Tracy Morris Design launched in 2003 with a focus on fresh, vibrant and approachable interiors. As the founder and visionary, Tracy’s timeless customized living spaces are a testament to her unique brand.
Her projects include elegant city residences and relaxed vacation getaways.
Strong partnerships with well-respected architects and builders honor the structural framework of each space while incorporating her team’s unique vision.
1. How would you describe your signature style, why clients most often choose Tracy Morris?
I think clients often choose me because my signature style is very client-based. Each client has their own distinct style and taste, my job is to harness elements that my clients love and put it together into beautiful and cohesive home. I tend to lean on classic silhouettes, neutral tones, and rich textures but I always like adding in some unexpected elements to each project to speak to that clients’ personal style.
2. You’ve mentioned the importance of amazing light. How do you ensure that good lighting is incorporated into your designs?
When working on a custom home build I like to review all the lighting plans to make sure everything is considered. I think about places where we want art, make sure there are floor outlets for rooms we want lamps, and think of any and all decorative fixtures throughout the home. When working in any home I always think about lighting in layers. You want to layer ceiling lights, sconces, and lamps which creates many different elements to tailor the lighting to whatever mood you want to set. It’s also essential that all lights have a color temperature of 2700K and are on dimmers, this makes the space warm and allows you to adjust the lights to the best feel.
3. How do you approach a public space, like a restaurant or bar differently from a residential one?
I like to approach a public space with a similar eye to residential by making the space feel comfortable and welcoming. I think restauranteurs are looking to residential designers more these days to blur the lines between residential and commercial design. For public spaces, like homes, I really try and make it feel timeless and avoid the very trendy looks that make a space feel dated quickly. I also focus on finding durable materials that are forgiving to high use, making sure the space looks as good on as it did on its first day for years to come.
4. What is one of your favorite projects and why?
It’s so hard to choose but working on the Round Robin Bar at The Willard was one of my favorites. It was a privilege to be included in a place with such a rich history. It also provided a unique design approach because I wanted to respect the past while giving it a fresh new feel. To be a part of the history of a place once visited by Abraham Lincoln and Mark Twain is such an honor. I got to select some amazing finishes, and it makes me so happy that people can come from all over an enjoy the space.
5. What design element do you usually begin with when creating a room?
Often my first selection when creating a room is the rug. It is the largest element of any room (and my favorite!) and really sets the tone for the whole space. Once you have the base it feels like the selections of furniture and fabrics falls into place so much easier.
6. When you partner with a builder, what makes the collaboration successful?
The collaboration between the builder and interior designer is essential for creating our clients’ dream homes. The designer and the builder are coming together with the goal to create the home the client has been imagining. It’s important to be in regular communication to make sure I am having the client make decisions in on time to keep their project moving. I think it’s also important to make sure that I am realistic with my clients to make sure the design will be what they want while not choosing things that will delay the project, blow their budget or cause too many headaches when installing.
7. How have your clients’ tastes changed over the years?
I’ve seen so many different styles and trends come and go over the years. For a while everyone wanted an all-white kitchen and I think people are steering away from that look and embracing colors, and deeper tones. I think in general people are now opting for a more casual look for their home, the super formal feel is no longer popular. People don’t want a room that they feel like they can’t relax in or that only gets used a few times a year, it’s all about creating a comfortable and livable home. I’m always curious to see what will come next!
8. What are the most often requested features when a client is remodeling?
When people are remodeling people always request durable and beautiful materials. Finding things that can hold up to everyday life with kids, pets, and everything else that life throws is essential. People don’t want to deal with high maintenance products that require lots of upkeep. It’s my job to steer them towards products that will fit best with their lifestyle while giving them look they want.
9. How important is ageless design to your clients?
I would say it is one of the most important things for my clients, and myself. For my clients we are often designing their ‘forever home’ and they are thinking of how this home is not only going to serve them in that moment but for the future as they get older, have children, or grandchildren. I focus on creating a look that will stand the test of time with high quality products that will last for years to come.
10. What’s one of your favorite design elements or pieces of furniture in your own home?
I would say my window treatments are my favorite! I have roman shades on every window in my house and it was one of my top priorities before I moved in. I used the same roman shade fabric throughout the whole house, and I feel like it unites all of the spaces together and keeps everything consistent. I added in drapery into a few spaces for added softness and an extra design element. They really make a house feel so finished and I can’t imagine my home without them.
