Inside Shailey Murphy’s Creative World

There’s just something about the charm—and the possibility—of a old house. Turning one into your perfect home is a balancing act between preserving the original touches and unique character of the space while also adding details to make it feel entirely your own. Springfield-based Shailey Murphy tells us how she’s done just that.

417 Magazine: Given your admiration for older homes, what do you appreciate about them? 
Shailey Murphy: I love the sense of history—knowing the floors have been walked on for over a century or seeing little quirks like uneven moldings that give each space character. I love the little imperfections—the wavy glass in the windows, the creaky floors and the hand-carved details you don’t see anymore. But most of all, it’s the feeling you get when you’re in one.

417: What makes you want to keep saving older homes? 
S.M.: Some of my happiest moments were spent rummaging through antique shops, imagining the stories behind every object. That fascination grew naturally into a passion for older homes as I studied interior design in college.  Taking something overlooked and neglected, and restoring it to something vibrant and loved—it’s incredibly rewarding.

417: What are some things you look for in an older home before you decide you’re going to rehab it? 
S.M.: For me, it’s all about the feeling. The first impression, the way a house looks from the outside and feels when you walk inside, says so much. A home that still has original features is a big win.  I don’t mind clutter or neglect; I can see past that to its potential. With the right team and some hard work, you can tackle almost anything.

417: What types of details do you think are important to restore rather than replace in an older home? 
S.M.: I always fight to save the original bones and details; they’re what make a home feel special. Hardwood floors, no matter their condition, can almost always be refinished. Wavy glass windows are magical and worth keeping—rehanging the sash weights and adding storms can make them functional and energy-efficient. Original millwork and doors are also treasures.

417: What did you love about your home in Rountree before you purchased it? 
S.M.: It was love at first sight. The dormer windows, rooflines and private driveway felt so special, and the interior just had this warm, welcoming feeling. The original details of the home were so thoughtfully preserved. Even before renovations, I could imagine us living there. Finding out we’d be only the fourth owners of a home built in 1925 was special—it felt like a piece of history we had to be a part of.

417: What was the overall goal when you remodeled your own home? 
S.M.: We wanted to preserve the historic charm while creating a space that truly worked for our family. With a toddler, a baby on the way and two work-from-home parents, we needed functionality and flow. We prioritized spaces like our main bedroom, adding an upstairs laundry, closet and bathroom off the primary suite. We also reworked our kitchen to create something unique and functional for our family.

417: Describe your home style in three words. 
S.M: Thoughtful. Collected. Colorful.

417: How do you balance style with the messiness of life and kids?
S.M.: I’ve learned to embrace the stage we’re in, mess and all. Kids bring so much joy and creativity and life into a home. I’m constantly surrounded by colorful artwork, dollhouses and bug collections, which I actually love styling in their own way. I do feel like we are losing the clutter war most days.  I use file boxes to save their art and special items, which helps give the stacks of papers and artwork a home. For now, I’m soaking up the chaos (and the jelly hands touching it all).

417: In your opinion, what makes a room sing?
S.M.: A room truly sings when it feels like the person who lives there. It’s about creating a space that’s layered, personal and full of character. I love when unexpected details—a bold wallpaper, a quirky quilt, or a meaningful piece of furniture—catch your eye and make you smile. Home design can be always changing as you go, moving items around to freshen it up. It’s not about perfection, it’s about telling a story that makes you want to stay and enjoy every corner.

417: What influences your styling? 
S.M.: My styling and design are deeply influenced by the world around me. Vintage objects and collected artwork are always inspiring; they bring a sense of charm and individuality that you can’t replicate. I’m also drawn to color and pattern, often pulling ideas from nature, travel or even my children’s artwork.