Hi, I'm Melanie.

Founder & Lead Designer

You never truly know where a path will lead until you take that first step. Mine began in the spring of 2021, when I purchased my first fixer‑upper. I quickly realized I had underestimated the process—HGTV made it look far easier than it was. While I loved the dramatic before‑and‑afters, living through the renovation was a different story.

During the day, I worked in digital project management. Evenings and weekends were spent buried in Pinterest boards and design catalogs, trying to choose flooring, fixtures, and a cohesive palette. Every detail needed attention. There were moments I wondered if I had taken on too much, but I kept coming back to it. The process energized me—gathering inspiration, refining ideas, and making thoughtful choices.

Why a fixer‑upper? Homes that need a little care naturally draw me in. I love stepping back, imagining what a space could become, and piecing it together through layout, furnishings, and the smallest details—all with the goal of creating a place that truly feels like home.

When the renovation was complete, I staged the home for sale—and it sold in just five days. But what stayed with me wasn’t the sale; it was the transformation. Seeing how intentional design choices could shift the way a home felt—and how it made others feel—sparked something I couldn’t ignore.

In 2025, after 25 years in the corporate world, I took a leap. I followed the passion that had been on my heart long before that first renovation. That decision became the foundation for Modern Willow—a place where creativity and natural warmth come together to create homes that feel inviting, refined, and unforgettable.

Today, I am an HSR Certified Home Stager and Redesigner, partnering with homeowners and agents to prepare homes for sale or reimagine spaces for everyday living. As a member of the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA) and the American Society of Home Stagers and Redesigners, I continue to grow my expertise and stay connected to an industry I genuinely love.

When I’m not designing interiors, you’ll likely find me outdoors—walking my dog, hiking, spending time in the mountains, or relaxing on a cozy patio with friends and family. These moments keep me grounded and inspire the calm, layered aesthetic at the heart of Modern Willow.