With someone to cut through the noise, help you make those big decisions, and show you what it all could look like, before you spend the money.
You can stop feeling overwhelmed by your renovation
easy exterior design
But life these days... it's crazy, right? You're juggling work, family, daily life, too - trying to design your exterior reno on top of everything else going on feels impossible.
What if you could get the design help you need with your project, for a tiny portion of your renovation budget, in just a few days?
It's time to finally get the home you've been dreaming of.
this is the help you need
ready to feel confident?
Make confident decisions instead of second-guessing it all
Have answers to the questions your contractors are asking
See how it could look before you spend the money
Understand what makes the most sense for your style and your budget
Planning a renovation doesn't have to be so overwhelming!
Because you can...
Planning
doesn't have to be so overwhelming!
End your consultation knowing what you want, excited for your project to get finished, and feeling confident instead of overwhelmed.
feel confident
then
Picture how your home could look with a video presentation of photo renderings or line drawings showing multiple options for whatever you need. And ask as many questions as you'd like!
See What's Possible
next
Answer a questionnaire, take photos of your home and send links to your inspiration. And you can email whenever you have time - no meetings, no calls, no stress!
tell your story
first
How it works
carrie in florida
“Working with Mel is like waving a magic wand and instantly having a place that feels like home.”
Because it's easier than ever to get answers to all your questions, see your home's potential, and know all the best sources for your budget - quickly.
exterior
Design help
thoughtful
you deserve
complimentary samples and swatches delivered to you
private board with clickable sources and alternates
unlimited revisions during your consultation
MULTIPLE PROPOSALS in a no-pressure video presentation
designs customized for your budget and climate
renderings or drawings to show your home's potential
easy collaboration by email with unlimited answers
Included
everything you need is
Recent Designs
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
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 north 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
"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!"
"So worth it!"
Christine in Washington
"Working with Mel has been an absolute delight. I knew I wanted to paint the exterior of my home and at the same time modernize the overall look. 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"
So Let's Get Started!
I want to help you make the right choices
complimentary paint swatches
PRIVATE PINTEREST BOARD WITH LINKS TO SOURCES
unlimited revisions to your designs during your consultation
multiple line-drawn design proposals of your curbside view
collaboration by email for 3 days with unlimited Q + A
Q + A Session
complimentary material samples & paint swatches
private pinterest board with links to sources
unlimited revisions to your designs during your consultation
MULTIPLE photo-rendered DESIGN PROPOSALS OF all sides of YOUR HOME
collaboration by email for 7 days WITH UNLIMITED Q + A
Full Exterior Design
select the consultation that works for you:
4% of 2023 profits will go to support the mission at HOMEAID
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?
This fee is for Design Consultation services only and does not include materials, supplies, trade services, or other vendor fees to complete your project.
Your confirmation email will contain a link to sign the Service Agreement & complete the Questionnaire, both of which are required before any Consulting work will begin on your project.
Consultation Services from West | South are non-refundable. However, rescheduling is possible should you need to delay your Consultation start date for any reason.
Use the calendar to select the day you'd like your designs to begin. All highlighted dates are still available.
You'll also need to select a time slot as a technicality - but there will be no actual meeting. Your consultation will run for seven days from from start date - including weekends.
Once you complete your secure payment, your confirmation email will have the next steps.
book YOUR FULL exterior DESIGN NOW
Do you need structural help - adding dormers, decks, balconies, moving or adding windows, or designing larger additions?
I'm so excited to work together! But first, a few questions...
Do you need landscaping design help beyond an inspiration sheet to show your landscaper?
what's the next question?
Landscape design is a specialized design discipline separate from Exterior design.
I am not a trained Landscape Designer, so I will not tell you the exact plants you should buy for your zone, nor exactly where you should put them. I will not help you design new retaining walls, decks, or pergolas. However, I can create an inspiration sheet for those areas to get the conversation started with your landscape designer, showing examples of these items that might complement your exterior design.
And if you've already had your yard designed but not installed, I'm happy to include those plans in your exterior design renderings!
do you need help with your driveway or walkways beyond an inspiration sheet to show your installer?
what's the next question?
I'm glad to hear you'll be working with an Architect!
For this consultation, we can talk through new finishes for existing structures, or integrate plans or prints you've already received.
Let's book it!
Formal hardscape design is not included in these consultations.
Driveway and walkway materials are heavily regulated by local requirements, and highly influenced by local availability, so the design of those surfaces are best left to local teams.
However, I can create an inspiration sheet for those areas, showing which hardscape colors, textures or shapes might complement your final design, so you can get your conversation started with your local team.
what's the next question?
Structural design changes are not included in these consultations.
These consultations are about the aesthetic design of your exterior, so structural changes like dormers, decks, additions, moving windows and other large structural adds that require on site review and architect buy-in, as well as local permits, are not included in these consultations. But, we will talk through new finishes for existing structures, and integrate plans or prints you've already received.
Do you need structural help - adding dormers, decks, balconies, moving or adding windows, or designing larger additions?
I'm so excited to work together! But first, a few questions...
Do you need landscaping design help beyond an inspiration sheet to show your landscaper?
what's the next question?
Landscape design is a specialized design discipline separate from Exterior design.
I am not a trained Landscape Designer, so I will not tell you the exact plants you should buy for your zone, nor exactly where you should put them. I will not help you design new retaining walls, decks, or pergolas. However, I can create an inspiration sheet for those areas to get the conversation started with your landscape designer, showing examples of these items that might complement your exterior design.
And if you've already had your yard designed but not installed, I'm happy to include those plans in your exterior design renderings!
do you need help with your driveway or walkways beyond an inspiration sheet to show your installer?
what's the next question?
I'm glad to hear you'll be working with an Architect!
For this consultation, we can talk through new finishes for existing structures, or integrate plans or prints you've already received.
Let's book it!
Formal hardscape design is not included in these consultations.
Driveway and walkway materials are heavily regulated by local requirements, and highly influenced by local availability, so the design of those surfaces are best left to local teams.
However, I can create an inspiration sheet for those areas, showing which hardscape colors, textures or shapes might complement your final design, so you can get your conversation started with your local team.
what's the next question?
Structural design changes are not included in these consultations.
These consultations are about the aesthetic design of your exterior, so structural changes like dormers, decks, additions, moving windows and other large structural adds that require on site review and architect buy-in, as well as local permits, are not included in these consultations. But, we will talk through new finishes for existing structures, and integrate plans or prints you've already received.
This fee is for Consultation services only and does not include materials, supplies, trade services, or other vendor fees to complete your project.
Your confirmation email will contain a link to sign the Service Agreement & complete the Questionnaire, both of which are required before any Consulting work will begin on your project.
Consultation Services from West | South are non-refundable. However, rescheduling is possible should you need to delay your Consultation start date for any reason.
Use the calendar to select the day you'd like your designs to begin. All highlighted dates are still available.
You'll also need to select a time slot as a technicality - but there will be no actual meeting. Your consultation will run for three days from from start date.
Once you complete your secure payment, your confirmation email will have the next steps.
PLEASE NOTE: this session does not include photo renderings. If you need to see the materials or colors photo rendered onto your house, please reserve a Full Exterior Design Consultation.
book YOUR Q + A session NOW
SARAH IN CALIFORNIA
“Working with Mel was the best money I've ever spent. I'm feeling so much more confident.”
I want you to stop feeling overwhelmed with that big home project, and instead feel confident, empowered, and ready to make it happen.
I'm going to listen to what you want, make sure you have everything you need, and then? I'll show you how to get it done, too.
Because Pinning and researching for hours will only get you so far. And you don't have to be good at everything - asking for help is totally allowed!
So if you're ready to stop feeling overwhelmed, I'm ready to help you find peace of mind and get your design started off right.
I know how hard it can be to tackle these big, expensive projects.
It's exactly why I want to help make it as easy and fulfilling for you as it can be. And fun!
RECEIVING architectural drawings for landscaping, fences, decks or pergolas
KNOWING the specific plants and hardscape to use
getting technical prints for contractors
MAKING big changes to the structure (adding dormers, decks, balconies or additions)
not
It's for:
SEEING layouts & options for outdoor furniture and accessories
Receiving inspiration for basic plantings and hardscape styles
selecting hardware or lights for existing locations
choosing colors & finishes for exterior siding, trim, railings, roofing, windows, doors, hardware & lighting
perfect
This is for:
what about landscaping?
Formal landscape design is not included in these consultations.
I am not a trained Landscape Designer, so I will not tell you the exact hardscape or driveway materials to use, the plants you should buy for your zone or help you engineer new structures like retaining walls, decks, or pergolas.
However, we can talk through new finishes for existing structures. I can also create an inspiration sheet for your landscape, suggesting which plant textures or hardscape colors might complement your exterior design so you can start the conversation with your landscapde designer. If you can give me dimensions of your existing outdoor living spaces, I can present furnishing layouts and ideas for those areas, too!
And if you've already designed your yard with a landscaper designer, I'm happy to include those plans in your exterior design renderings.
landscaping inspiration sheet
outdoor furnishing layout
Then take a small piece of your overall investment to make sure that what you're choosing for your project is what you really want, and that it's right for your home.
Make sure the decisions you're making now are not ones you'll regret in a year, and that your design will stand the test of time.
You want the best house for your budget, right?
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."
STEPHANIE in utah
“Mel's professional direction was a game-changer for our renovation.”
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."
Let's do this!
SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
complimentary paint swatches
PRIVATE PINTEREST BOARD WITH LINKS TO SOURCES
unlimited revisions to your designs during your consultation
multiple line-drawn design proposals of your curbside view
consultation by email for 3 days with unlimited Q + A
Q + A Session
complimentary material samples & paint swatches
private pinterest board with links to sources
unlimited revisions to your designs during your consultation
MULTIPLE photo-rendered DESIGN PROPOSALS OF all sides of YOUR HOME
consultation by email for 7 days WITH UNLIMITED Q + A
Full Exterior Design
select the consultation that works for you:
4% of 2023 profits will go to support the mission at HOMEAID
This fee is for Design Consultation services only and does not include materials, supplies, trade services, or other vendor fees to complete your project.
Your confirmation email will contain a link to sign the Service Agreement & complete the Questionnaire, both of which are required before any Consulting work will begin on your project.
Consultation Services from West | South are non-refundable. However, rescheduling is possible should you need to delay your Consultation start date for any reason.
Use the calendar to select the day you'd like your designs to begin. All highlighted dates are still available.
You'll also need to select a time slot as a technicality - but there will be no actual meeting. Your consultation will run for seven days from from your start date - including weekends.
Once you complete your secure payment, your confirmation email will have the next steps.
book YOUR FULL exterior DESIGN NOW
This fee is for Consultation services only and does not include materials, supplies, trade services, or other vendor fees to complete your project.
Your confirmation email will contain a link to sign the Service Agreement & complete the Questionnaire, both of which are required before any Consulting work will begin on your project.
Consultation Services from West | South are non-refundable. However, rescheduling is possible should you need to delay your Consultation start date for any reason.
Use the calendar to select the day you'd like your designs to begin. All highlighted dates are still available.
You'll also need to select a time slot as a technicality - but there will be no actual meeting. Your consultation will run for three days from from start date.
Once you complete your secure payment, your confirmation email will have the next steps.
PLEASE NOTE: this session does not include photo renderings. If you need to see the materials or colors photo rendered onto your house, please reserve a Full Exterior Design Consultation.
book YOUR Q + A session NOW
Have a design plan for your home's exterior that you are in love with!
Know that you've explored all the best options for your style and budget.
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.
Have images and material ideas to easily communicate with your contractors.
Know all the next steps to make your design plans into reality.
When we're done, you will...
get started now
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?
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 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?
