This week’s Designer Friday has been named a Next Wave Designer in House Beautiful in 2016 and a Rising Star of Design in Traditional Home magazine last year. After working closely with celebrated designers, Emilie Munroe is now owner and principal designer of the eponymous Studio Munroe, a luxury interior design firm specializing in residential and commercial projects. With a range of interiors in her portfolio, Munroe is not boxed in by one style or another; she applies a curated, colorful eye to every design and produces customized spaces both sophisticated and fun. Introducing our Designer Friday, Emilie Munroe.
Emilie Munroe is not afraid of a little color. Her home comes together with flashes of brightness, a beautiful, cloudy accent wall and stand-out furniture.
Andrew Joseph: What’s a guilty pleasure you have?
Emilie Munroe: Upgrading my BMW to the Harman Kardon surround sound system. I love to drive, and the car is often the only place I get to be alone. If I’m not driving and eating, or on a call, or listening to the podcasts, then music is playing. And, boy, does their speaker system make it sound incredible.
AJ: What’s the weirdest thing a client has ever asked you?
EM: Ah ha, the rug donut! I once had a client ask if they could value-engineer their custom handwoven bedroom area rug by eliminating the rectangular space located under the bed. Aka fabricating a rug donut.
AJ: What’s one thing people don’t know about you?
EM: I brush my teeth in the shower.
The earthy colors and use of plants tie this room together completely. A cozy fireplace is the perfect touch to make this the hang-out spot in the home.
AJ: What’s your design pet peeve?
EM: Anything one note makes me mourn a lost opportunity. We are known for an energized mix of color and pattern, but there is a huge spot in our hearts for clean minimalism and one-tone color schemes. I just ask for one piece, one little sprinkle, of the unexpected within each room. It may be an emerald vase on the all-white Living Room fireplace mantle or a powder-coated angular bookcase nestled amongst mid-century walnut curves. It is these offbeat touches that bring warmth to a room. By standing out, they enhance the overarching aesthetic.
AJ: What are three things you can’t live without?
EM: Electric milk frother for morning coffee and hot chocolates.
MAC Candy Yum Yum neon pink lipstick.
Sydney, Australia. I lived in Sydney in my early 20’s and soaked up the whole scene: Scuba diving, skydiving, beach camping, sun, sailing, drinks, music, all of it. It is my favorite city on Earth. All the vibes of San Francisco plus stunning weather and a balanced work/life culture. When daily pressures and responsibilities loom, I love a little daydream about those carefree months. It ignites a little sparkle in me.
AJ: What’s one ingredient you put in everything?
EM: How about “on” everything? In my world, ketchup tops scrambled eggs, quesadillas, fried chicken, avocado slices, and grilled cheese. I’m a superfan.
AJ: How would you define your work in three words?
EM: Collaborative, Dynamic, Inspired.
AJ: Favorite tea to decompress, and in what mug?
EM: Rishi Tea English Breakfast in my Sugarboo XO “Don’t be a lady, Be a legend” Stevie Nix mug. Every. Single. Morning. Noon on Saturday and Sunday.
About The Designer | Emilie Munroe cultivated her interior design and architecture talents under the mentorship of Jay Jeffers, a renowned interior designer, retailer and author. Here she developed a singular gift for creating thoughtful, unexpected luxury interiors, a talent that has earned Emilie the title of Next Wave Designer from House Beautiful magazine in 2016 and Rising Star of Design by Traditional Home magazine in 2021. Emilie was also named to the Luxe Interiors + Design Gold List in 2018 and 2020.
With 15 years of experience working on luxury interior design projects ranging from urban high-rise apartments to suburban homes to rural estates, Emilie ascribes to no signature aesthetic. Rather, her signature is found in the collaborative spirit, attention to detail, and joie de vivre incorporated by her studio into every project.
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