The Foundation of Good Design

Florida designer Emily Moss, of Emily Moss Designs, tells Cambria Style her personal thoughts on design trends and why she chooses Cambria for projects.

How do you keep your ideas fresh and innovative?
I love to travel whenever possible and spend a lot of time outside. Nature inspires me and provides so many special details—the patterns of natural design. I look at vintage pieces, which also have interesting patterns and designs. I do keep up with design and industry trends. Fresh ideas come from mixing the familiar with the unexpected.

Are there any design trends you feel are overrated?
I always think spaces should serve their purpose without sacrificing style. That said, I always start by prioritizing function.

What classic design trends do you believe will always have a place in modern interiors?
Natural textures and natural stone-inspired textures. Cambria is a great option for people who want that natural look and also a material that’s really practical. Also, clean lines and a bit of symmetry are classic but add balance to a modern interior.

What role does technology play in your work, from project management to design visualization?
3D renderings can help clients visualize our designs. We use digital moodboards and cloud-based project management tools. That way anyone can access everything about a project wherever we are. I’m super excited about AI. I can imagine there will be some really cool features for designers in the next few years.

In this project, what made Cambria the perfect material for the design?
For this open-floor-plan home, I needed something that could handle everyday and rental use, carry color around the space, and provide a “wow” moment. I didn’t have to choose aesthetics over functionality—Cambria had the look I wanted and was resistant to stains and scratching. 

How do you approach selecting the design and finish of quartz surfaces to suit different aesthetics?
I always consider the vibe of the space and of the people who are going to be living in it. If I’m going for a calm effect, I might choose a more natural or muted look; a really bold style might call for something more dramatic or some unique detailing. I use a matte finish when I want the surfaces to feel more organic. Or, in a classic kitchen or for a natural marble look you might want a matte finish.

What are your thoughts on the evolution of quartz surfaces—are there new patterns, finishes, or innovations you’re excited about?
They’re able to get so much more depth in the look of quartz now, and I love the trend toward more organic, marble-inspired patterns. They have more abstractness and personality instead of the same pattern repeated over and over. Imperfection makes it feel artistic and more natural. I love that I can get a honed or matte finish that can soften a room and give designers more flexibility with what they can do with a very durable product.