Melissa LaRosa Interior Designs

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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.

THE DESIGNER’S NOTEBOOK | The Little Window Above the Door 🗝️Have you ever noticed a small window sitting just above a d...
10/15/2026

THE DESIGNER’S NOTEBOOK | The Little Window Above the Door 🗝️

Have you ever noticed a small window sitting just above a doorway in a historic home?

It’s called a transom window, and there’s a fascinating reason these beautiful architectural details became so popular.

Long before central air conditioning, homeowners relied on clever architectural features to make their homes more comfortable.

One of those features was the operable transom window.

These small windows could be opened to encourage air circulation between rooms and hallways, even while the door beneath remained closed.

In warmer climates, including the American South, this was especially useful.

And here’s something I find particularly interesting…

SOME TRANSOM WINDOWS COULD BE OPENED WITHOUT EVER TOUCHING THE WINDOW ITSELF.

A special piece of hardware called a transom operator allowed homeowners to open and close certain high-mounted windows using a rod or mechanical linkage.

Imagine how thoughtfully homes were designed to work with their environment before modern conveniences existed!

HOW I WOULD USE THEM IN TODAY’S HOMES

This is where historic architecture and modern design come together beautifully.

I love the idea of incorporating transom windows above interior French doors, between a foyer and living room, or over a doorway leading into a home office.

They can introduce borrowed light, create a sense of height, and add beautiful architectural interest to otherwise ordinary openings.

For a more traditional home, divided-light transoms with simple muntins can feel especially timeless.

And in a newer home? Even a single rectangular transom above a doorway can bring a touch of historic inspiration without making the space feel dated.

MY DESIGNER’S PERSPECTIVE

The best historic details weren’t always created simply to be beautiful.

They were designed with purpose.

And I believe there’s something worth learning from that.

With warmth,
Melissa

Melissa LaRosa Interiors
Refined Design for Everyday Living

ROOMS WORTH REMEMBERING | The Quiet Beauty of Bringing Nature Indoors 🌿Have you ever walked into a beautifully furnished...
10/14/2026

ROOMS WORTH REMEMBERING | The Quiet Beauty of Bringing Nature Indoors 🌿

Have you ever walked into a beautifully furnished room and felt that something was still missing?

The furniture is lovely. The lighting is perfect. Every detail seems thoughtfully placed.

And yet, the room feels just a little too polished.

Sometimes, all it needs is a touch of nature.

One of my favorite ways to soften an interior is by introducing plants and greenery. There’s something about their organic shapes, gentle movement, and natural imperfections that makes a room feel instantly more welcoming.

HERE’S WHY IT WORKS…

Our homes are filled with straight lines and structured shapes. Think cabinetry, doorways, windows, and furniture.

Plants introduce something entirely different.

Their leaves create movement, their varying heights draw the eye, and their natural shapes provide a beautiful contrast to the architecture around them.

And the wonderful thing is, you don’t need a house full of plants to achieve this.

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE DESIGNER TRICKS:

🌿 Soften a corner. A generously sized olive tree, ficus, or other leafy plant can bring warmth and visual balance to an otherwise empty corner.

🌿 Add life to antique furniture. A delicate fern in an aged terracotta pot or a beautiful ceramic planter looks especially lovely atop an antique chest or side table.

🌿 Create contrast. Place soft, cascading greenery near structured cabinetry, architectural molding, or a fireplace mantel.

🌿 Think about scale. A substantial plant can anchor a room, while smaller greenery is wonderful for shelves, windowsills, and intimate spaces.

And here’s a little secret: I love a beautiful faux tree, too! When thoughtfully selected and styled, quality artificial greenery can create the same visual softness without the maintenance.

Melissa LaRosa Interiors
Refined Design for Everyday Living

There’s something so special about an unexpected morning together. 🤍When my husband suggests sneaking away for a little ...
10/13/2026

There’s something so special about an unexpected morning together. 🤍

When my husband suggests sneaking away for a little day date in Ybor City, he never has to ask me twice!

A little opening between meetings gave us the perfect excuse to trade our busy schedules for a quick coffee break together, wandering streets filled with history, beautiful old architecture, and so much character.

As a designer, I’ve always been drawn to places that tell a story, and Ybor City has a way of making me fall in love with its charm every time I visit. The weathered brick, historic storefronts, and little details that have stood the test of time are exactly what I love most.

Sometimes the sweetest moments are the ones you never planned. A little history, a little sunshine, and time with my favorite person. A pretty perfect start to my Tuesday, if you ask me. 🤍

THE COLLECTED HOME | THE SECRETS HISTORIC HOMES HOLD… The Mystery of the Little Door 🗝️Have you ever walked through an o...
10/13/2026

THE COLLECTED HOME | THE SECRETS HISTORIC HOMES HOLD… The Mystery of the Little Door 🗝️

Have you ever walked through an old home and noticed a tiny door tucked into a wall?

Not quite large enough for a person. Not quite what you’d expect for a closet.

You might be surprised to learn that some of these little doors once helped keep the house warm.

Before modern central heating, certain historic homes used coal-burning fireplaces, stoves, and furnaces to provide warmth.

And all that coal had to get inside somehow!

In some houses, small exterior openings called coal chutes or coal doors allowed deliveries to be transferred directly into a cellar or coal storage area.

Imagine a time when keeping your family warm meant having coal delivered to your home, carrying fuel to the fire, and tending it throughout the day.

Of course, not every mysterious little door was a coal door. Some concealed plumbing, provided access to storage, or served other practical purposes.

HERE’S WHAT I FIND SO INTERESTING…

Today, we might look at an unusual little opening and wonder why anyone would have put it there.

But a century ago, it may have been an essential part of everyday life.

And that’s one of my favorite things about historic homes.

Their architecture doesn’t just tell us how people built.

It tells us how people lived.

A DESIGNER’S PERSPECTIVE

When restoring an older home, I believe details like these deserve a closer look before they’re covered up or removed.

An original coal door, for example, might be preserved as an architectural feature, even when the house no longer uses coal for heating.

Because sometimes the smallest details carry the most interesting stories.

Have you ever discovered a mysterious little door or unusual feature in an older home? Tell me about it!

With warmth,
Melissa

The Lantern & Oak
Stories of Home. Timeless Living.

10/12/2026

Sometimes, even a designer needs to step away from the mood boards, fabric samples, and never-ending to-do lists. And what better way to welcome a Monday than with a beautiful brunch and a little inspiration? 🤍

Today’s creative reset took me to Campfired in Tampa, and goodness, what a lovely experience!

The ambiance, the natural sunlight, the thoughtfully curated surroundings… every little detail reminded me why I love what I do. Because beautiful design isn’t just something we admire. It’s something we feel.

And the food? Just as wonderful as the atmosphere!

A special thank you to Mel, whose outstanding service and delicious entrée recommendations made our visit even more memorable. It’s those thoughtful touches that turn a lovely place into an experience worth remembering.

A little sunshine, beautiful surroundings, wonderful food, and a fresh dose of inspiration. I’d say that’s a Monday well spent.

After all, inspiration has a way of finding us when we take a moment to simply enjoy the beauty around us. ✨

Here’s to finding inspiration beyond the walls we design.

There’s something lovely about slowing down for a little while, pouring a warm cup of coffee, and getting lost in a good...
10/12/2026

There’s something lovely about slowing down for a little while, pouring a warm cup of coffee, and getting lost in a good story. ☕🍂

Article 006 is now live at The Lantern & Oak, and I would love for you to join me!

This week, we’re stepping back into the American kitchen before refrigeration, discovering the fascinating history of antique pie safes, root cellars, and the beautiful craftsmanship hidden in everyday household objects.

Because sometimes the most interesting stories about historic homes aren’t found in their grand staircases or beautiful architecture, but in the ordinary things that tell us how people once lived.

So grab your favorite mug, pull up a cozy blanket, and come spend a little time with me.

You can read the newest article through the link in my bio.

And I’d love to make this our little Monday tradition. Join me every Monday at 2:30 p.m. for a new story about historic homes, timeless interiors, and the traditions worth preserving.

With warmth,
Melissa

The Lantern & Oak
Stories of Home. Timeless Living.

THE MONDAY EDIT | The Forgotten WashstandBefore beautiful bathroom vanities, double sinks, and running water became ever...
10/12/2026

THE MONDAY EDIT | The Forgotten Washstand

Before beautiful bathroom vanities, double sinks, and running water became everyday conveniences, there was the humble washstand.

In many 19th-century homes, a washstand was an essential piece of bedroom furniture. It typically held a porcelain pitcher and basin for washing, with some designs featuring a marble top, a small drawer, or a raised backsplash to protect the wall.

What I find especially beautiful about these pieces is that something once considered so ordinary has become a wonderful reminder of how families lived generations ago.

A LITTLE DESIGN HISTORY

Washstands were made in a variety of styles, from simple painted wooden tables to elaborate Victorian examples with carved details and marble surfaces.

And while indoor plumbing eventually made their original purpose less necessary, many of these lovely pieces survived.

HOW I WOULD USE ONE TODAY

Here’s where the fun begins.

I would absolutely incorporate an original antique washstand into a thoughtfully collected home.

Imagine one in a welcoming entryway, beneath a beautiful antique mirror, with a small brass lamp, a stack of favorite books, and a simple arrangement of seasonal branches.

Or perhaps beside a bed, where its original marble top and delicate proportions would make a charming alternative to a traditional nightstand.

Even in a modern bathroom, a washstand can serve as a decorative storage piece for folded linens and everyday essentials, without altering its original construction.

My preference? Preserve the original wood finish, hardware, and marble whenever possible.

Those little signs of age are part of the story.

And that’s what I love most about collected interiors. We don’t have to make old things look new to make them beautiful again.

Sometimes, we simply need to give them a new place in our homes.

Would you use an antique washstand in your home, or have you inherited one from your family?

With warmth,
Melissa

Melissa LaRosa Interiors
Refined Design for Everyday Living

Sundays to Savor | The Beauty of a Sunday at Home 🍂Somewhere along the way, Sundays became another day to get things don...
10/11/2026

Sundays to Savor | The Beauty of a Sunday at Home 🍂

Somewhere along the way, Sundays became another day to get things done.

The laundry, the grocery shopping, the endless list of things waiting for Monday.

But I think there’s something beautiful about reclaiming a little bit of Sunday for ourselves.

Opening the windows when the weather allows. Letting something delicious simmer on the stove. Setting the table, even when there’s no company coming. Pulling out that favorite old quilt and settling in for an afternoon with nowhere in particular to be.

I often think about the generations before us, when Sundays seemed to move a little slower. When families gathered around the table, recipes were passed down without ever being written, and the house was filled with the familiar sounds of home.

Perhaps that’s something worth bringing back.

Because a beautiful home isn’t just about what we put inside it.

It’s about the memories we make, the traditions we keep, and the ordinary moments that become extraordinary when we look back on them.

So today, I hope you find a little time to simply enjoy the home you’ve created.

Tell me, did your family have a Sunday tradition growing up that you still cherish today? I’d love to hear about it. 🤎

With warmth,
Melissa

The Lantern & Oak
Stories of Home. Timeless Living.

10/10/2026

THE SOUTHERN KITCHEN
Smothered Chicken & Onion Gravy

Some meals don’t need a special occasion.

They’re the kind you make when the house is quiet, the afternoon is moving slowly, and you want something warm and wonderful simmering on the stove.

This week in The Southern Kitchen, we’re making an old-fashioned favorite: tender chicken smothered in a rich, creamy onion gravy.

Serve it over buttery mashed potatoes, add a few homemade biscuits, and you’ve got the kind of supper that brings everyone to the table.

Here’s how to make it.

Ingredients

* 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
* 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
* 1 tsp black pepper
* 1 tsp garlic powder
* 1 tsp smoked paprika
* ½ cup all-purpose flour, divided
* 2 tbsp olive oil
* 2 tbsp butter
* 1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced
* 3 garlic cloves, minced
* 2 cups chicken broth
* ½ cup heavy cream
* 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
* Fresh thyme, optional

Directions

1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Lightly dredge in ¼ cup flour.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, then remove to a plate.
3. Add butter and sliced onions. Cook for 8–10 minutes until soft and golden. Stir in the garlic.
4. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup flour over the onions. Stir for 1 minute.
5. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, then add Worcestershire sauce and cream.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet. Cover and gently simmer for approximately 15–20 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F internally and the gravy has thickened.
7. Taste, adjust the seasoning, and finish with a little fresh thyme.

To serve: Spoon over creamy mashed potatoes with warm biscuits or green beans on the side.

A Little Southern Kitchen Tip: Don’t rush the onions. Letting them turn golden before making the gravy gives this dish its wonderful homemade flavor.

Save this recipe for a cozy weekend supper, and tell me: Are you serving yours over mashed potatoes or rice?

The Southern Kitchen
The Lantern & Oak
Stories of Home. Timeless Living.

THE ART OF LIVING WELL | The Little Detail That Protected Historic WallsHave you ever noticed a narrow strip of molding ...
10/09/2026

THE ART OF LIVING WELL | The Little Detail That Protected Historic Walls

Have you ever noticed a narrow strip of molding running along the upper walls of an old home?

That detail may be a picture rail, and it had a very practical purpose.

During the Victorian era and into the early 1900s, many American homes were built with plaster walls rather than today’s drywall.

Instead of repeatedly hammering nails into delicate plaster, homeowners could hang artwork from special hooks placed over the picture rail.

Paintings could be moved, rearranged, or replaced without damaging the walls.

But here’s another fascinating detail: the space above the picture rail was sometimes treated as its own decorative feature, with contrasting paint, wallpaper, or ornamental friezes.

When restoring historic interiors, I believe it’s important to understand why architectural details existed before deciding whether to remove them.

Sometimes what looks like an ordinary piece of trim is actually an important part of a home’s history.

Did you know what picture rails were originally used for?

Save this little piece of design history for your next historic home tour!

Melissa LaRosa Interiors
Refined Design for Everyday Living.

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Apollo Beach
Apollo Beach, FL
33572

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm
Saturday 9am - 2pm

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