How did you end up in the design industry?
I was a graphic designer for 20 years and left the marketing agency I co-owned in 2017. I was burnt out and ready for a major change and my husband and I had recently purchased a midcentury fixer-upper. I have always had a passion for interiors, so I began sharing my design progress and eventually turned it into a business.
What does your team look like?
At the moment, its just me with freelance help for drawings and admin support.
Tell us about the project you're sharing.
The home is located in East Sacramento, just a few miles from downtown in a quiet, tree-lined neighborhood mostly made up of smaller, post-war homes. It has 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, and was built in 1949 with original hardwood floors through most of the rooms. The couple recently inherited the wife’s grandmother’s home, where her mother grew up, so it holds generations of cherished memories. Before moving in, they want to update it for modern living while preserving its character. They aimed for thoughtful renovations that would stand the test of time, turning it into their forever home. Stylistically, we were going for clean and uncluttered, with midcentury lines and a 70s-inspired color palette.
What was involved in this project?
The house is just about 1300 sqft and we needed to stay in the original footprint. My primary scope of work included the kitchen, main bathroom, powder room, and dining room finishes. In the kitchen, we removed a dividing wall by relocating the laundry to a closet in the third bedroom, creating a long, efficient galley kitchen. The sink now sits under a central window, and we minimized overhead cabinets, opting for drawers and integrated appliances. The standout feature is the pea-green Fireclay floor tiles in a star and cross pattern, complementing the walnut cabinetry and bright-white backsplash tiles.
The main bathroom, which had a typical layout, needed to retain both a shower and a soaking tub. We installed a curbless shower and the deepest tub possible, adding niches for storage. A recessed wall cabinet was carved out from a neighboring bedroom. A custom floating vanity with reeded drawer fronts, painted citron yellow, enlivens the space. In the dining room, we added a row of arched bookshelves, inspired by a client photo, and painted the room deep wine with a warm blush ceiling for a dramatic effect. The new powder room in the third bedroom, now an office and den, features an orange sink, geometric wallpaper, and floor tiles that echo the kitchen’s design, with a white faucet to keep the space fresh.
What's something you were really excited about creating for this project?
I was really excited to make the kitchen feel open and efficient even though it’s a narrow space. Hiding the appliances behind panels, and using slab-front cabinets really helped achieve this. I am also obsessed with the green star & cross-floor tiles.
What was your biggest learning from this project?
Having a great contractor willing to be a collaborator is everything.
Is there a tool, tip, or business resource from Hot Young Designers Club that you use in your business?
I use all of them of course😉, but I think sharing the Investment Guide early in the process has been the biggest game changer. It immediately let’s potential clients know some pricing levels to expect before we have a call. When we get on the phone they’re usually asking specific questions about services and have an idea where they might fit best for their project.
Thank you Rebecca Plumb for sharing more about your business and sharing this beautiful home with us! You can visit Studio Plumb on their website or Instagram.
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Photography: Whitney Dianne
