by Christy Heitger-Ewing | photos by Sarah Shields Photography
Have you ever had a clear vision of something in your head but struggled to articulate it or take the steps necessary to bring it to life? Such was the case for a homeowner who recently collaborated with Catherine Marrano, Founder and Principal Designer of Catherine Marrano Interiors. The homeowner wanted to transform an unused space in her home into a purposeful space that felt moody, eclectic, and sophisticated.
Marrano’s design firm takes clients on an intentional, structured, transparent design journey—one that keeps clients involved and empowered as they make major decisions with the guidance of a seasoned professional.
“Creating intentional spaces where there was once ambiguity requires seeing spaces through a fresh lens,” says Marrano. The journey unfolds across four key phases: Discovery, Concept Design, Design Development, and Installation.
“Clients appreciate the organization, clarity and collaboration we bring to each encounter,” says Marrano. “At every stage, clients know exactly where they are and where they’re going. Through in-person meetings and detailed visual presentations, we shape a design tailored to their lifestyle.”
In this instance, the homeowner’s large, underutilized room featured a fireplace and a separate bar area, both rooted in a traditional colonial style that no longer aligned with their taste or lifestyle. They wanted a space where they could both entertain and unwind.
Marrano elevated the design by introducing a dramatic coffered ceiling and thoughtfully layering luxury performance fabrics, timeless silhouettes, elevated textures, and modern forms. They opened up the bar area into the lounge, creating a seamless space that functions beautifully for both entertaining and relaxation. A stunning chandelier anchors the room, while thoughtfully maximized seating ensures comfort and style for every occasion. The result is a richly layered room that feels tailored, unexpected, and deeply personal—perfect for evening gatherings or quiet nights in. The space balances function with sophistication.
“Uncovering a client’s vision is the foundation of every successful design,” says Marrano. During the initial phase, she asks thoughtful, targeted questions about color, pattern, and how the homeowner lives in their space to ensure every choice is personal and purposeful. They also take into account the architecture and existing permanent elements of the home. “Uncovering a client’s vision is the foundation of every successful design,” says Marrano.
By layering in considerations around functionality and performance, Marrano’s team is able to identify opportunities for impactful finishes, rich textures, and meaningful focal points that elevate the overall design.
“This deep dive into lifestyle, goals, and aesthetic preferences ensures that every decision moving forward is aligned with the big-picture vision,” says Marrano.
When it comes to choosing colors, Marrano maintains that trends must be approached with intention. She avoids trend traps by weaving in subtle elements—like a fresh color, an interesting shape, or a contemporary texture—without letting anyone trend dominate the design.
“It’s about balance,” she says. “The goal is to keep spaces feeling current while ensuring they’ll stand the test of time.”
Given that color sets the mood, defines the energy, and shapes the personality of a space, when building palettes for clients, Marrano begins with one anchor color. From there, she layers in complementary hues along with neutrals or tonal variations that support and enhance the core palette. This thoughtful curation ensures that the space feels cohesive, balanced, and reflective of the client’s unique style.
Marrano says that a client’s story is essential to shaping the concept of repurposing a space, which is why she loves to incorporate the client’s own words and stories when developing her design concepts.
“It’s their home, their story, and their life,” she says. “We specialize in curating spaces they’ll love and cherish for generations to come.”
Specializing in renovation management and custom cabinetry, Catherine Marrano Interiors is a luxury interior design firm that handles all aspects of an interior design project and serves clients near and far. If you’re looking to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, reach out to Catherine through her website’s intake form to schedule a discovery call and delve deeper into her offerings.
