My Houzz: Peacefulness and Pugs in Tampa

As a busy furniture and design shop owner in Tampa, Florida, Katie Gagnon of The Blue Moon Trading Company craved a peaceful home away from home to help cut down on her commute time. She found a cozy apartment closer to work that now helps her have more time to be creative and to pursue the things she loves.

“The owner of the building took the interior down to the studs and rebuilt it,” says Gagnon. The 1920s unit has new windows, fresh paint, an entirely new kitchen and a remodeled bathroom. By using the same bright white on the walls and woodwork, it creates the illusion of volume.

“I love having my own space that I can decorate,” says Gagnon. “It is everything I would want in a larger home.”

Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Katie Gagnon and her pugs, Theo and Sydney
Location: Tampa, Florida
Size: 744 square feet (69 square meters); 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Year built: 1927

Gagnon’s pugs are pictured here relaxing on a lazy afternoon. “All of my furniture is the color of my pugs, because they shed,” says Gagnon. Above the sofa is a former Belgian church window that’s been converted into a mirror.


High ceilings, wood floors and the large mirror mimicking the hall’s entryway arch help make the compact living room feel airy. The irregular shape of the area rug is another one of Gagnon’s designer tricks to make the space feel larger.

Sofa: Four Seasons; throw pillows: Pine Cone Hill; area rug: cowhide, The Blue Moon Trading Company; Edward ottoman, hanging pendant light: Gabby Home; wall paint: Dover White, Sherwin-Williams


“The space is definitely feminine,” says Gagnon. “Since I own a shop, I am continually exposed to great design and artisans.” Seen here is a table made out of a repurposed corbel and a salvaged wood top. “I love found pieces that bring a sense of authenticity to a space. Mixed with the right balance of current styles, it helps keep a space fresh.”

Throw pillow: Pine Cone Hill; lamp: Tree of Life, Regina Andrew


Additional seating is provided by this upholstered glider. In an attempt to keep the space minimalist and clutter free, Gagnon opted for simple artwork and used subtle textures as design elements with her primarily neutral palette.

Reflected in the mirror is a painting by local artist Joanne Karpay.

Glider: Four Seasons


The television console is made of repurposed doors; it was a countertop in Gagnon’s shop in its former life. The television also doubles as Gagnon’s computer monitor when she works from home.

On the bottom shelf, an antique wooden dough bowl is filled with limestone balls.

Ottoman: Edward, Gabby Home


The artisan-made kitchen table features a vintage metal top that was formerly used on a military base, set atop a block of cypress. The hanging light fixture is a handblown glass piece by Cleveland Art from the antiques show in Round Top, Texas. The wooden art piece features painted cotton flowers. “I fell in love with this piece of art as soon as I saw it at the Scott Antique Market in Atlanta. I bought it without knowing where it would go,” says Gagnon.

Wall paint: Dover White, Sherwin-Williams


The kitchen was completely updated with stainless steel appliances and a white subway tile backsplash. Gagnon likes to cover up outlets by placing glass jars in front of them. She says, “I don’t like how they look, so I always find a way to cover them up. The only color in the kitchen is brought in by a kitchen towel given to me by a dear friend. It reminds me of our friendship each time I see it, and it makes me smile.”


Gagnon’s grandchildren live nearby, and it was important for her to have a room where she could host them during the week. This space was advertised as a den in the rental ad and has been converted into a makeshift playroom and bedroom. A portable crib easily fits inside the space.

Upholstered storage bench: The Blue Moon Trading Company; wall paint: Dover White, Sherwin-Williams; bird artwork: Sadie McCray


The playroom also includes a toy kitchen and a portable table for the grandchildren. A DIY vintage sheet music garland in the shape of leaves hangs across the windows.

Wall paint: Dover White, Sherwin-Williams


A ruffled white shower curtain echoes the neutral color palette in the bathroom while adding texture.

Shower curtain: Target


“I believe the bedroom should be used for sleeping and rest only,” says Gagnon. With an upholstered headboard and bed linens made to match the rest of the home’s decor, Gagnon finds peace in this neutral space after a busy day running her shop.

Headboard: French Laundry Home; bedding: Pom Pom at Home


The rental features a small balcony dressed with an outdoor area rug and furnished with a wicker ottoman that can be turned around to become additional seating for guests. A circular tray was placed atop a metal side table to create a unique piece of furniture.

Wicker furniture, area rug, side table, birdcages: Roost


Vintage birdcages are filled with encased feathers.


“Always save where you can so you can spend where you can’t,” says Gagnon, seen here enjoying a peaceful afternoon with her pugs, Theo and Sydney.

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