mitchel lensink
Make the
choice for your exterior renovation
stop feeling stressed
smart
Discover your home's curb appeal and boost its value with trusted exterior design help that delivers lasting results in only a few days - for just a fraction of your renovation budget.
don't let your renovation stress you out
Which is why renovating can be so terrifying - you don't want to do anything that might affect that value! But making design choices from a place of fear is never going to give the results you dream of.
Owning a home is more than just a roof over your head, it's also a huge investment.
Understand your design, communicate clearly with contractors, and feel confident, not overwhelmed.
renovate with confidence
See the results before you build with a video showing multiple options for whatever you need. And ask for as many revisions as you'd like - for FREE!
see the potential
Complete a questionnaire, send photos or blueprints, share inspiration links, and email whenever you have time - no meetings, no calls, no stress!
share your story
how it works
anthony chiado
How to transform all your research and Pins into an exterior design you'll truly love AND one that protects your investment...
Unsure....
By the endless decisions, and the total lack of help from your contractors (or even your architect)...
OVERWHELMED...
Because you just don't know that what you're choosing makes sense for your home or even how it will all look once it's all done...
FRUSTRATEd...
so IF you
FEEL:
chris barbalis
EXPERIENCE THE CONVENIENCE OF FREE SAMPLES DELIVERED RIGHT TO YOUR DOORSTEP
UNDERSTAND exactly what to ask for to get the exterior design you want
Visualize all the possibilities before investing your hard-earned cash
Ditch the doubt and make confident materials decisions like a pro
Snag the color & materials design of your dreams without breaking the bank
feel
again
confident
Mel is a gifted designer and communicator. She was able to articulate her reasoning that helped us to see exactly what and why she came up her plans while being kind and affirming. And Mel has already saved us time, money, and conflict. Her design plans are not only beautiful, but they are practical. When we have done other projects, it has been difficult and even unclear to us what we want and how to communicate it to our contractors. Not this time!
"Mel has already saved us time, money, and conflict."
from KAT
When I first told my husband we were going to spend money on design, I could feel his stomach drop. I said, look, babe- we are about to spend a lot of money on re-doing our home. Lets spend just a little bit more money on the front end so that we don't have to spend more money later re-doing something or not loving what we chose. After showing him Mel's before & after pictures, he immediately agreed with my recommendation. We knew our house had potential, and Mel laid out a beautiful plan to execute. I cannot wait to get started now!
"We don't have to spend more money later re-doing something..."
from KATy
I knew our house needed updating but I didn't know how to achieve it or where to begin. Mel was able to quickly identify opportunities for making big improvements within our budget. She understood our special issues and helped us understand them too. Before the consultation I felt so overwhelmed and hopeless. After the consultation I now feel excited and hopeful that we can achieve a style that fits our desires and our budget. It was such a relief, and exciting, too!
"Mel was so insightful, so thoughtful, and so informative."
from SARAH
from TRACI
"The entire experience was exceptional."
Mel is extremely well-rounded in design, a solid planner and communicator and someone who keeps her promises most importantly. It is not common in today's world for people to do what they say they will do. Mel delivered on all timelines and her commitment to our project was felt at every turn. It's a design partnership, with open dialogue and mutual feedback and was very satisfying.
Mel delivered! She exceeded all our expectations - not only does she have a very collaborative and time conscious approach, she's SO thoughtful of what you are seeking. And leaves NO question unanswered. Mel considers the full context of your home (period-built, location, neighborhood) in creating her design concepts. That was terrific. After the consult, I felt perfectly confident to advance my exterior renovation with my GC. Her design eye is superb, but it's her thoroughness and how she ensures you are equipped to execute the concept yourself that is really special.
"This service is a real gem among a lot of options out there."
Susan in california
This process was easy, focused, and I was delighted with the care that Mel took. I truly felt that she connected with my vision in a far deeper way than mere design suggestions. This consultation got me out of my head and the rabbit hole of design research and showed me the perfect vision for my home. I felt overjoyed at the end!
"I got way more than my money's worth."
Laura in texas
Mel is talented, insightful, responsive and generous with her input and feedback. We could not have imagined a better experience even if we worked together in person. The renders were all so helpful in helping us make decisions in record time. And the video was a really great experience! Hearing her feedback over 30 minutes really breathed life into the renders. Without question, this is one of the most effective, valuable and fun ways to work on your project.
"This was one of the best experiences we've had as homeowners."
wayne + catherine in california
This could be you....
Mel nailed it in terms of my vision for our house. This was exactly the type of guidance I was looking for - I didn't need an architect, but didn't want to show my GC pics from Pinterest, either. I was floored with all Mel's support and her creativity, and I was impressed with her responsiveness. This was so worth it.
"After our consultation, I felt confident."
erin in washington
SUCCESS STORIES
carol in florida
"I feel like I'm much better equipped to make design decisions on the house moving forward, and my husband and I are more aligned now that our vision has been put on paper/PDF with actionable info. We learned a lot about our house, and appreciate its architecture even more than we did going into the consultation!"
"I'm much better equipped to make decisions"
sarah in n. carolina
"Mel’s expertise and vision and speed and thoroughness are the best part of this experience. Incredible how we got exactly what we wanted and needed but how far it was from what we thought we originally wanted. I’ve sang Mel’s praises to everyone."
"We got exactly what we wanted"
lisa in colorado
"Her suggestions are transformative"
"Working with Mel was fun and efficient. She has the process finely tuned, and her suggestions are transformative. The end result is a clear plan that I am excited about. So worth it!"
christine in washington
" I just didn't know where to start and felt overwhelmed by the process so put it off. Mel provided multiple paint combinations, design scenarios and solid advice on next steps to get started. I can't wait to see the paint swatches and begin my renovation!"
"Working with Mel has been an absolute delight"
lesley IN north carolina
"Don't hesitate! My only regret is not doing this sooner. If you're even contemplating a remodel, this is the first step."
SARAH IN CALIFORNIA
“Working with Mel was the best money I've ever spent. I'm feeling so much more confident.”
stephanie in utah
“Mel's professional direction was a game-changer for our renovation.”
No-Pressure
Video
Presentation
moyo
Complete
Design
Info
FREE
Samples & Swatches
Private
Board for
Clickable
Sources
6
BONUS
Knowledge
Guides
moyo
This fee is exclusively for design consultation services and does not include the cost of materials, supplies, trade services, or any other vendor fees necessary for the completion of your project.
YOUR CONFIRMATION EMAIL WILL CONTAIN A LINK to sign the service agreement and complete the questionnaire, both of which are mandatory before ANY CONSULTING WORK WILL BEGIN ON YOUR PROJECT.
Consultation services provided by West | South are non-refundable.
After payment, you'll be directed to your Welcome Page for the next steps!
all info to begin designing.
your questionnaire answers provide
needed -
No meetings or calls are
When booking, you’ll choose a start time, but it's just a formality.
click here TO VIEW THE FULL 7-DAY CONSULTATION SCHEDULE
To begin, choose from the highlighted calendar dates and complete your secure payment. Your designs and our conversation will start on the date you select.
Select your Start Day
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F
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On our last day together, I'll create the final info sheets with all the data you'll need to start the conversations with your contractors or local showroom. I'll also select all the final paint colors & materials, and get the samples and swatches ordered and shipped to directly to you.
Your consultation will run until 4pm Mountain Standard time and you should recieve your samples within 10 business days!
DAY 7:
Want to see other solutions, or try other colors? Want to combine two of the proposals? Ready to get samples? Whatever you need, that's what we'll do.
Email me one topic at a time, or in one giant list - whatever is easiest.
We can try as many ideas as you'd like, and most revisions can be turned around quickly. I'll always give you an estimate on how long revisions will take before I get started.
And I never want you to feel pressured to make a quick decisions - if you don't want to narrow it down until you see the real samples, that's fine too!
These days are entirely up to you!
DAYS 5 & 6:
Watch the video, review the PDF, check out the Pinterest board - take as much time as you need to absorb everything and gather your feedback and questions for the next steps. I'll be there whenever you're ready!
as my voiceover in the video will walk you through the designs.
there is no meeting
Again,
You'll have an email in your inbox by 6am this day with a link to the pre-recorded video presentation and a PDF slideshow showing all the initial design proposals.
Your proposals are delivered!
DAY 4:
We both take a break from computers & emails to rest, relax & recharge!
Saturday & Sunday:
But, if something strikes your imagination, or you remember something else about your project, please let me know with a quick email at any time. I'll actively be answering your emails as I create your designs.
And there is no meeting the first day!
links and questionnaire answers you've provided.
I create the initial design proposals for your home using the photos or blueprints,
as
sit back and relax
You can
You'll need to submit your images, links and info and complete the Agreement & Questionnaire before your start date. The earlier you submit everything, the sooner I can begin thinking about your designs!
I'll check in with you once I receive everything to get any clarifications I might need, and to let you know it all came through.
Days 1, 2, & 3:
before we begin:
day by day
project schedule
Driveways, pavers, walkways, sidewalks, or retaining walls - unless you already have prints.
hardscaping help
Plant layouts & specs, pools, new pergolas or other major structures - unless you already have prints.
landscaping help
Adding dormers, staircases, balconies, or decks, creating large additions, or moving windows - unless you already have prints.
structural help
You're making the right choice! But please understand, this consultation does not include:
Consultation includes:
6 Bonus renovation Guides so you'll sound like an expert with your contractors
Private Pinterest Board with clickable links to sources and alternates
Secure Project Portal to keep you organized
plus:
FREE Swatches for Paint & Materials delivered to your doorstep
Verified Paint Codes from the paint supplier you prefer
Tried-and-True Materials Source List for any surface on your home
Three Complete Materials Design Proposals with all sides of your home shown
No-Pressure, Pre-Recorded Video Presentation
Expert Materials Design customized to your budget & climate
Fully Color-Rendered Elevation Drawings from blueprints:
OR
Professional Photo-Realistic Renderings from photos:
One-On-One Access to your Designer via Email
Quick 7-day Online Consultation, with 4 days for Unlimited Revisions
Recent Designs
view blueprints
view photos
what's not included:
structural help
Adding dormers, staircases, balconies, or decks, creating large additions, or moving windows - unless you already have prints.
landscaping help
Plant layouts & specs, pools, new pergolas or other major structures - unless you already have prints.
hardscaping help
Driveways, pavers, walkways, sidewalks, or retaining walls - unless you already have prints.
lesley IN north carolina
"Don't hesitate! My only regret is not doing this sooner. If you're even contemplating a remodel, this is the first step."
SARAH IN CALIFORNIA
“Working with Mel was the best money I've ever spent. I'm feeling so much more confident.”
stephanie in utah
“Mel's professional direction was a game-changer for our renovation.”
viktoriya podgornaya
As the Founder and Lead Designer for West | South, my goal is to help you protect the investment you've made in your home by giving you the best Exterior Design tools out there.
Ultimately, I want you to feel confident, empowered, and ready to make it happen.
Through years of training & experience, I've gained the knowledge and the skills to tackle your project, no matter how complicated it may be. I’ve learned what makes a successful exterior design, and I am excited to share everything I know with you.
And from selecting the right materials and colors to incorporating the perfect finishing touches, I am dedicated to making sure every detail of your project is covered. So if you’re ready to transform your home, I’m here to help you create an exterior you can be proud of for years to come.
I’ve personally been the trusted guide through this process for over 100 homeowners just like you.
LISTEN, I GET IT, and I got you
trent erwin
viktoriya podgornaya
Know all the next steps to make your design plans into reality.
Understand what to say to easily communicate with your contractors.
Be on the same page with your partner when it comes to the design of your house.
Have real samples for colors and materials to make educated final decisions.
Know that you've explored all the best options for your style and budget.
Have a materials design plan for your home's exterior that you are in love with!
When we're done, you will...
clay banks
When it comes to any home project, it’s always tempting to go for the cheapest solution.
And I know that these consultations are more expensive than other options out there. But you'll get so much more working with an experienced professional.
Because making the investment in experienced and skilled professional design help can make a world of difference in the final outcome of your project.
protect your investmenT
rowena naylor
But a cheap design won't meet your expectations or withstand the test of time.
Not to mention the HUGE potential for costly re-dos if you don’t like the final result or don’t have enough usable info to give your contractor.
khurt williams
With the knowledge, experience, and attention to detail I bring to your project, you can rest assured that your exterior design will be both beautiful and long-lasting.
Investing in a professional design experience is an investment in the future of your property.
I'm not going to speed through your design to create run-of-the-mill plans, or pressure you to pick whatever pieces and parts make me the most commission.
That's just not how good design should work.
Instead, you'll get a design your contractors can use, that fits with your budget, matches your style, and feels uniquely you.
this isn't just about getting it done
I'm the listener.
The facilitator.
The idea generator.
The finder.
The figure-outer.
But what makes your design magical are the little tidbits of your life and your story that you share with me.
this is working together to figure it out, whatever it is
Because design should be personal. With a connection between you and your designer.
Good design is all about discovering your vision, and then working together to bring it to life. It's your house, not mine, and it should be exactly how you want it to be - no matter what your style is!
this is design with a thoughtful approach
How do I know this? Because I've helped many homeowners who were left confused and dejected by what they were given by those other services.
I've built West | South to be better, not bigger.
And this isn't like those other online exterior design services.
moyo
peace of mind that it's all been covered
all of your questions, answered
zero pressure to buy a single thing
ONe-On-ONe Access to your expert designer
kelly van dellen
Deciding to renovate your home is huge step. Which is why I want you to take a small piece of your overall investment to make sure that the materials you're choosing for your project are what you really want, and that they’re right for you and your home.
I want you to be able to rest easy knowing that the decisions you’re making today won’t be ones you regret in the future, and that your exterior design will stand the test of time.
You want the best house for your investment, right?
designing driveways, walkways, pavers or other patio surfaces from scratch
receiving plant layouts or specs; designing pergolas, decks or other structures
getting technical build prints for contractors or permits
MAKING big changes to the structure (moving windows, adding staircases, dormers, decks, balconies or additions)
not
It's for:
SEEING OUTDOOR PATIO FURNITURE layouts with links to the products
Receiving inspiration to start the conversation with your landscaper
selecting hardware or light fixtures for existing locations
choosing colors & finishes for exterior siding, trim, railings, roofing, windows, doors, hardware & lighting
perfect
This is for:
HANNAH in KENTUCKY
"We got to see and test out all of the different ideas we had spinning in our head to see what really works for our house and are so happy with our finished product!"
SHAARE in florida
"It has been fantastic to have a trusted advisor with the experience to help me make better decisions and avoid mistakes. It's an incredibly valuable experience."
LESLEY in NORTH CAROLINA
"Don't hesitate! My only regret is not doing this sooner. If you're even contemplating a remodel, this is the first step."
ANNA in illinois
"This is the best way to see what your house could be through the eyes of someone who understands its potential."
kate in california
"Mel was able to take all the ideas that were swirling in my head and give me something great to work with. I feel relieved and so excited to be able to move forward!
KImberly in arizona
"I would recommend this to anyone who is struggling with how to update the exterior of their home. To have a plan so I can move forward with confidence is a relief."
I acknowledge my privilege as a white cis-het woman and pledge to be an ally, as I am able, to those in my community and the world. I understand that I have a great deal to both learn and un-learn. I believe that everyone has an equal right to getting thoughtful design help for their home. This right is regardless of age, gender, biological sex, skin color, heritage, nation of birth, or religious affiliation.
What's your policy on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion?
Yes. E-Design is a great way to get your project started, or to select the final materials and colors to finish your project. I work on projects from coast to coast in the US - and Canada, too! So even if your project is local, the E-Design process is a great way to get the thoughtful design help you need in a quick and affordable way.
Do you only offer online exterior design services?
You can click the link below to see a breakdown of how your consultation fee is broken up to keep this very small business running. And since 2022, 4% of consultation profits has been, and will continue to be, donated to support the mission at HomeAid.
Where does my payment go?
The wonderful thing about 3D is that as a piece of artwork, it can be interpreted in a million different ways depending on who is looking at it.
But ‘a million different ways’ is the part that causes you problems. What you see may not be what your contractor sees or what they think they see.
Contractors speak ‘Blueprint’ & ‘Info Sheet’ & ‘Technical Diagram’, not 3D modeled artwork. They just want to know what to install, not struggle to figure out what in the world the beautiful piece of artwork actually means. Or even worse, to GUESS! (((shudder)))
Which is why my process ends with a full Info Pack listing everything your contractor or showroom could ask for when you go to finish your renovation, along with real samples to look at and give to your contractor.
And while you might see other online services promising fast 3D artwork using just a photo...really accurate, contractor usable, 3D modeled artwork takes a very long time to get right, with lots of detailed on-site measurements to ensure that What-You-Think-You-See is What-You're-Actually-Gonna-Get.
In my experience, while a beautiful computer rendering is a nice to have piece, it takes too long to get right, and leaves waaaaay too many questions open to the interpretation of whoever is looking at it. Depending on computer generated 3D artwork to renovate just spins everyone out and causes more problems than it solves.
3D artwork might sell an idea, but it won't get it built.
Why isn't 3D artwork included?
Absolutely not! Aside from your investment in design services, the rest of the budget is entirely up to you. So no matter if you want to DIY and save for another project, or if this is your forever home and you're going to go all out, you can expect the same level of service.
Is there a minimum project budget?
Yes, because I understand that every home is unique and you are an individual with individual tastes! Also, when you work with me, you can have pieces from any and everywhere - not just a specific group of stores or a tiny group of pre-approved vendors. And since I don't receive commission on materials or furnishings, you can trust that what I propose is what I think you'll love, and not what I make the most profit on.
Will you work with any style?
Frequently Asked
Questions
I can't wait to help you discover your home's potential and explore all the amazing possibilities. Together, we'll sort through all the options, spend your budget wisely, and design the perfect exterior - just for you.
together
trent erwin
donation to help the unhoused
4%
DESIGN time + expertise
22%
SHELTER + UTILITIES
33%
taxes + insurance
28%
marketing
5%
business + payment service fees
4%
website + email maintenance
3%
tools to complete your design
2%
where does your payment go?