Sharpe’s Church Interiors Featured in Redfin: How Church Design Principles Can Elevate Your Home Library
At Sharpe’s Church Interiors, we’ve spent over a decade helping churches create beautiful, peaceful spaces for worship, reflection, and connection. So when Redfin reached out to include us in their article about how to turn a spare room into a dream home library, we were honored—and inspired.
We know the power of intentional design. From the palette of a sanctuary to the fabric on a pew, every choice contributes to the overall atmosphere. Those same principles translate beautifully into homes, particularly into spaces meant for peace and quiet like a reading nook or home library.
That’s why we’re excited to share that we were featured in Redfin’s latest article:
Whether you’re renting a house in Asheville, NC, settling into a new home in Boise, ID, or getting comfortable in an apartment in Madison, WI, check out this Redfin article we were featured in: 4 Tips To Turn Your Spare Room Into Your Dream At Home Library
What We Contributed
Here’s the insight Savanna Williams-Bowlin of Sharpe’s Church Interiors shared in the Redfin feature:
“When creating a home library, aim to design a space that feels calm and reflective. In our work with church renovations, we focus on natural materials, soft textures, and serene color palettes to foster peace and stillness. Those same principles can transform a spare room into a restful retreat for reading and reflection.”
This perspective reflects what we believe deeply: that design shapes experience. In churches, the goal is to create a setting that helps people feel present, peaceful, and focused—and your home deserves that same level of care.
From Sanctuaries to Spare Rooms: A Shared Purpose
While the settings may be different, both sanctuaries and home libraries are spaces of quiet intention. Our work in church interiors has shown us time and again that:
Color influences emotion
Materials influence comfort
Intentional layout influences how people interact with the space
When we upholster pews, install acoustic-friendly flooring, or coordinate color palettes for sanctuaries, our focus is always on how the space feels—physically and emotionally. When applied to a home library, these same tools create an environment that feels like a personal retreat.
Designing with Color and Calm
One of the key ways we support peace in worship spaces is through color. We often recommend:
Soft earth tones
Dusty blues and greens
Warm wood finishes
Creams and muted grays
These tones mirror nature, reduce overstimulation, and support the calming purpose of the room. We use these colors in everything from pew fabrics to wall coverings, and now—with the growing interest in home sanctuaries—homeowners are turning to the same palettes for personal spaces like libraries and reading nooks.
Pair these hues with soft lighting and natural textures, and you’ve created a space that invites you to slow down.
The Power of Natural Materials
One of the hallmarks of our work is a deep respect for natural materials. We refinish wood, use high-quality upholstery, and incorporate soft, durable fabrics—all of which age beautifully and maintain comfort over time.
In churches, that means restoring original pews or upholstering with durable, stain-resistant textiles. In homes, that might look like:
Linen or velvet reading chairs
Hand-rubbed wood bookshelves
Neutral-toned area rugs
Woven baskets or cotton curtains
Whether we’re working in a sanctuary or a spare bedroom, we use materials that bring a sense of warmth and groundedness—essential for any space where you want to feel at peace.
What This Feature Means to Us
Being included in Redfin’s article—and by extension, on the platforms of ApartmentGuide and Rent—is a wonderful opportunity to share what we do beyond church walls.
Our work has always centered on transforming spaces through thoughtful design. And while our main focus is sanctuaries, the reality is: good design principles are universal. The same elements that help a congregation feel focused and refreshed on Sunday morning can help you feel grounded and inspired in your own home all week long.
Want a Peaceful Space—Church or Home?
Whether you’re reupholstering pews in a rural sanctuary or setting up a home library in your city apartment, the foundation of good design is the same: create calm, use quality, and design with intention.
Check out the full Redfin article here: 4 Tips To Turn Your Spare Room Into Your Dream At Home Library.
Explore Our Work
If you’re part of a church renovation committee or simply someone looking for home design inspiration rooted in comfort and calm, we invite you to explore what we do:
