A Very Special Project: Mossy Rock

I recently wrapped up a deeply meaningful project in Mossy Rock, Washington—one that holds a permanent place in my heart for several reasons.

It was the first time I was officially hired as the lead designer.
The client? The mother of one of my dearest friends.
And I came on board in a bit of a design rescue moment—ultimately helping this incredible couple bring their vision to life.

Now when I say this was my first official job, I don’t mean I was new to the process. In 2019, I designed and built our own home from the ground up alongside my husband, gaining firsthand experience with everything from purchasing the land to final finishes. That project taught me so much—and I still wouldn’t change a thing about that house. Every decision was made with care, and every adjustment along the way was worth it.

Similarly, my Mossy Rock clients, Mark and Lee, placed their trust in me—despite joining the project after the foundation was already poured. On my first site visit, we walked the framed structure together, and I immediately noticed a challenge: the Jack and Jill bathroom layout felt like a zigzag maze. We had a thoughtful (and honest) conversation about what could and couldn’t change at that stage, and together we decided to shift a few walls. It wasn’t easy, but it was the right call—and none of us has regretted it for a second.

Mark and Lee took a chance on me as their lead interior designer, and I’ll forever be grateful for their belief in my ability to create a home that felt uniquely them. Thanks to a recent renovation of my own home, I had solid systems in place—but they offered flexibility and feedback with so much grace. Their support meant everything.

A Few of My Favorite Design Moments

1. Cabinetry + Hardware Harmony
They had their hearts set on dark kitchen cabinetry—originally black, but we pivoted to a rich espresso stain that added warmth and dimension. To complement the tone, I steered us away from brushed nickel (too flat) and black (too camouflaged), landing instead on oil-rubbed bronze hardware from Top Knobs—my go-to for this finish. It gave us just the right amount of contrast and depth.

2. Elevating with Texture + Wallpaper
One of my favorite ways to move a home from builder-basic to beautifully personal is through texture. In Lee’s office, we added a silvery floral wallpaper that had just the right touch of shimmer. Its soft beige undertones carried over into a plaster finish on the nearby fireplace. For the powder bath, we had fun dialing it up: a bold black-and-white patterned paper created an unexpected moment that some questioned at first—but ended up being a total showstopper. It’s now one of the most-loved spaces in the house!

3. Statement Lighting that Sparked the Vibe
When we found the pendant lights for the kitchen island, it was love at first sight. They were a bit more modern than some of the other elements, but they were the ones. From that point forward, every other choice had to work around those pendants—which ended up being a beautiful way to create cohesion. The whole home found its balance in this mix of traditional and modern: shaker cabinets alongside sleek casement windows, classic silhouettes with streamlined forms, and furnishings that brought it all together.

This project was an absolute dream. The collaboration, trust, and creativity that Mark and Lee brought to the table made it a joy from start to finish.

Their home is now a true sanctuary—made for hosting, wine sipping, pickleball playing, and curling up for movie nights with loved ones. And if you’ve never been to Mossy Rock... consider this your invitation. The view alone is worth the trip.

View the full project—beautifully captured by Genny Moller Photography—on my Portfolio page.