Interiors for Davidson living

Plan layouts, natural light, storage, and materials before thinking of decoration. A historic renovation asks for particular care with original details and the transition between old and new.

For new construction, align interior architecture with the builder and architect early so millwork, lighting, and material selections are properly integrated.

Emerald & Oak Design, led by Miriam Peters, is the publisher’s own interior design studio. The company’s direct website and a clear explanation of our featured-firm relationships are in the directory.

Whether the home is historic, established or newly built, good interiors respond to its architecture, light and setting. Start with how you live — gathering, working, cooking and resting — then choose materials and furnishings that support it.

A designer can coordinate layouts, lighting, cabinetry, finishes and furnishings with contractors and technology providers. Involving them before construction or renovation begins lets these systems work together rather than competing.

Choose surfaces and finishes for how they age as much as how they look on day one. Natural stone, wood, quality hardware and well-made upholstery reward good maintenance and suit Davidson’s timeless character.

In renovations, design begins with what exists: structure, character worth keeping and constraints behind the walls. In new construction, design can shape the plan itself — room proportions, window placement, storage and lighting. Either way, decisions made early cost far less than changes made late.