At Ivory Homes, we’re incredibly lucky to have someone like Mia on our team; not just because of her unmatched eye for design, but because of the heart and intention she brings to every space she touches.

A veteran of Ivory Homes with over 16 years under her belt, Mia’s journey began in the commercial lighting world. With a marketing degree from the University of Utah and a knack for understanding both construction and aesthetics, she’s spent the last decade designing homes that exceed expectations and redefine comfort. Today, she leads our model home design team and lends her creative vision to our custom and high-end projects, shaping not just homes but entire communities.

This year’s Parade of Homes entry is no exception.

When asked about the vision for this model, Mia explained that it wasn’t about following a trend; it was about translating the traditional, East Coast-inspired exterior into a warm, sophisticated interior that feels inviting, layered, and rich in personality. A springboard for the color palette? A vibrant, whimsical print found on the green family room sofa, a mix of burnt orange, lavender, soft green, and blue that shows up throughout the home in surprising, beautiful ways.

Color plays a starring role here, and Mia leaned in. From the serene, neutral-toned kitchen with its green and blue cabinetry and white oak island, to the bold orange lockers and floral wallpaper in the mudroom, this home doesn’t shy away from taking design risks. And those risks paid off. “Green and blue are neutrals in our book,” Mia says, a philosophy that shines in every corner of this home.

One of her favorite features? The soaring gallery wall in the entryway. It draws your eye up and instantly transforms what could be a stark space into something cozy, personal, and artfully curated. Other standout elements include grasscloth wallpaper in the family room and primary bedroom, antique furnishings like a Swedish daybed, and plenty of texture from wicker and natural materials that give the space a collected-over-time feel.

As visitors walk through this Parade home, Mia hopes they leave feeling inspired, not just by the finishes or floorplan, but by the bold use of color and the idea that homes should be full of warmth and personality. “Color brings happiness,” she says. “Don’t be afraid to go all in.”

Read the full interview below:

Design Vision + Inspiration

1. What was your overall vision or theme for this model home?

We didn't design this home with a specific theme in mind. However, we did take inspiration for the interior design from the exterior design of the home.  It is a very traditional and "east coast" feeling home and we wanted the inside of the home to reflect that. We also wanted the home to exude a sophisticated, layered feel with a unique color palette. 

2. Were there any specific inspirations that influenced your design choices, like a place, trend, or lifestyle?

This particular home was inspired by the colorful print (see link below) you see on the green sofa in the family room. We really loved the mix of burnt orange, soft green and blue and lavender. It was exciting to create a springboard of color in thoughtful ways with the cabinetry and other finishes throughout the home.  

https://clarencehouse.com/fabric/5839804/broceliande/bittersweet 

Favorite Features

3. What is your favorite room or feature in the home, and why?

It's always difficult to narrow that down to one! The first thing that catches your eye as you walk into the home is the curated gallery wall that brings your eye all the way to the upper floor. It really highlights the volume of the entry and creates a cozy feeling in a space that can otherwise feel cold and unwelcoming. 

4. Are there any custom or unexpected design elements you’re especially proud of?

The colors of the cabinetry are really unusual. We really leaned into color in this home and hope to inspire others to do the same. We kept the kitchen cabinetry a neutral green and blue (yes, green and blue are neutrals in our book) and added texture with the stained white oak island. We kicked the color up a few notches in the mudroom with beautiful orange lockers that are complimented by the stunning blue floral wallpaper. Blue and orange is always a winning combination! 

Style + Materials

5. What materials or finishes did you use to bring texture and depth into the space?

We used a lot of texture in this home. The grasscloth walls in the family room and primary bedroom really bring a sense of texture and add warmth to the space. We also used accents of wicker and a few antiques, including an antique Swedish daybed in the family room to create a more casual, lived in feeling home. 

6. Were there any design risks you took that paid off?

Any time you choose a bold paint color it can be a little nerve wracking. But, you have to lean into your decision and trust that once all the pieces of the puzzle come together they will create a beautiful space!

Parade of Homes Experience

7. What do you hope visitors take away from seeing this home during the Parade?

We want people to walk away from this home feeling inspired to infuse their homes with more color! Color brings happiness and warmth to your surroundings. It is such a great way to show your personality! Don't be afraid to go all in!! 

8. What kind of feeling or mood do you want people to experience when they walk through the front door?

Our hope is to create a warm, cozy and inviting space that people will remember and be inspired by!