Meet Carlough & Co. Interiors
The story of Carlough & Co. began long before we officially opened our doors. My sister-in-law and business partner, Deirdre, and I first met in New York City while earning our master’s degrees at the Fashion Institute of Technology and working in the beauty industry. We quickly became close friends, bonding over a shared passion for art, design, beauty, and travel.
In 2008, I attended Deirdre’s wedding, where I met her brother-in-law, Garrett—and, as they say, the rest is history! Garrett and I began dating soon after and were married in 2012. That same year, Garrett’s career brought us to the D.C. area. We knew very little about Alexandria at the time, but quickly fell in love with its history, charm, and sense of community, so we decided to make it home. It turned out to be one of our best decisions.
As Deirdre and I moved through the next stages of life—first homes and growing families, with her in New Jersey and me in Virginia—we kept coming back to the idea of creating something together. We had always shared a love of interiors, and as our lives evolved, building a design business felt like a natural next step. Drawing on our backgrounds in product development, merchandising, and marketing, Carlough & Co. was born in 2017.
Deirdre Carlough (left), Suzanne Carlough (right) | Credit: Emily Feinsod Photography
Beautiful Homes for Real Life
Today, we're a full-service residential design firm with studios in Alexandria, Virginia, and Glen Ridge, New Jersey. Here in Virginia, my team and I work on projects throughout Alexandria and across the DMV.
Many of our clients are busy professionals and families who want a home that feels elevated but still works beautifully for everyday life. They're entertaining friends around the dining table on Saturday night and spreading homework and art projects across that same table on Monday afternoon. They want the beautiful sofa—but they also have children, pets, and real life to consider.
That's where thoughtful design really matters.
Our process always starts with getting to know our clients: how they live, what they love, how they use their home, and—just as importantly—how they want it to feel. Those conversations shape everything that follows.
Photography & Styling by Stylish Productions
The Details That Make It Yours
We love color, pattern, original art, and the mix of old and new. We’re always searching for unexpected textiles, vintage finds, and one-of-a-kind pieces that add layers and personality to a room. We also love finding a place for family heirlooms and sentimental treasures—elements that tell a story and bring history and meaning into a home.
Behind the scenes...
Bringing It All Together
For our clients, full-service design means one thoughtful, cohesive vision carried through every detail. From space planning and furnishings to lighting, textiles, window treatments, art, and installation, we guide the process from beginning to end, handling the countless decisions along the way.
Moodboard for the room above, which our client lovingly referred to as the “workhorse” of the house. For this young family, the space needed to do it all—from dining to children's crafting, homework, and everything in between. Performance fabrics and durable, family-friendly materials ensure it can stand up to everyday life without sacrificing style.
The “before” and “after”
The “& Co.” Behind Carlough & Co.
That philosophy is at the heart of our name. Carlough & Co. has always been about the family, friends, and people who fill a home—the "Company" who ultimately give it meaning.
I'm excited to share more here—from practical design advice and favorite sources to behind-the-scenes looks at our projects.
If a home renovation or project is on your mind, we’d love to hear from you! We’re currently scheduling for 2027 and would love to start the conversation.
SEE ALSO: Carlough & Co.
