Three words that describe my style:
Timeless | Balanced | Thoughtful
“As a professional artist and designer, I step into a client’s world to see a space – not just for its design but also its lifestyle potential. Stepping back and taking a broad view allows me to study the bones of a home and offer solutions that provide exciting options for clients.”
Michelle’s’ artistic heritage comes from the long lineage of artists in her family; her father was an accomplished water-colorist, her grandmother, an interior designer dating back to her French Great-Grandfather, who was also an accomplished artist. With those influences propelling her, Michelle earned a BFA from Florida Atlantic University and honed her natural color-expertise. From there, she began working in Art Galleries from Boca Raton to Ft. Lauderdale, where she managed and curated spectacular collections throughout South Florida. Ultimately, it was her gallery clients and friends that recognized Michelle’s eye for interior design and her ability to marry the perfect color into stunning spaces filled with artwork, texture, and style. It was also during this time that Michelle began to translate her art not only onto canvases of commissioned art for collectors and high-end design clients alike. She also began designing Yacht interiors, furniture, wallpaper, and artwork for the likes of Tommy Bahama International, Swarovski, and Walt Disney World International.
Of all the accolades, Michelle’s greatest joy, however, comes from working in-depth and one on one with her clients to create the space and artwork of their dreams, where they come away feeling at ease and understood. As a firm believer that your home is your sanctuary and a reflection of you, she takes the most exceptional pride in seeing her clients settle into THEIR perfect space.
When she is not designing or creating, Michelle and her fabulous Engineer husband, Brian, are traveling the world with their Mini Golden-doodle…affectionately known as ‘Charlie’ (and ‘Manager’ of One Coast Design). They live in and are restoring The Coburn Hutchinson House, a beautiful art-filled historic home just outside of Charleston in Summerville, SC…the name says it all!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do I need a designer?
Because I’m going to make you look Fabulous! No, but in all seriousness, hiring an interior designer can seem to some like a frivolous way to spend your hard-earned dollars. In actuality, hiring a designer is just the opposite and saves you money AND time! I have experience in ‘seeing’ the finished project. We specialize in helping you make decisions that will support your end goal, so you are not making costly mistakes along the way that you’ll regret and inevitably want to fix later! Plus, we take the headache away and make the process fun. (Did you know the design process is FUN?) Home design should never be a daunting task. It should be a process that you remember fondly, one that you would repeat over and over again! If we’ve done our job correctly, this is how each client should feel!
2. What if I only need help with picking paint colors?
GREAT NEWS… We’re here for that! Hiring a designer doesn’t have to mean you hire someone for a full-scale project.
As a color expert, I am happy to consult with you and find the best color for your space(s)! I will educate you on light and how that affects your space, help you pick the color(s), and suggest finishes and types of paint that will best fit your life situations (i.e., kid-friendly, wipeable, etc.).
3. What level of client involvement do you require?
The level of client involvement will be different for every client! It will truly depend on how involved YOU want to be in the process. We have clients who love to go on our shopping expeditions to source for their home. In total contrast, other clients prefer us to choose, and after their approval, order it! We leave that decision up to you. That said, there will be decisions that you, as the homeowner, will have to make and be available for…so prepare for SOME involvement at the very least!
4. What is your design style?
5. How much do you charge, and will you work with my budget?
We offer a 2-Hour Consultation that is $425. It’s an excellent way for us to see your space and for you to ask ALL the things and discuss everything you’d like to do and how we can help! After that, our design hours are available in 5 and 10-hour blocks of time.
6. Who will work on my project?
Hi. Have you met me?! I’m Michelle, owner and creative behind One Coast Design. As a client, you are getting Me! I have a wonderfully curated group of team members that specialize in everything we’ll need to make your home the sanctuary you envision! I adore working with clients one on one and becoming a part of your dream! I do have a fantastic support team that you will also be in contact with from time to time. They help me coordinate meetings and logistics, but I am always very hands-on in the design process with you!
