We all aspire to have a home we’re proud of, but achieving our vision takes effort and creativity. That’s where the Riverlands Design team, Megan and Cary, step in. They simplify the process by managing every detail, offering both full design services and project management.
What sets them apart from other design companies? They’re hands on. Megan and Cary collaborate closely with clients by crafting room layouts, selecting materials, and coordinating seamlessly with contractors. They take care of every detail, ensuring projects stay on schedule and within budget. And whether it’s a full-scale renovation or simply refreshing a room, their expertise guides clients every step of the way.
Megan and Cary begin their process by connecting with prospective clients to understand their needs and vision. During these initial discussions, they present samples and finishes—such as countertop options, cabinet styles, and more—tailored to the specific project, whether it’s a kitchen remodel or a living room transformation.
“We walk through their home to see other rooms, what they like, what their favorite room is, and of course make sure the finished room looks updated, but goes with the flow of what’s there,” Megan explained. “We give suggestions to share our interpretation of their vision.”
“From the walkthrough, we have an understanding of their vision and what they’re looking for—so we begin the design process knowing [that] and make sure we’re on target,” Cary added.
Besides getting an idea of the client’s tastes, Megan and Cary also inquire about how the room is expected to be used.
If the family room is the focus of the project, it's essential to understand the preferences of each family member. "The room needs to be both functional and beautiful," Megan explained.
“We try to get the family’s perspective and how they see themselves using the space," Cary added. "If it’s a kitchen remake, do they love to cook and need the kitchen to be functional or do they like to entertain with an island that seats six?”
The team covers every detail, ensuring nothing is overlooked. “For a family room, we consider factors like the ages of the children and whether there are pets. This ensures the upholstery options are suitable for everyone in the home, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal,” Cary clarified.
When all is said and done, the client’s home “will look like a designer touched it, which is what we want, but feels like them and is comfortable for them,” Megan explained. “We don’t want our clients to go into a room that’s on trend but doesn’t feel like their home.”
The saying "teamwork makes the dream work" perfectly captures the essence of Riverlands Design.
“Riverlands is just Megan and I,” Cary revealed. “We’re not a big design firm. It’s just the two of us, working hand-in-hand on projects. We treat each project like it’s our own home. We may have several projects simultaneously, but each client feels they are our top priority.”
Because the women oversee all details of a remodeling project, they have a keen understanding of where clients should invest and where they can cut costs.
“Clients want it all and don’t necessarily grasp a budget and what goes into putting a room together. A lot of manufacturers we work with can give high end looks within their budget,” Megan explained.
“For the furnishings, we find things in all price points, but you don’t want to skimp on who you hire to do the work,” Cary elaborated.
As for their favorite rooms to remodel, Megan and Cary have different preferences.
“Kitchens,” said Megan. “My first career was as a chef. I’m always in the kitchen cooking. With four kids, it is the biggest part of my home— we all hang out in the kitchen.”
“Mine are spaces that often get overlooked," Cary explained. "For example, creating a custom office from a formally unused tucked away space.”
When it comes to what makes a house feel like home, it’s all about personal touch. Home isn’t just about the statement pieces; it’s the subtle accents and details that give a room its character.
“My favorite thing is to marry old and new. If they have personalized artwork or items they’ve had for many years, we use that and add in new fixtures,” Megan offered. “Making a home is a combination of personalization, function, and space. We make the space look like they put it together, rather than items without meaning.”
"It’s all the little details that pull the room together,” Cary added.
A remodel, whether it's a single room or the entire house, can be daunting, but Riverlands Design alleviates that stress, allowing homeowners to enjoy the final result and truly experience the feeling of home, sweet home.
“We have our own strengths. Cary likes to do window treatments, textiles, paint colors. I like to work with contractors."
“Most people have a hard time seeing what doesn’t exist. Our 3D technology shows them how the couch will look and be placed, how the rug will look, and the furniture placement,” Cary elaborated.