Melissa LaRosa Interior Designs

Melissa LaRosa Interior Designs Melissa LaRosa Interiors is focused on providing high-end, luxury interior design for your home with exquisite customer service. Thanks for stopping in.

Welcome to Melissa LaRosa Interiors we are proud to say after lots of hard work we will officially be open by January of 2014 as an operating business. We are a team transforming drab spaces into fabulous retreats! Please visit our website to view our work along with Houzz, HGTV Network Professionals, welivv, and our Instagram and twitter account.

“Beautiful enough for the design magazine. Practical enough for the kids... and their neon-orange snacks.”A beautiful li...
10/24/2026

“Beautiful enough for the design magazine. Practical enough for the kids... and their neon-orange snacks.”

A beautiful living room is wonderful.

A beautiful living room that can survive children, movie nights, spilled juice, and a suspiciously bright orange snack? Even better. 😉

As a designer and a mom, I believe our homes should be beautiful, but they should also be lived in.

That means thoughtfully selected upholstery, practical finishes, and furniture that doesn’t make you panic every time someone sits down with a snack.

Because luxury shouldn’t mean walking around your own home afraid to touch anything.

My philosophy? Pretty enough for Mom. Tough enough for the kids.

Now I’m curious…

Are you a “no food on the sofa” household, or have you accepted that the sofa is basically the family dining room? 😂

The Art of Living Well | The Guest Room Is ReadyGrowing up, I remember how much excitement surrounded having family come...
10/23/2026

The Art of Living Well | The Guest Room Is Ready

Growing up, I remember how much excitement surrounded having family come to visit.

Fresh sheets on the bed. Extra towels folded neatly. A little preparation around the house before someone arrived.

It wasn’t about impressing anyone.

It was about making sure they felt welcome.

And I think that’s one of the loveliest traditions we can carry into our own homes.

As a designer, I believe a guest bedroom deserves just as much thoughtful attention as the rooms we use every day.

Not because it needs to be extravagant, but because comfort is often found in the smallest details.

A beautifully made bed with soft, layered linens.

A bedside lamp that casts a warm glow.

A comfortable chair for reading.

A small table with fresh flowers, a carafe of water, and perhaps a favorite book.

And, of course, a little space in the closet so guests don’t have to live out of their suitcases.

These are the things that turn an ordinary bedroom into a welcoming retreat.

I love designing spaces that are beautiful to look at, but I also want them to feel wonderful to live in.

Because good design should never make someone afraid to sit down, pull back the covers, or make themselves at home.

With the holidays approaching, I’ve been thinking about how meaningful it is to open our doors to the people we love.

The conversations that stretch late into the evening. The familiar voices around the breakfast table. The joy of having everyone under one roof, even if only for a few days.

A beautiful home creates the setting. Hospitality makes people want to return.

And to me, that’s the art of living well.

Do you love hosting overnight guests, or do you prefer being the one who visits?

— Melissa LaRosa Interiors

Imagine walking into a beautiful Victorian home and discovering a doorway with no door in sight.But hidden inside the wa...
10/22/2026

Imagine walking into a beautiful Victorian home and discovering a doorway with no door in sight.

But hidden inside the wall is a pair of magnificent wooden doors, waiting to be pulled into place.

These are pocket doors, and they’re one of my favorite architectural details found in historic homes.

Popular in many 19th-century Victorian residences, pocket doors allowed families to separate formal parlors and dining rooms while maintaining the flexibility of an open space.

When entertaining, the doors could disappear into the walls. When privacy was desired, they could be closed.

And unlike traditional hinged doors, they required no additional floor space for a door swing.

Pretty clever, wasn’t it?

As a designer, I love seeing this architectural tradition incorporated into modern homes.

A few things to consider before installing pocket doors:

• Wall construction: The wall must accommodate the door pocket without interfering with plumbing, electrical systems, or structural components.

• Quality hardware: Well-made tracks and rollers are essential for smooth, reliable operation.

• Architectural character: Traditional paneled doors introduce timeless elegance, while glass-paneled versions allow natural light to travel between rooms.

• Functionality: They’re wonderful for dining rooms, home offices, and adjoining living spaces, although sound privacy may be more limited.

And here’s something I especially appreciate.

When restoring an older home, preserving original pocket doors whenever possible allows us to retain the craftsmanship and architectural character that make historic properties so remarkable.

Good design isn’t always about creating something new. Sometimes it’s about recognizing the brilliance of what came before us.

Would you love to see pocket doors make a comeback?

— Melissa LaRosa Interiors

Rooms Worth Remembering | Whatever Happened to the Keeping Room?Long before open-concept floor plans became the centerpi...
10/21/2026

Rooms Worth Remembering | Whatever Happened to the Keeping Room?

Long before open-concept floor plans became the centerpiece of modern homes, families gathered in a room that many people today have never heard of.

The keeping room.

In early American homes, particularly throughout New England, this was often the warmest room in the house.

Located near the kitchen hearth, it was where families gathered to sew, read, work, and enjoy one another’s company during the colder months.

The fireplace wasn’t simply decorative. It provided the warmth that made the room such an important part of daily life.

And while our homes have certainly changed, I find myself wondering why we ever moved away from the idea.

As a designer, I love a beautiful, expansive living room. But I also appreciate the intimacy of a smaller space that encourages people to settle in and stay awhile.

Imagine a keeping room reimagined for today’s home.

A comfortable linen sofa, two beautiful upholstered chairs, a collection of favorite books, warm wood furnishings, and a fireplace that becomes the natural focal point.

Perhaps there’s a lovely little table for morning coffee or an afternoon conversation.

Nothing overly formal, but every detail thoughtfully considered.

To me, this is where traditional design and modern living come together so beautifully.

We can borrow the architectural wisdom of the past without sacrificing the comfort and functionality we expect today.

And I think that’s one of the most rewarding parts of designing a home.

Understanding not only how people once lived, but discovering which traditions are worth carrying forward.

Because a room doesn’t need to be grand to become one of the most loved spaces in a home.

Would you love a keeping room just off your kitchen?

— Melissa LaRosa Interiors

Working from home as a mom is a balancing act that deserves its own Olympic event. 😂Between juggling kids, running a hou...
10/20/2026

Working from home as a mom is a balancing act that deserves its own Olympic event. 😂

Between juggling kids, running a household, meeting client deadlines, answering emails, and trying to maintain some level of professionalism… we somehow make it work.

So, being the thoughtful mother that I am, I decided to put a cozy little cot in my office. Complete with a soft blanket and pillow. A perfect little spot for my daughter to relax, watch a show, and be close to Mommy while I work.

Sounds like a brilliant plan, right?

Now go ahead. Ask me where she ended up.

GO AHEAD. ASK ME. 🤣

Not on the cot. Not even remotely close to the cot.

UNDER. MY. DESK.

On the floor. With the cords. Directly beneath my feet. Apparently, that’s where the five-star accommodations are. 🤦🏻‍♀️😂

And this, my friends, is what running an interior design business from home really looks like.

I can design beautiful, functional spaces for an entire family… but apparently, I cannot convince my own child to use the one I made for her.

Interior Designer: 0 | Five-Year-Old: 1 🤣

The Collected Home | The Little Room Between the Kitchen and Dining RoomBefore open-concept living became the standard, ...
10/20/2026

The Collected Home | The Little Room Between the Kitchen and Dining Room

Before open-concept living became the standard, some of the most fascinating spaces in a home were the ones guests rarely saw.

Take the butler’s pantry, for example.

In many larger American homes of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this small but hardworking space served as a transition between the kitchen and formal dining room.

It was where silver was polished, china was stored, serving dishes were arranged, and the final preparations for dinner took place.

In wealthier households, the butler was often responsible for caring for valuable silver, glassware, and table settings. Some pantries even included specialized storage and sinks designed to accommodate these delicate pieces.

What fascinates me most is how much thought went into the design of these rooms.

Glass-front cabinets displayed beautiful collections of china. Deep drawers protected linens and serving pieces. Built-in storage ensured that everything had its place.

They weren’t simply beautiful rooms.

They were designed around the rituals of daily living and hospitality.

And today, I love seeing this wonderful architectural tradition finding its place in modern homes.

A thoughtfully designed butler’s pantry can provide beautiful storage, additional preparation space, and a lovely connection between the kitchen and dining room.

Imagine cabinetry painted a soft, warm cream, aged brass hardware, natural stone countertops, and shelves displaying pieces collected over a lifetime.

It feels both nostalgic and entirely relevant to the way we live today.

My designer’s perspective?

Some of the best ideas for modern homes aren’t new ideas at all.

They’re thoughtful traditions worth bringing back.

And the butler’s pantry is certainly one of them.

Would you love to have a butler’s pantry in your home, or would you rather have a larger kitchen?

— Melissa LaRosa Interiors

A beautiful home should be more than something to admire. It should be a reflection of the people who live there, though...
10/19/2026

A beautiful home should be more than something to admire. It should be a reflection of the people who live there, thoughtfully designed for both the everyday moments and the memories still to come. 🤎

Because timeless design isn’t just about how a home looks. It’s about how beautifully it lives.

— Melissa LaRosa Interiors

Monday | 2:30 PM🍂 The Lantern & Oak | Article 007 is Now LiveThe Art of an Autumn HomeOn cherished traditions, gathered ...
10/19/2026

Monday | 2:30 PM

🍂 The Lantern & Oak | Article 007 is Now Live

The Art of an Autumn Home
On cherished traditions, gathered tables, and the beauty of slowing down.

There is something about autumn that makes us appreciate the comforts of home a little more.

The familiar recipes passed down through generations. The beautiful dishes brought out for family gatherings. The warmth of a thoughtfully designed room and the memories made within it.

As an interior designer, I believe a beautiful home should be more than something we admire. It should be a place where traditions are celebrated, stories are shared, and everyday moments become treasured memories.

And perhaps the most wonderful thought of all?

We are living in the very moments that someone else will one day look back on with nostalgia.

In this week’s edition of The Lantern & Oak, I’m sharing my thoughts on creating a timeless autumn home, embracing meaningful traditions, and finding beauty in the simple pleasures of the season.

I hope you’ll pour yourself something warm, settle into your favorite chair, and join me for a little inspiration.

🍂 Read Article 007 at:
melissalarosainteriors.com

New stories every Monday at 2:30 PM.

With warmth,
Melissa 🤎

SUNDAYS TO SAVOR | The Things We Didn’t Know We’d Miss 🤎It’s funny how the things we remember most about home are often ...
10/18/2026

SUNDAYS TO SAVOR | The Things We Didn’t Know We’d Miss 🤎

It’s funny how the things we remember most about home are often the things we never thought twice about while we were living them.

The sound of the screen door closing behind us.

The smell of Sunday dinner coming from the kitchen.

The familiar creak in the hallway floor.

A grandmother calling everyone to the table.

The way the afternoon sunlight fell across the living room, always in that same familiar spot.

At the time, they were simply ordinary moments.

We didn’t know we’d spend years wishing we could go back and experience them just one more time.

It’s in the life that happens within its walls.

The birthdays, the holidays, the Sunday suppers, the conversations that lasted a little longer than planned.

Even the imperfections become part of the story.

Maybe that’s why I feel such a connection to older homes.

I can’t help but wonder about the families who once lived there. The meals they shared, the children who ran through the hallways, and the memories that were made long before we arrived.

Because a home is never just wood, brick, and plaster.

It’s a keeper of stories.

And perhaps the most beautiful thing we can do is create a few more worth remembering.

I’d love to know: What’s one little thing about your childhood home that you wish you could experience just one more time?

With warmth,
Melissa

The Lantern & Oak
Stories of Home. Timeless Living.

THE SOUTHERN KITCHEN | Old-Fashioned Apple Butter 🍎There’s something about the smell of apples and cinnamon slowly cooki...
10/17/2026

THE SOUTHERN KITCHEN | Old-Fashioned Apple Butter 🍎

There’s something about the smell of apples and cinnamon slowly cooking that makes a house feel like home.

Before our kitchens were filled with modern conveniences, families found beautiful ways to preserve the flavors of each season.

And one of my favorite old-fashioned traditions is apple butter.

Despite its name, there’s no actual butter in it. Just apples, warm spices, a little sweetness, and plenty of patience.

Traditionally, apple butter was cooked slowly, sometimes outdoors in large copper kettles, with families and neighbors gathering to stir and visit.

I love imagining those autumn afternoons. The stories being told, children playing nearby, and the anticipation of something delicious waiting at the end of the day.

Today, we can make this same comforting treat in a slow cooker.

Serve it over warm buttermilk biscuits, spread it on toast, or tuck a little jar into a basket for a thoughtful homemade gift.

It’s simple, comforting, and one of those traditions worth keeping.

The recipe:

5 lbs apples, peeled and sliced
¾ cup brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp cloves
¼ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp salt
1 tbsp vanilla
2 tbsp apple c***r vinegar

Combine apples, sugars, spices, and salt in a slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 8–10 hours until very soft. Blend until smooth, stir in vanilla and vinegar, and cook uncovered briefly if you’d like it thicker.

Refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for later.

Tell me, did your grandmother ever make homemade apple butter? Or is this a tradition you’d love to start?

With warmth,
Melissa

The Lantern & Oak
Stories of Home. Timeless Living.

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Apollo Beach
Apollo Beach, FL
33572

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