From play to passion for design

“I’ve always been interested in interior design,” says Emily Mughannam. “For as long as I can remember, I’ve been affected by space, light, texture and color. Even as a kid, I’d rearrange my room regularly, and that play turned into a passion.”

In 2007, after years of consulting with a number of design and architectural practices, Mughannam launched EM Design (www.emdesigninter iors.com). “I enjoy being surrounded by beautiful things every day, and I love the relationships I develop with my clients and my vendors,” she says. Many of her clients are families with young children — something she, as a mother of a 3-year-old son and 19-month-old daughter, can relate to.

While previously working with local firms Jeffers Design Group and Steven Miller Design Studio, Mughannam had the opportunity to contribute to the prestigious San Francisco Decorator Showcase. This year, EM Design was awarded the teen room; and she’s participating on her own. (The annual event started this weekend.)

Mughannam’s space features seating that she describes as “a super-huge sofa sectional pit,” modern patterns and a neon sign. “It’s fun to let my imagination run wild and have that be the guide in my design decisions,” she says. “The little Emily who loved to make over her own room as a kid now has a chance to do it for real, and the sky is the limit!”