Exterior Finishes
Design Consultation
Make Confident Decisions
A custom exterior finish plan for your home including materials, colors and contractor-ready design info delivered digitally.
Book Now
What's
Included.
7-Day Online Consultation
Design for 3 days, Revise for 4 Days.
SIDING & TRIM
ROOFING & gutters
PAINT & STAIN
Entry Doors
Window styles
Garage Doors
Light Fixtures
Door Hardware
exterior ACCENTS
exterior Accessories
Custom Finish Plans
- Professional renderings showing all sides of your home
- Three complete color & materials finish design schemes
- Paint & stain color palettes with real codes
- Proposals tailored to your style, budget & climate
- Help defining your personal & architectural styles
Contractor-Ready Info
- Sourcing links for everything you see
- Complimentary Samples & Swatches
- Color & Application Charts for Paint Teams
- Product Cut-Sheets for Installers & Showrooms
- Design Images for HOA Review Committees
Stress-Free Process
- No-Pressure, pre-recorded video presentations
- Direct Communication with your Designer via email
- Comprehensive revisions during your consultation
- Secure Project Portal with all files and videos
- Project Guides for easy communication
What's
Not Included.
Structure Changes. Rooflines, dormers, balconies, decks, staircases, major additions, window moves (unless you already have prints)
Landscaping. Plant layouts, pools, pergolas (unless you already have prints)
Hardscaping. Driveways, pavers, walkways, retaining walls (unless you already have prints)
Recent
Designs.
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VIEW
Renovations Before & After
All Renovations
New-Builds
A custom, contractor-ready exterior finish plan for your home.
Exterior Finishes
Design Consultation
$1250
One-Time Payment
Book Now
"We don't have to spend more money later re-doing something..."
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!
Katy in Tennessee
"Mel has saved us time, money & conflict."
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!
Kat in Texas
"Mel was so insightful, so thoughtful and so informative."
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!
Sarah in Missouri
"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.
Traci in N. Carolina
How It
Works.
No calls required.
Entirely online and flexible to your schedule.
01.
Select your start day, & complete payment to reserve it.
Then, submit your home details & inspiration photos.
02.
Receive your custom exterior finish plans.
Review & request refinements.
Get answers to all your questions.
03.
Narrow down your options, then build-ready files are delivered digitally.
Samples are then shipped to make final decisions.
View The Daily Schedule
Daily
Schedule.
Before We Start
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
Saturday & Sunday
Day 4
Days 4, 5, 6 & 7
End of Day 7
Before We Start
Days 1, 2 & 3
You can sit back and relax as I create the initial design proposals for your home using the photos and blueprints, links and questionnaire answers you've provided.
And there's no meeting the first day! If you have extra ideas or thoughts about your project, I'll actively respond to your emails while designing.
Saturday & Sunday
Day 4
Days 4, 5, 6 & 7
End of Day 7
Before We Start
Days 1, 2 & 3
Saturday & Sunday
We both take a break from computers & emails to rest, relax & recharge!
Day 4
Days 4, 5, 6 & 7
End of Day 7
Before We Start
Days 1, 2 & 3
Saturday & Sunday
Day 4
Your proposals are ready! By 6am, you'll receive an email with a link to the presentation video and a slideshow of your initial designs.
My voiceover will guide you through each element. Review everything at your leisure, and I'll be here whenever you're ready.
Days 4, 5, 6 & 7
End of Day 7
Before We Start
Days 1, 2 & 3
Saturday & Sunday
Day 4
Days 4, 5, 6 & 7
The next steps are up to you. I can create other solutions, or combine some of the designs. Whatever you'd like to see, that’s what we’ll do.
I’ll provide a timing estimate before I start any revisions so you know what to expect. And since I never want you to feel pressured to make snap decisions, I can document multiple options and send samples for each, too.
End of Day 7
Before We Start
Days 1, 2 & 3
Saturday & Sunday
Day 4
Days 4, 5, 6 & 7
End of Day 7
On the last day, I'll select the final colors and materials, and create the design info sheets to start the conversations with your contractors or local showrooms I'll have samples & swatches shipped directly to you.
Your consultation will run until 4pm MT and you should receive your samples within 10 business days.
Designed for real construction,
Built around colors & finishes you can actually purchase.
Designed to be used directly by contractors.
Focused on cohesion, durability & real-world application.
Created to prevent expensive mid-build changes.
This is for you if...
You need to select color & material finishes for an exterior remodel or new build
You’re overwhelmed by all the options, and can’t picture it all together
You want a cohesive exterior design that reflects your style
You want to avoid expensive changes after construction begins
You want contractor-ready direction, not just inspiration.
It's not for you if...
You haven’t begun the process with an architect, engineer or GC for new builds
You need major structural additions or architectural plans or prints
You need landscaping or hardscaping included
You’re not ready to make color & finish decisions for your project
You’re not comfortable communicating via email
Common
Questions.
"Why is this better than an AI rendering?"
AI renderings are helpful. But risky. Because what paint color is that? Is that siding available in your region? Does that physically fit on your actual patio? And what does it really cost?
West | South is set up to help you explore with expert help, make decisions with a professional rendering, and also ensure you're covered for all the next steps, too.
"Engaging Mel and collaborating with her was well worth the investment. The value we gained was focus – being able, with her expert guidance, to distill down choices. At the end of the engagement, we had a roadmap for finalizing our project with the help of a contractor."
Andrea in N. Carolina
“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.”
SARAH IN CALIFORNIA
“Mel’s initial presentation contained not only design ideas, but also information regarding the style of the house, the influences of the design. I was delighted with the care that Mel took."
LAURA IN TEXAS
“It has been fantastic to have a trusted advisor with the experience to help me make better decisions and avoid mistakes. Mel definitely shared some things I didn't know and never even would have thought of.”
SHAARE IN FLORIDA
“The entire experience was exceptional. Mel is extremely well-rounded in design, 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. Her commitment to our project was felt at every turn.”
TRACI in N. Carolina
"Will my contractor actually be able to use this?"
Yes. Designs include contractor-ready info sheets written in their language and tailored to your materials, region, and even your HOA.
“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!”
KAT IN TEXAS
“Mel takes all the guesswork out of it. She gives you the info to then take and work with local contractors so there is no need to remember all the technical language.”
KELLY IN ILLINOIS
“After the consult, I felt perfectly confident to advance my exterior renovation with my GC.”
ERIN IN WASHINGTON
“The best part of the experience was coming away with a practical and aesthetically-pleasing plan for our home -- one that we could finalize with just a couple more decisions before taking it to a contractor.”
ANDREA IN N. CAROLINA
“We showed the final render to one of the bidders for the work - he was very impressed.”
WAYNE IN CALIFORNIA
“What if I change my mind after seeing the design?"
We revise until you love it!
“Mel is awesome, easy to work with, very open to lots of feedback. She quickly gets a new picture if you want to make any modifications. Highly highly recommend!”
KATY IN TENNESSEE
“Mel incorporated my feedback perfectly and responded so quickly.”
STEPHANIE IN UTAH
“If we had a change request or an idea, we had new renderings within hours. This process was so efficient, and we LOVE the results!”
DALE IN COLORADO
“The best part was exploring many options before settling on a plan. Now I feel assured that I won’t be making a mistake.”
Gilbert in Florida
“I felt incredibly supported throughout the entire process. I loved being able to ask questions as they came to me.”
JENNY IN GEORGIA
“I loved hearing her thoughts on the project. I was also really glad to be able to go back and forth and tweak small details until it felt just right.”
ANNA IN ILLINOIS
“I loved how quickly we could give feedback and iterate on the next steps. Replacing our siding has been a months long back and forth between the contractor and architect. To get close to a decision in three days was a breath of fresh air.”
CAROLINE IN WASHINGTON
“The best part was the unlimited questions and carefully thought out answers I got during my consultation.”
LISA IN CALIFORNIA
“What counts as a revision?”
Anything you’d like changed, completely new directions, or as many questions as you have.
“Mel is awesome, easy to work with, very open to lots of feedback. She quickly gets a new picture if you want to make any modifications. Highly highly recommend!”
KATY IN TENNESSEE
“Mel incorporated my feedback perfectly and responded so quickly.”
STEPHANIE IN UTAH
“The best part was exploring many options before settling on a plan. Now I feel assured that I won’t be making a mistake.”
Gilbert in Florida
“If we had a change request or an idea, we had new renderings within hours. This process was so efficient, and we LOVE the results!”
DALE IN COLORADO
“I felt incredibly supported throughout the entire process. I loved being able to ask questions as they came to me.”
JENNY IN GEORGIA
“I loved hearing her thoughts on the project. I was also really glad to be able to go back and forth and tweak small details until it felt just right.”
ANNA IN ILLINOIS
“I loved how quickly we could give feedback and iterate on the next steps. Replacing our siding has been a months long back and forth between the contractor and architect. To get close to a decision in three days was a breath of fresh air.”
CAROLINE IN WASHINGTON
“The best part was the unlimited questions and carefully thought out answers I got during my consultation.”
LISA IN CALIFORNIA
“What if my partner & I disagree?”
I provide multiple options, and an unbiased perspective.
“Mel has saved us time, money & conflict. She was able to design a plan that brought us into agreement (no marriage counseling needed).”
KAT IN TEXAS
“I'm confident and have very clear directions on what exactly to do and how to ask for it. It feels so good! And my husband is so happy, too. He can SEE the plan.”
KATHI IN ARIZONA
“When I first told my husband we were going to spend (more) money on design, I could feel his stomach drop. After showing him your before & after pictures, he immediately agreed with my recommendation.”
KATY IN TENNESSEE
“My husband and I are more aligned now that our vision has been put on paper/PDF with actionable info.”
CAROL IN FLORIDA
“After going back and forth about what to do with the exterior of our house, it felt good to have a plan that both my husband and I are in agreement about and are 100% happy with.”
SAMANTHA IN NEW JERSEY
“What if I’m not tech savvy?”
If you can email and upload photos, you’re good. If not, this isn’t the right fit.
“The process was easy; answer a questionnaire and provide photos. Mel was a pleasure to work with.”
KIMBERLY IN ARIZONA
“Easy peezy process and very satisfying experience!”
SUSAN IN CALIFORNIA
“Mel made this such an easy, fun and exciting journey.”
SHELLEY IN MICHIGAN
“This was easy, thorough and well worth it.
GILBERT IN FLORIDA
“This process was easy, focused and cost effective beyond my expectations.”
LAURA IN TEXAS
"Don't hesitate.
My only regret is
not doing this sooner!"
Lesley in N. Carolina
"Mel's professional direction was a
game changer
for our renovation."
Stephanie in Utah
"Working with Mel was the
best money I've ever spent.
I'm feeling so much more confident.
Sarah in California
Ready to make confident decisions
about your Exterior Finishes?
Begin Booking
First, this consultation
does not include:
Structure Changes. Rooflines, dormers, balconies, decks, staircases, major additions, window moves (unless you already have prints)
Landscaping. Plant layouts, pools, pergolas (unless you already have prints)
Hardscaping. Driveways, pavers, walkways, retaining walls (unless you already have prints)
I Understand
< Back
Next, this consultation lasts 7 days.
You'll receive your initial designs on day 4.
To get the most out of our time together, you'll want to be available for active email communication on days 4 through 7.
I Understand, Select My Date
< Back
October
No dates in October
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Bookings are non-refundable, but can be rescheduled.
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NOVEMBER
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Bookings are non-refundable, but can be rescheduled.