The logo for EmAlign Design.
A warm and inviting bedroom with a four poster bed, intriguing wallpaper, and large picturesque windows.

align life through design

crafting enduring moments

Planning at its finest with a cup of coffee and new notebook for project notes.
Overlooking a paint fan deck of vibrant, as well as neutral colors.

align life through design

Welcome to EmAlign Design, where we live by the philosophy of 'Aligning Life Through Design.' Here, we do not just create designs; we craft enduring moments that resonate deeply with your life's journey.


Our mission is simple yet profound. We harness the power of design as a means of aligning and harmonizing different aspects of life, including work, family, and personal pursuits.


We are dedicated to empowering families, individuals, and small businesses to achieve greater balance in their lives, by aligning their values, goals, and priorities. It's not just about aesthetics; it's about creating designs that breathe life into your surroundings, infusing them with nostalgia, superb functionality, joy, and inspiration.


At EmAlign, design is not just a service; it's storytelling. We weave narratives that reflect your past, illuminate your present, and inspire your future. Our commitment to delivering designs of unparalleled quality ensures a legacy steeped in nostalgia and tradition, ready to be cherished by generations to come.


It would be our honor to embark on this journey with you, where design meets purpose and life finds its perfect alignment. Reach out today, and let's begin crafting your unique story through design.


About the designer

Hello there, I'm Emily Allen Burroughs. I grew up in the charming town of Shelby, NC, which instilled in me a deep appreciation for community. That's precisely why my husband, our three little ones, and I decided to make Emerald Isle, NC our home. We wanted our family to experience the same sense of community and passion that shaped my upbringing.


From an early age, my favorite times were spent by my Mom's side as she worked her magic with a needle and thread or in my Dad's workshop. There was nothing quite like the warmth of a pot belly stove crackling in the background, while soaking in my Dad's knowledge and craftsmanship. That’s why a career in interior design enthralled me. I enjoy the complexities of problem solving for my clients while providing a space that inspires each day. I take pride in actively partaking in each trade that I work with so that I have a strong understanding of their processes and constraints. That way as a team we can provide the client with the best possible solution.


Beyond my role as a designer, I am also the Director of Interior Design Education at the Designer Society of America. It's a role I cherish, as it lets me share my passion for continuous design education within our industry and nurture the next generation of creative minds.


Over the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of developing the interior standard and design commercially for some of the largest companies across the U.S. I enjoyed seeing the towering buildings and spaces come to life, still, my preference was to work with small and medium businesses. While producing their design concept, they were more intentional to tell their story. I felt blessed to hear about their beginnings, the exciting wins, and their vision for the future. They genuinely wanted the design to be more personal. It had to reflect their soul, passion, and treasured employees. This spark of energy gave me the desire to focus solely on residential design and small businesses, where each project tells a unique and heartfelt story. I would love to be one small part of your story!

Hello there from my studio.

explore Our Services

A well appointed round glass coffee table with accompanying sofa with plush throw pillows and knit blanket.

Vacation Home Design

Are you buying a secondary home or own a rental property? Let us help you.

more info

Development of design color scheme.

designer advocate

Need help with final selections for your remodel or new build? We can assist you.

More info

Light filled kitchen with warm wood tone cabinets.  A bakers dream.

Full Service Design

Ready for your dream home with less stress? Let us take care of it for you.

more info

A cozy bed with white sheets, linen coverlet, and airy pillows in front of a bright window.

vacation home

design

A secondary residence or short-term rental (STR) serves as the canvas for creating cherished memories with loved ones. Whether you are enjoying your own secondary home or wanting to optimize your ADR for your vacation rental, it should go beyond meeting basic conveniences. It should effortlessly whisk its occupants away to a visually breathtaking and welcoming haven.


By partnering with our team, we are dedicated to ensuring that your property leaves a lasting and positive first impression. We specialize in making your property stand out by customizing the design to cater to your specific target market, optimizing space efficiency, and in turn increasing your ROI. We will not only save you time but also alleviate the stress associated with managing and perfecting your property, while fostering repeat bookings. We provide everything you need to create a successful vacation home. Begin now with a Complimentary Discovery Call.

Vacation Rental Designer Certification logo.

Full service

Elevate your property's visibility and captivate prospective guests through our refined design and furnishing services, meticulously crafted to command attention and halt the endless scroll!


Our Full Service Design is an all inclusive package. This service integrates our unmatched expertise in sourcing, styling, and implementation.

virtual Bundle

Need a helping hand with your short-term rental. No problem. Simply provide measurements and snapshots, then leave the rest to us!


Our design will be within your specified budget, providing all you need to bring it to life. Including a space planning diagram, a shopping list with links to all the items you need to purchase, and detailed instructions.

Designing timeless experiences

Working with EmAlign Design for my rental properties has consistently impressed both me and my clients. Emily has an innate ability to highlight a property's strengths and create an atmosphere that resonates with renters.

-G. Owens

Designer curation of material and textile samples.

designer

advocate

Navigating decisions for every aspect of your remodel or new construction project can feel overwhelming. If you're concerned about potential regrets, questioning the added value of your choices, or striving for a timeless design, allow us to be your advocate. It's our daily responsibility to consider selections collectively, contributing to the larger vision. We'll join you in the selection meeting, offering guidance throughout the process, ensuring you achieve the dream feel and design you envision.


Crafting well-made selections should unveil their beauty layer by layer, much like that of a captivating novel. Starting with prominent elements and then carefully choosing colors, materials, textiles, and accents that harmonize with the overall aesthetic will establish an ambiance that is not only immediately welcoming but, most importantly, feels like home. Begin now with a Complimentary Discovery Call.

Comprehensive

Assistance:

We offer a range of assistance for your project, which may include, but is not restricted to:

  • New build selections meeting
  • Selections of flooring options
  • Choices for floor or wall tiles
  • Selections for countertops and profiles
  • Recommendations for backsplash and grout
  • Decisions regarding cabinetry finish, color, style, and hardware
  • Thoughtful consideration of lighting needs and fixtures
  • Expert advice on paint colors for walls, ceiling, and trim
  • Plumbing fixture choices, including faucets, sinks, tubs, and shower controls
  • Accessory curation

Building timeless memories

We had struggled for years to find the right balance between style and comfort in our home, and the design delivered exactly that. Her ability to blend aesthetics with practicality is remarkable.

-E. Calhoun

A glowing living room design with comfortable gray upholstered sofa furniture, charcoal boucle floor pillows, and a round brass framed glass coffee table.

full service

design

It is our privilege to craft entire homes with our clients. Our approach is steeped in a nostalgic perspective, allowing us to genuinely enhance both the ambiance and functionality of your space, ultimately aligning your life within it. Our passion lies in close collaboration with clients, guiding you through every detail of the project, from paint selections to designing the perfect spot for your treasured pieces. We will be with you step by step utilizing our exclusively developed signature design process.


In construction and renovation projects, we closely engage with architects, builders, and other specialists. This shared effort results in a well-crafted plan that not only honors your unique story but seamlessly aligns with the unfolding chapters of your life.


If you already cherish the architecture of your home, but aspire to infuse it with depth, heritage, and meaning through carefully curated furnishings and decor, we are here to assist in transforming your house into a warm and welcoming reflection of your life. Begin now with a Complimentary Discovery Call.

Our Signature Process:

Our design process ensures a seamless journey from concept to completion, with the focus steadfastly on you and your needs.

  • We begin by exploring your memories, values, and aspirations, drawing inspiration from your past to shape your future home vision.
  • Through collaborative consultations, we co-create spaces that align with your lifestyle, meticulously outlining necessary functionalities.
  • Understanding your routines and preferences, we ensure each design element serves a purpose, optimizing form and function.
  • Our curated selection process reflects your style, creating a cohesive and meaningful environment.

newsletter

Join our email community to receive helpful tidbits, STR essential checklists, shoppable inspiration, and gain access to our curated collections.

Get in touch!

If our design philosophy aligns with your vision for your home, we would be delighted to discuss your project. Please share more about yourself and your project by booking a Complimentary Discovery Call.

Looking forward to meeting you!

social:

Phone:

(252) 499-2416

email:

hello@emaligndesign.com

Client studio:

Cup of joe in a handmade coffee cup with a dove with an olive branch adorned on the side while working away on the computer.

Copyright © 2024 l By EmAlign Design