Timeless Texture: Designer Kerry Moylan Transforms Her Sixth House Library

Published October 2025 | Updated October 2025

When designer Kerry Moylan set out to transform her dated 1990s home—affectionately called The Sixth House on her blog—she envisioned spaces that felt layered, timeless, and full of character. Central to that vision was creating a calm, textured retreat in the library and adjoining reading room. For the foundation, she chose Lyon in Zebrawood, a natural sisal weave that delivers both warmth and refinement. The wall-to-wall installation became the perfect backdrop for Kerry’s layered approach—combining texture, ingenuity, and a touch of British-inspired charm.

In the conversation that follows, Kerry shares the inspiration behind her renovation, her approach to layering natural textures, and her practical advice for achieving a seamless wall-to-wall installation.

What inspired the project and what design goals were you pursuing?

My family moved into our current home in August 2020, during the height of the pandemic. The house we purchased was built in 1996 and is completely of that era, without a speck of symmetry or character. The location was lovely, but we knew we would need an extensive renovation to give the house our preferred aesthetic. The library and adjoining reading room were an integral part of the plan.

Why did you select sisal for the library? 

I put wood floors throughout much of the house as part of the renovation and initially planned to use wood floors in the library and reading room as well. I knew I would layer rugs in the rooms using sisal area rugs as the base. Over time, I decided that it would look even better to use wall-to-wall sisal in the two rooms with my existing decorative rugs layered on top. I love British (and British inspired) interiors and associate wall-to-wall natural rugs with that lovely style and was eager to incorporate it. In a nutshell, I love the look of wall-to-wall sisal, and Curran had the exact rug I was picturing.

What is your approach to designing a space around natural floor covering with a neutral color palette?

The floor covering should bring texture to a neutral color palette. I especially like to use a natural fiber rug as the base and layer a softer rug on top.

Do you have some installation tips or suggestions for how to prepare for an installation? Did you encounter any surprises during the wall-to-wall installation process? 

There is a limit to the width of the carpet and this chunky sisal does not lend itself to a seam the way other wall-to-wall carpeting does. Therefore, you need to make sure the dimensions of your space do not exceed the maximum width of the carpet. Since I used the carpet in two rooms that are next to each other and together the rooms exceeded the width of the carpet in either direction, I had the wood floor installer put a faux threshold in the cased opening between the two rooms. That way the carpet could be installed separately in each room. I prefer this look anyway because it gives the illusion that there are wood floors underneath the rug so it was the perfect solution in this case.

Additionally, I had the carpet sent to my local carpet store/installer so that it could be cut to size off site and then installed. I would suggest that you do the same—ship the carpet directly to your installer and have it cut to size there.

The layered rugs add such depth and character to the space. What tips would you offer to anyone considering layering a rug on top of sisal?

I recommend using rugs that are worn/aged looking and bring color, depth and character to the room. Use softer rugs and don’t select rugs with a similar texture or material. Textural contrast is key here.

How has the new layout (removing the closet, centering the cased openings, connecting the rooms) shifted both function and mood? 

It is life changing! It has added much needed functionality to the house, allowing for a circular floor plan and natural light to flow throughout. The house lacked symmetry and character and this layout completely changes that. Originally, the library felt like you were being crammed into a box because of the intrusion of the hall closet and now it feels spacious and welcoming. 

Both rooms are beautiful and comfortable. My mother was an avid reader and seeing her beloved books on the library shelves along with our books makes me extremely happy.

As an aside, everyone who comes into my house asks for the source of the wall-to-wall sisal!

Are there any “design rules” that you love to break?

I actually have very few “rules”. My guiding principle is if you love it, get it (within your means and space of course). Your house should be something that you love. Working it in is where the magic happens.

Final Thoughts

Kerry’s renovated library and reading room reflect more than design skill—they reveal her instinct for creating spaces that feel lived in and loved. Grounded by natural texture and layered with meaning, her work shows how thoughtful choices can turn even the most ordinary rooms into lasting reflections of home.

Where To Find Kerry Moylan

Kerry Moylan is a self-taught decorator and designer. She has done major renovation projects, minor renovations, designed a new-build home, and a lot of decorating. She works on a solo basis, helping mostly friends and family with their projects.

• Studio: Kerry Dorsey Moylan Design
• Website: kdmhomedesign.com
• Instagram: @kerry_dorsey_moylan_design