without wasting your precious time or money?
HOME THAt works for YOUr needs
How do you avoid becoming overwhelmed trying to get a
You're re-imagining your daily life, and realizing your home needs to work for a new normal. You're getting tired of making do with spaces that are just not working for you.
You are READY for something new after staring at the same things for so long, too.
But these days, you do not have the energy for another project on top of everything else - and you're not even sure where to start.
Everything is changing day by day.
WHAT'S RIGHT FOR MY new LIFESTYLE?
How do I avoid making costly mistakes?
HOW DO I PULL IT ALL TOGETHER?
What is the best plan for my budget?
How do I know I'm buying the right pieces for my space?
WHERE DO I GO TO GET THINGS IN MY STYLE?
PINTEREST is so OVERWHELMING! IT'S TOO MUCH!
Where do I even start with this project?
You'll get a home that works for YOUR needs, with YOUR tastes, without blowing your budget or losing your mind in the process.
envisioning your options,
sending you to my trusted sources,
and guiding you with my professional EXPERIENCE.
I will help you by
Listen, it doesn't have to be so hard!
You'll be able to sleep at night, knowing it's all covered.
Material samples and swatches, sent directly to you.
peace of mind
Two opportunities to review the project with me after you make your final selections.
one-on-one reviews
A page with links to your final selections to complete your purchases.
personalized website
An easy spreadsheet to keep your budget on track.
simple budget
Access to my trusted sources and recommended trades for your area.
recommended contractors
A list of everything you need to do, and when you need to do it.
complete checklists
A video explaining both proposals, side by side, for a no-pressure review.
no-pressure presentation
color swatches
See multiple options for your space, to help you make your decision.
multiple proposals
A chat about your needs and desires before the project starts.
free consultation
What you'll receive
COLLEYVILLE, TX
Lindsey
"Mel has helped me on several projects from across the country. The most recent project has been on the purchase of our first home in Texas. She has been a lifesaver! She did so much to understand my design style and made it fit so perfectly in to my new home. I had no idea what my design style was or what I wanted and Mel made all of those worries go away and gave me a house that I can be proud of in return! "
We meet again, and discuss what you liked, and what you didn't. If you want more options, this is when I'll go back and find other solutions.
After we've reviewed your final selections, and you have a design you're completely excited about, I'll send you easy to follow tools to bring the design to life. You'll have everything you need to make your purchases.
If you need help after the final decisions, we'll have two additional opportunities to meet and discuss.
you make
it happen
03
Once you've reserved my services by paying the design fee, you can relax while I design and plan for you. We'll discuss how long this phase will take during your design chat.
When your design proposals are complete, you'll get an email with a link to your video presentation. If your project requires samples or swatches, I'll send those directly to you in the mail.
Then, you can watch the presentation video as many times as you'd like. Take as long as you need to make your decisions before you schedule your next review, and share what you've picked.
I create
a plan
02
During your free online design chat, we'll discuss everything about your project. You'll tell me what you need, when you need it, and how much you want to spend. You can ask me any questions, too.
I'll also help you decide what level of design service will work best for your project.
Afterwards, I'll hold a spot on my schedule for you for 48hrs. You will be my only Interiors client while I'm designing your project. This way I can fully focus on your needs all the way through.
we talk
01
How it works
Francis, UT
Rachel
"Mel was able to bring my likes and preferences to life in a way that I would NEVER have imagined."
winter garden, fl
Alauna
"There is no way I would have been able to pull the Kitchen together the way Mel did."
cape canaveral, fl
Carrie
"Working with Mel was like waving a magic wand and having a place that instantly felt like home."
colleyville, tx
Lindsey
"I had no idea what my style was or what I wanted. Mel made all those worries go away, and now I have a house I can be proud of!"
Then you can rest easy, knowing it's all covered.
You will have someone who will listen to what you want,
make sure you have what you need, and
show you how to get it done.
EMPOWERED to make it happen.
You can stop feeling overwhelmed with that big project, and instead feel
Detailed planner, seasoned shopper, & thoughtful creator of easy solutions for the overwhelming projects in your life.
And I've been helping people just like you for over 20 years.
Hello, I'm Mel!
Your investment options
Project Notes including Checklists, Installation Order, Notes for working with Trades & Guide to Placing Orders
Personalized Purchasing Website for all Selected Items
Recommended Contractors & Sources for all Selected Items
Final Budget Breakdowns & Tracking Spreadsheet for all Selected Items
Final design proposal with 3D Layouts & Renderings and Cut Sheets including all your feedback from Phase 1
Estimated 2 weeks Design time after final decisions
PHASE 2
Color & Materials Samples as required
High Level Budget Breakdowns for all items for all options
Finishes; Furnishings; Decorative Lighting, Hardware and Plumbing; Accessories and Art
Two design proposals with 3D Layouts & Renderings and 2D Cut Sheets including:
Estimated 4 weeks Design time and up to 2 Revisions
PHASE 1
included in this option:
$1,449.00
When starting from scratch with the furniture or cabinet layout or if you need 3D Renderings to make a decision.
LAYOUT & VISUALIZATION
Project Notes including Checklists, Installation Order, Notes for working with Trades & Guide to Placing Orders
Personalized Purchasing Website for all Selected Items
Recommended Contractors & Sources for all Selected Items
Final Budget Breakdowns & Tracking Spreadsheet for all Selected Items
Final design proposals using your existing layout, with Cut Sheets including all your feedback from Phase 1
Estimated 2 weeks Design time after final decisions
PHASE 2
Color Samples as required
High Level Budget Breakdowns for all options
Finishes; Furnishings; Decorative Lighting, Hardware and Plumbing; Accessories and Art
Two design proposals using your existing layout, with 2D Cut Sheets for:
Estimated 3 weeks Design time and up to 2 Revisions
PHASE 1
included in this option:
$949.00
When you already have a furniture or cabinet layout and only need refreshed finishes, furnishings & decor.
FINISHES, FURNISHINGS & DECOR
Consultation by email for one week, with as many emails as you want
included in this option:
$295.00
A streamlined option to get you the professional guidance you need when you don't have the time to dig deep.
COLOR & PAINT EMAIL CONSULTATION
Professional second opinion on your current choices
Guidance for your specific home and situation
Up to three paint color recommendations with samples delivered to your home
click to learn more and start your consultation
Amounts shown are for each option are for design services only & do not include materials, supplies, trade services or vendor fees.
Full payment for design services & a signed contract are required before any design work will begin on your project.
A NOTE on project scope
E-Design services are best for projects that do not involve major structural or architectural changes.
It is also not recommended for projects that involve more than one space in your home at a time.
Kitchen or bath updates using the existing wall locations
re-envisioning the way a space can be used with existing structure
adding or moving a kitchen or bath to a new location in your home
DESIGNING an addition from scratch or removing walls to combine rooms
If your project is larger in scope, I strongly recommend finding a local team of designers and architects to not only act as your onsite advocate during construction, but to ensure that all building codes, installation regulations and permit requirements are met.
Not sure where your project will fall in scope?
Let's chat about it!
determining a furniture or cabinet layout for a newly built space
adding extensive built-ins or custom finish carpentry
making UPdates to furniture, cabinets, finishes & fixtures
making changes to structure or foundation
get started with a free design chat
Absolutely.
You'll not only save time in the beginning, while I'm doing the research and legwork for you, but at the end, too, when the things you order for your project are right the first time.
And my experience has taught me which areas need more focus, and what's not a relevant to spend precious time on.
Will this really save me time?
No.
Aside from the fee for design services, the rest of your budget is entirely up to you - there is no minimum you need to spend.
I don't subscribe to the theory that only the rich deserve the services of a designer or even fantastic personalized service.
So no matter what your budget is, you can expect your desires & requests to be the most important part of the project.
Is there a minimum budget?
Yes!
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. Your project will reflect you and your style.
And I don't receive commission on pieces, so you can trust that what I propose for your project is what I think you'll love, and not what I profit most from.
Will you work with any style?
I'll be there for you!
Each service level gets you two revision cycles during Phase 1, to make sure your design is absolutely right for you.
But, after final delivery of the project to you, if you ever need a question answered, clarification on an installation note, or sadly, a replacement for something that has been discontinued before you order, I'm available for quick messages, then, too.
What if I need help after i make my final choices?
FIRST, you CLICK HERE to schedule your free design chat, and answer a few questions about your project. I'll email you back within 24hrs to confirm the meeting.
NEXT, we 'meet' via FaceTime, Skype or Google Hangout. We talk about your answers to the questions, and your thoughts about the project. After, I'll send you a recap email and a secure link to pay the service fee. I will hold a spot for you on my schedule for 48hrs.
THEN, once I've received the fee, I'll review everything we've discussed, and all the things you send me, and create a plan to implement your project. When your design is ready, you'll receive an email with a link to your presentation video. The video will walk you thorough both options, side by side and explain everything you see. You'll also receive a PDF of each option. You can review the proposals at your own pace and not feel pressured to make decisions on the spot. The email will also have a link to schedule your next consultation so you can tell me what you're liking and get your questions answered in person.
LAST, we meet to go over your final decisions. If there are any changes requested, I'll make those updates we'll review again. Once you're excited about what you've chosen, I will send all final plans, schedules and shopping lists to you via email.
How does the process work?
Due to the current pandemic, yes.
Once it's safe again, I will also work locally, but the rates and timing will be a little different.
Set up a free consultation to discuss local service rates, non-digital work or other special rates.
Do you only offer online design services?
I acknowledge my privilege as a white cishet 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 get help finding the perfect paint color, designing their dream home, or planning the event of a lifetime. This right is theirs regardless of age, gender, biological sex, skin color, heritage, nation of birth, or religious affiliation.
You can read my full Diversity, Equity & Inclusion policy HERE.
WHAT IS YOUR POLICY ON DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION?
If you want to, you absolutely should!
I love to DIY myself, and have been helping my father with construction & carpentry projects since I was tall enough reach the workbench and hold the end of the tape measure.
That being said, there are some things that I will always recommend to be contracted out, sometimes for sake of safety, sometimes for the sake of time or complication. Every project is a little different.
We'll discuss your needs, skills and level of involvement during your free design chat.
What if i want to DIY?
That's okay, because that is exactly what I'm here for.
We'll talk about it during the free design chat, but I can help you to discover not only what you want, but what will work best for your home.
I also love to research things on Pinterest, but I know how overwhelming that can get if you're not into pinning. In that case, I can email you images and color combos specific to your tastes after we talk about your likes and dislikes during the chat.
What if I don't know what I want?
WHERE CAN I FIND SOME GREAT THROW PILLOWS?
Etsy is my secret source!
You can find literally any size, shape, color or style if you know where to look!
My favorite shops are:
FOR TRADITIONAL GLAMOUR - Willa Skye
FOR HIP MIDWEST STYLE - Colin + Fin
FOR INCREDIBLE GLOBAL TEXTILES - PillowMe
FOR HANDCRAFTED VINTAGE FABRICS - Morrissey Fabric
FOR DESIGNER FABRICS - Pop O Color
FOR CALIFORNIA COOL - California Living Home
World Market makes the best priced Velvet Pillow Covers I've used.
And for fills, I like Ikea's down inserts. (Buy 2" larger than your cover for a 'designer' look.)
Now you know my secrets!
A:
Q:
WHERE CAN I FIND SOME GREAT THROW PILLOWS?
What if I don't know what I want?
What if I want to DIY?
WHAT IS YOUR POLICY ON DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION?
Do you only offer online design services?
How does the process work?
What if I need help after I make my final choices?
Will you work with any style?
Is there a minimum budget?
Will this really save me time?
click a question to see the answer
Frequently asked questions
winter garden, fl
Alauna
"I highly recommend you hire Mel. She has a beautiful aesthetic with an incredible talent for sourcing products. My kitchen is now my favorite room in the house, thanks to the beauty of the design. There is no way I would have been able to pull the look together the way Mel did. And she made it so simple. Whether you just need the finishing touches or have no idea where to start - West-South is the perfect solution for your project."
"She made it so simple!"
