforward, and it helps move things forward quickly.

But what many people do not realize is that this is also a moment to pause and ask a different question:

Did this space actually work for me?

Because rebuilding is not just about replacing materials. It is about restoring how your home supports your daily life. And sometimes, that means making small, thoughtful changes that improve how the space functions, feels, and lasts over time.

This is where having the right guidance makes a difference.

From reviewing what truly needs to stay the same, to identifying where improvements are possible, to navigating conversations with adjusters and contractors, the process becomes much clearer and more intentional when you are not doing it alone.

The goal is not to complicate the rebuild. It is to make sure that when everything is complete, your home is not just restored, but better aligned with how you live today.

If you are going through a rebuild, or preparing for one, this is often the moment where the right decisions can change everything.

05/02/2026

A common misconception in design is that everything in a room has to be "extra" to feel high end.

In reality, the most sophisticated spaces often rely on a single, powerful statement piece.

Whether it is a hand-carved stone vanity, a bespoke light fixture, or a rare antique found during one of our sourcing trips, a statement piece does the heavy lifting for the entire room. It creates a focal point that draws the eye, allowing the rest of the design to be simple, clean, and cost-effective without losing the feeling of luxury.

At Stacy McCarthy Design, we use this strategy to maximize budgets. By investing in one high impact element and surrounding it with high quality, understated materials, we create a space that feels curated rather than just "decorated."

It is about knowing where to lean in and where to let the space breathe.

Ready to find the piece that defines your home? Book a Discovery Call to start your project! I can't wait to connect with you!

https://calendly.com/stacymccarthydesign/

04/30/2026

Is your bathroom a sanctuary or just another room to clean?

We spend some of our most personal moments in the bathroom. It’s where we prep for big days, recover from long weeks, and find a rare moment of quiet.

Designing for healing means looking beyond the surface. It means choosing materials that feel grounding and working with contractors who ensure every tile is placed with precision. Nothing breaks a sense of calm faster than a technical issue that could have been avoided with the right team.

We are helping clients move from "standard luxury" to true "restoration."

If you are ready for a space that supports your rituals and your well being, let’s connect.

Book your Discovery Call with me here 👉🏻 https://calendly.com/stacymccarthydesign/