Emily Starr Alfano: Good Design Is In The Details

Meet Emily Starr Alfano – the creative force behind mStarr Design Studio, a firm rooted in the Boston, Massachusetts area. She's all about bringing spaces to life with a genuine passion for creativity and a belief that the magic lies in the little details and intentional moments. 

For Alfano, it's all about weaving character and charm into those small, personal touches. She's known for her signature style – a mix of patterns and colors, thoughtful millwork, and unexpected details that make each project stand out. With her unique approach and meticulous designs, Alfano has become the go-to designer for spaces that truly resonate with character and charm.

The Project —The Norfolk Update

When Alfano starts a new project, she takes the time to really understand what her clients are looking for – their needs, desires, and preferences. Collaboration between designer and client is fundamental to success.

This project, which Alfano refers to as “The Norfolk Update” is a special project. The house is just 6 years old and well-built. Interestingly, while many homeowners want to update their space, the idea behind this renovation was to give the home a bit more heart...to make it look a bit more enduring. Alfano described it this way: “up the charm factor...to layer in pattern, color, and texture. For it to be curated and collected, and to feel comfortable.” 

To achieve this, Alfano’s idea was to expand on the existing timless qualities in the space (crown moulding and window casings, for example) to balance out some of the new construction and builder-grade elements. 

As with any project, Alfano took a thoughtful approach, carefully planning and designing in stages.  

The first stage included carpentry projects including a glass room divider wall between the kitchen and dining areas and a built-in window bookcase, in addition to paint, wallpaper, new hardware, and ceiling treatment in the kitchen.

That ceiling treatment kicked off an exciting collaboration with Ferguson. Armed with her design concepts for the space, Alfano visited the recently-opened Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery in Newton, Massachusetts in search of inspiration and specifically, lighting fixtures. 

The Process 

For this phase of the renovation, the existing island pendants were a natural starting point for a lighting update. And, although the original plans called for wall sconces, the wiring that was uncovered led them to pivot to a more convenient flush-mounted light over the sink.

The Products 

In the redesign, the previous island pendants gave way to the elegant charm of Hinkley's Keating pendants in Heritage Brass. Alfano loved the distinctive ribbed silhouette and captivating cross knob details. The pendants also have an optional flat glass lens that discreetly conceals the light bulbs. Alfano appreciates how the invisibility of light bulbs and minimizing glare contribute to a more refined aesthetic. Keating pendants offer a modern interpretation on the hard-working factory pendant, showcasing a robust silhouette adorned with prominent over-scaled cast knobs and a boldly ribbed shade, all enveloped in the timeless allure of heritage brass. 

For the new light above the sink, Alfano decided on Hinkley's Oliver 14" semi-flush mount in bright brass.The Oliver boasts a visually striking spun-metal shade and an etched opal glass shade beneath. Adding both interest and a touch of modern-meets-traditional flair are the sleek metal bands and knobs.

Working with Ferguson

As the transformation of the client's home progressed, Alfano turned to the expertise of Ferguson for the selection of new lights and more.

When visiting the showroom, Alfano loved the in-store selections that perfectly complemented the extensive online catalog. Alfano found that the showroom served as a comprehensive one-stop shop, catering to all the requirements for an update or renovation. With the assistance of a showroom consultant, Alfano even ordered from the Build with Ferguson website while there, with the crucial step of examining the finishes in-store to ensure accuracy, knowing the variance that can occur between online photos and real-life appearance.

Make It Your Own

Alfano eagerly anticipates sharing more details about the Norfolk Update. In the meantime, followers are encouraged to check out her Instagram @mstarrevdesign and website https://www.mstarrdesign.com for a closer look at the progress of the project. To see all of the products used for the Norfolk Update, check out the Shop By Look page. Consider creating a project using the project tool and to start your own dream update!