When a flood, fire, or sudden accident damages your home, the immediate focus is usually on cleanup and insurance. But beyond the contractors and paperwork lies a deeper challenge: reclaiming comfort, safety and peace of mind in the space you call home.
To help homeowners and industry professionals navigate renovations with confidence, we spoke with Stacy McCarthy, a Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer and President of the NKBA South Florida Chapter.
In a conversation on the Home Design Podcast, Stacy shared how her approach — called Emergency Design — bridges the gap between technical restoration and thoughtful, human-centered design. It’s not just about replacing what was damaged, it’s about restoring your routines and your sense of normalcy with intention.
Designing Through Crisis: What Is Emergency Design?
Emergency Design is a design-first approach to disaster recovery. It recognizes that rebuilding a home isn’t just a construction project — it’s an emotional journey.
Rather than rushing to reinstall drywall and flooring, this method encourages homeowners to step back, reimagine the space, and design something that works better for their current lifestyle.
Avoid Common Mistakes: Why Planning Matters Post-Disaster
One of the biggest risks in disaster restoration is skipping the design process entirely. Families often make decisions that lead to long-term frustration and unnecessary spending.
Without a design strategy in place, you could end up with:
- Materials that don’t fit your daily needs
- Layouts that feel inefficient
- A home that never truly feels like yours again
Smart Tips for Insurance & Restoration Planning
Whether you’re preparing for the unexpected or already in the middle of a rebuild, here are some expert tips Stacy shares to help homeowners stay ahead:
- Review your policy yearly, especially after a remodel, to make sure it reflects your current space.
- Talk to a public adjuster and your insurance rep to understand what’s actually covered.
- If disaster strikes, dry the area immediately and get a restoration company involved as soon as possible.
Restoration pros can remove moisture, test for mold, store your belongings, and connect you with trusted contractors and designers. And if reviewing your policy feels intimidating, many adjusters will do a free policy review, just to help you prepare.
How Design Helps You Heal
The emotional side of restoration often gets overlooked. But for many families, walking back into a damaged kitchen or bedroom can be deeply triggering. That’s why design plays such a powerful role — it can actually support the healing process.
Stacy’s approach blends practical expertise with empathy. She works alongside restoration teams, contractors, and insurance reps, but never loses sight of the homeowner’s emotional experience. Her goal is to help you feel in control again — and to turn this challenging chapter into an opportunity to create something better.
The Home Design Podcast brings together industry leaders, design professionals, and innovative brands to explore the ideas, trends, and technologies shaping the world of home improvement. With a focus on education and inspiration, each episode offers valuable insights and takeaways for both homeowners and professionals looking to elevate their knowledge and stay ahead in the ever-evolving design space.
Listen to the full episode here: EP 54: NKBA and Emergency Design: What’s Really Driving the Next Era of Home Design
Watch the full episode below!
