Q: What’s your background in interior design, and how do you support homeowners throughout the remodeling process at Penn Contractors in the Lehigh Valley?
A: I started out as a photographer and went back to school for interior design in the past 10 years. I love blending my photography knowledge with interior design. Color, light, texture, and framing are just as important in design as they are in photography. I spend a lot of time talking with our clients, trying to find out what they want to accomplish. I make sure to incorporate their own design style throughout the process.
Q: Many homeowners focus on construction first. Why should interior design be considered just as important in a kitchen or bathroom remodeling project?
A: Choosing all the elements in a project can be really daunting. Having a designer who is familiar with all the selections, fixtures and finishes needed is immensely helpful. Planning for the design in conjunction with construction is the most thoughtful way to approach a remodel. If you wait until construction has started or almost finished, there’s a good chance you won’t be able to include some of the items you wanted. Design and construction go hand in hand.
Q: From kitchens to bathrooms to whole-home renovations, what design trends are Lehigh Valley homeowners requesting most in 2025?
A: Wood stain cabinets are back, people seem to be moving away from painted cabinets. We work with a lot of clients that really like to bring natural elements into their designs. This adds texture and depth and really makes your project more visually interesting.
Q: When selecting cabinetry, countertops, flooring, and fixtures, how do you balance design, budget, and long-term durability for remodeling clients?
A: I start with clients' inspiration images. I’m always cognizant of a client’s budget, I take that into account from day one. Once I know what they like, I create 3 mood boards showing them several variations of selections, like tile, bathroom fixtures, lighting, hardware, etc. We have trusted vendors we regularly return to for quality products. Our goal is for our work to last a very long time, that includes the products we select for their designs.
Q: As an interior designer, what advice do you give homeowners before they begin a kitchen remodeling project with Penn Contractors?
A: Pay attention to how you use your kitchen. Do you spend a lot of time in it, do you entertain, do you have enough storage, and enough space to move around comfortably without bumping into other people?
Make a list of what’s working well, what’s not working and what your ultimate goal is. If you are a baker and need a lot of space for prep, cabinetry to store and easily utilize small appliances, that information should be thoughtfully incorporated in the process. Designing a kitchen isn’t just about choosing cabinets, there’s a whole science that goes into the flow, functionality and aesthetic of a well designed kitchen.