facebook

Murphy’s Design

It’s about home and family.

Our Story

Early in the development of Murphy’s Design, we had the honor of completing work for my elderly parents. My family home needed updating, and my dad could no longer navigate the two levels. It meant the difference between moving from the home they raised their children, welcomed grandchildren and great-grandchildren, or being able to stay comfortably for years longer.

With an eye to their changing needs and understanding that they didn’t want it to look like they needed help, we worked through their challenges. The result was they got to experience many more years in their home, years of family gatherings, and grandchildren came to know the house as a place of love and happiness.

They have since passed, but during this difficult time of change, they trusted us to modify our family home so they could age in place. Both John and I got great satisfaction in knowing that they had the trust and confidence that we would guide them with honesty about their needs and work through the cost. We realized then that the work we are doing is more than the products that we install. It’s about the gathering of family and friends. It’s about your daily comfort, safety, and the peace that comes from the result of the work that we are doing. It’s because your home is both an emotional and financial investment, and everyone deserves to feel safe and happy in their home. We came to realize that good remodeling changes lives.

And there it began. Our mission was simple: help you install beautifully designed spaces, so you can get on with feeling proud and happy in your home.

Today, our lives are filled with new friends and families of projects we have completed. By specializing in Kitchen and Master Bathroom spaces, we get to tackle changes that transform how you feel and live in your home every day. Do we take on other rooms? Of course, we take on other spaces in your homes, such as basements, interior built-ins, and moldings.

Voted Best Kitchen and Bath Design and Contractor 2017, 2018, and 2019 by Northern Virginia Magazine.

“We realized then that the work we are doing is more than the products that we install, it’s about the gathering of family and friends, it’s about your day to day comfort, safety and the happiness that comes from the result of the work we are doing. We realized that good remodeling changes lives.”

Cynthia Murphy, CKBR

John
Murphy

General Contractor, Master Craftsman, Project Supervisor

You will find John leading the job site, working side by side to deliver a beautiful finished project. He takes your investment in your home and your overall comfort seriously.

As a Master Craftsman, John is active in all the details of the final installation. Cabinetry, trim, tile, and accessories are laid out with careful consideration. He has refined his eye for exceptional detail over decades of fine finish and custom carpentry work.

John sets the example for everyone on our team to follow. Cleanliness is key. It’s not enough to say that we keep your home clean. We don’t just clean at the end of the day. We take extra care while working to protect your home and keep things comfortable for you.

John’s also your Project Supervisor and he works to make sure that you are kept involved in any decisions that may come up during the construction phase. You have complete access to John, and he is never too busy to stop and explain or review what’s happening in your home. It’s rare to have a vested owner on the job site every day.

When not working, you can find John outdoors enjoying one of his many sporting hobbies.

Designer, Project Planner

Your project needs to reflect your life, your family, and your needs — today and in the future. My “superpower” is listening carefully, then guiding you to the best decision for your project. I love how rooms come together, one layer at a time. First  we work on structure like removing or adding walls. Then the finishing becomes the wardrobe, and lighting becomes the jewels.

My years of experience makes me uniquely qualified to guide you through:

  • Spacial planning and reorganization
  • Structural modification
  • Budgeting and Cost evaluation
  • Cabinetry and Trim Design and Selection
  • Tile Specification and layout
  • Lighting design and selection
  • Plumbing specification
  • Plus, all the curated details that the space unique to you.

Together we visit local showrooms, meet in your home, and craft every detail of your new space. We work wherever it is more convenient for you.

My unusual role as both the designer, planner, and business owner gives me more insight into the costs as the decisions are being made. I start the design process with a target budget based on our early conversations. Not every contractor has a kitchen and bath designer. It is another unique feature of working with Murphy’s Design.

Why is this important? As we move through the selections, we can discuss if decisions are impacting that target budget. This saves both time and money. We can work together to create solutions without having to wait until the end of the selection process. Together we can give thoughtful consideration and get to make necessary adjustments in real-time.

Cynthia
Murphy

Lauren
Murphy

Stylist, Designer

Lauren has worked with Murphy’s Design since 2013. With a stylist and photographer’s eye, she has managed all of our visual branding, job site photography, and selection guidance. In mid-2017, when we felt the need to maximize Lauren’s talent, it was only natural for Lauren to get her Home Staging and Interior Redesign Certifications.

With an understanding and empathetic personality, not to mention a keen eye for interiors and a photographer’s vision, Lauren was the perfect fit for the job. If you’re looking to have a space ready to sell or begin a re-design for your enjoyment, you’ll be working hands-on with Lauren.

Lauren loves real estate and is always eager to get into a new space and get to work. Her fresh design perspective and youthful energy have always been beneficial to Murphy’s Design. We’re thrilled to be able to offer her services to our clients! When not working on styling and photography projects, Lauren is finding the perfect tile, mirror, or lighting for your project.

Some of Lauren’s design influences are Joanna Gaines, Kate Arends, Sarah Sherman Samuel, Nate Berkus, Jonathan Adler, Beth Kirby, and Genevieve Gorder. She looks to Dwell, and Domino Magazine for inspiration and her favorite places to find home decor are Target, West Elm, Home Goods, and Terrain. Her favorite podcast is Clever. She can’t live without her dog, Rory or a good candle and a good book. She’s currently looking into purchasing an A-Frame Cabin and is addicted to Real Estate sites and re-designing what she finds for fun.

Thank you!

What sets us apart from other kitchen and bath design and remodeling firms is that our focus isn’t on the products that we will use but on how you will feel every day once we leave.

We hope you can feel, from our words, our clients’ feedback and testimonials that your happiness with the process at Murphy’s Design is important to us. John and I believe being easy to work with, doing it right, and making our process easy creates a home that brings you joy and happiness for years to come.

Cynthia & John Murphy