Sun, Surf… and Studying? Why Our Work Trips Are All About You
What happens in Naples… gets brought back to East Tennessee homes!
*This gorgeous Naples retreat is not our work, but it is our inspiration! Built by Waterside Builders, designed by MHK Architecture, and styled by L Design Studio, this home gets the official Alfie approval and is certifiably dreamy! *
Okay, let’s be honest. When you hear your designer is headed off to sunny Naples, Florida, your mind probably goes straight to visions of me sipping a cocktail with a little umbrella in it, gazing out over the water from a gorgeous hotel balcony. And… I mean, you’re not wrong! There was sunshine. There were beautiful views. There may or may not have been a divine lemon martini involved (strictly for research purposes, of course).
But here’s the thing: these work trips are exactly that—work. Fun? Absolutely. Inspiring? 100%! But at the heart of these adventures is our mission to bring the very best ideas, craftsmanship, and luxury touches back home to you here in East Tennessee.
The world of design is always moving, always changing. New products, fresh trends, smarter ways of doing things—they’re popping up faster than I can finish my second espresso. And as Knoxville interior designers, it’s our job to keep up, so your home reflects the latest in both style and function.
Why We Hit the Road (and Occasionally the Beach)
Sure, the travel looks glamorous. (And, let’s be real, I’m not mad about a pretty hotel room or a spectacular meal!) But what I’m really doing when I’m touring $35 million estates or swapping notes with other designers over dinner is soaking up everything that can make your home more beautiful, more functional, and more you.
What makes trips like this so educational isn’t just the location: it’s also the incredible people I get to learn from while I’m there.
Picture this: a room full of the brightest minds in interior design—people who’ve tackled everything from New York penthouses to coastal retreats in California, to mountain lodges in Colorado. Then add seasoned industry pros who know everything there is to know about custom furnishings, innovative materials, and construction best practices. That’s who I’m spending time with on these trips.
We trade stories, share tips, compare notes on what’s working (and what’s not), and swap ideas for making the design process easier and more enjoyable for our clients. I pick up clever new ways to manage timelines, source special products, and create that “wow” factor that makes your home feel completely custom.
So, while the sunshine and ocean breeze don’t hurt, the real value of these trips comes from the connections made and the knowledge gained. I come home with a brain full of fresh ideas and a heart full of excitement, ready to translate it all into spaces that feel uniquely you—with that perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and thoughtful detail.
Why Staying on Top of Trends Matters
Here’s the truth: design isn’t static. What felt fresh five years ago might feel tired today. Materials get smarter, lighting gets more efficient, furniture gets more functional—and let’s not even get started on how fast color trends change (Sylvia keeps me on my toes there!).
By staying ahead of the curve, I can help you avoid design choices that might feel dated before the paint even dries. Whether it’s the latest in custom furnishings, innovative storage solutions, or sustainable materials that are as kind to the planet as they are beautiful, my job is to sift through all the trends and bring just the right ones home to you. The goal? Spaces that feel current, but timeless. Luxurious, but livable. Yours, but better than you even imagined.
What We Bring Back Besides a Nice Tan
On this latest trip to Naples, I saw craftsmanship that literally made me stop and stare. I’m talking solid wood stair treads carved from single tree trunks—no piecing together, no shortcuts, just pure artistry. I saw concealed vents so sleek you’d forget HVAC was even a thing. I marveled at imaginative tilework, light-up bars, and elevators (yes, plural!) clad in ways that made them architectural statements.
And while I do love a fabulous light fixture or a jaw-dropping bar backsplash, what I really love is figuring out how to translate these ideas for our custom home Knoxville clients. Maybe it’s that hidden door behind wallpaper that’s perfect for your pantry. Maybe it’s outdoor furniture and landscaping ideas that bring a bit of that Naples lifestyle to your back patio.
The Truth Behind the Travel
So yes, I travel. Yes, I eat amazing food (and yes, I take pictures of it). And yes, I stay in beautiful places because great design is everywhere—including in a well-thought-out hotel room! But when I’m away, I’m constantly thinking about you. What can I learn? What can I see? What can I bring home to make your home something really special?
These trips fill my design cup so that I can come back and pour that inspiration into your project—from the Welcome Packet & Consultation to the final reveal (where hopefully you’ll be the one enjoying a cocktail in your gorgeous new space).
Bottom Line: We Go So You Can Have the Fun at Home
Our work trips might look like play, but they’re really about gathering fresh ideas, finding innovative products, and making sure you get the best of what’s out there. So next time you see a sunny snap from one of my adventures, just know—I’m doing it all for you!
If you’re ready to bring a little of that sun, surf, and luxury home to your own space, give us a call. Let’s create something wonderful together!
With 2023’s revival of color, we saw a new rise in warm tones mixed in with the grays and blues of years’ past. A nice blend of warm and cool makes for the perfect cozy living area like the ones we created for this Knoxville family. Warm woods, neutrals, pops of blue and rust tones were the foundation for this design. These separate living spaces flow together, so cohesion was key, and we love how these spaces turned out. 
Curating the perfect blend of fabulous rugs, thoughtfully designed furniture and perfectly picked accessories is where Rowan Hall thrives. Have you ever purchased a piece, imagining it fitting perfectly in that one empty corner, only to get home and realize it’s entirely too small for the space? Or have you fallen in love with a piece of artwork, but later realize it doesn’t really belong anywhere in your home? That’s why you hire our Knoxville interior design team! We’re not only great at assembling a cohesive home full of pretty things. We’re also experts in scale–ensuring each piece fits your space to create a visually pleasing home. 
