Designer Spotlight: Marla Harrington on Bold Color, Timeless Materials, and the Power of Statement Tile

For Marla Harrington, great design begins with balancing beauty and practicality.

As the founder and principal designer of Marla Harrington Interiors, a Georgia-based full-service interior design studio, Harrington brings a unique blend of creative vision and construction expertise to every project. With a background in real estate investing and project management, she understands that exceptional interiors must not only look beautiful—they must also function seamlessly and stand the test of time.

Specializing in renovations, custom homes, luxury kitchens, and transformative bathroom projects, Harrington has built a reputation for creating spaces that feel elevated, personal, and deeply livable.

From Real Estate to Interior Design

Before launching her design firm, Harrington worked in sales and project management while investing in real estate. Through renovating homes, she discovered a passion for design that eventually evolved into a full-time career.

"What I love most about this industry is that no two days are ever the same," she says. "One day I may be reviewing architectural plans, the next I'm on-site with contractors problem-solving or sourcing materials for a client."

That variety—and the opportunity to collaborate with skilled tradespeople and specialists—continues to fuel her creativity and growth as a designer.

Her work often draws inspiration from modern organic, mid-century modern, and transitional styles, blending timeless materials with fresh perspectives. While she appreciates classic interiors, Harrington isn't afraid to embrace bold color, texture, and personality when a project calls for it.

Why Bedrosians?

When selecting materials, Harrington values both quality and versatility—two qualities that consistently draw her to Bedrosians products.

"I appreciate the combination of quality, variety, and trend-forward materials," she explains. "Whether I'm designing a timeless traditional space or something more modern and bold, I can almost always find exactly what I need."

Among her favorite natural stones is Calacatta Viola, a marble celebrated for its dramatic veining and warm undertones.

"Many marbles can feel cool in tone, but Calacatta Viola creates a statement while still feeling inviting," she says.

Project Spotlight: Designing Around Chroma Blue

One of Harrington's most memorable projects centered entirely around a single material: Bedrosians' Chroma Blue tile.

Rather than treating the tile as an accent, she made it the focal point of the entire design.

"Every design decision was centered around the Chroma Blue tile," Harrington explains. "I wanted the tile to be the star of the space, so every surrounding material was selected to complement it rather than compete with it."

Custom brass shelving was introduced to echo the tile's glossy finish while creating a striking contrast against its rich blue tone. Countertops were intentionally understated, allowing the tile and shelving to command attention.

The result is a space that feels layered, sophisticated, and highly intentional.

Solving a Design Challenge Without Changing the Footprint

One of the biggest obstacles in the project was the requirement to keep the existing cabinetry and layout intact.

Without the ability to alter the footprint, Harrington relied on strategic material placement to create the illusion of a larger space.

Because the bar area was relatively compact, she selected a horizontal stacked installation and continued the tile around the corner rather than ending it at the countertop.

By extending the visual line beyond the natural stopping point, the eye continues to travel, making the bar feel significantly wider and more expansive than it actually is.

It's a simple but powerful example of how thoughtful tile design can completely transform the perception of a space.

The Moment It All Came Together

For Harrington, the most rewarding part of the project came during installation.

"As designers, we spend so much time envisioning materials together, but there's always a level of anticipation before seeing them in the actual space," she says.

The moment the first column of Chroma Blue tile was installed, she knew the design was working.

The excitement only grew after the walls were finished in a rich charcoal-black limewash. The contrast between the dark walls and the glossy tile created a dynamic interplay of light and texture that elevated the space even further.

"It's one of those projects that has even more impact in person than it does in photographs," Harrington says.

Looking Ahead: A Return to Personal Expression

One design movement Harrington is particularly excited about is the industry's shift away from trend-chasing and toward more personal, expressive interiors.

"I'm excited to see homeowners designing for themselves again," she says. "People are becoming more open to bold colors, textured tiles, leathered stones, and beautiful wood finishes rather than feeling like everything has to be white."

For fellow designers, her advice is simple: never select tile in isolation.

"Always consider how it relates to the surrounding materials, lighting, cabinetry, countertops, and overall architectural style of the home," she says. "A tile can be beautiful on its own but feel completely different once it's installed within a larger design scheme."

As for what's next, Harrington is eager to continue experimenting with new materials, installation techniques, and collaborations. One collection currently inspiring her is Bedrosians' Marin 2.5x5 tile in Midnight Tide.

"The depth it brings to a space and the way it contrasts with warm wood tones is undeniable," she says. "I'm looking forward to finding the right project to showcase it."

For Harrington, that's what great design is all about: creating spaces that feel personal, timeless, and uniquely tailored to the people who live in them.