Hi, I'm Melanie.

Home Stager & Stylist

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 learned that HGTV had glossed over a few things like the dust, the noise, and the late‑night Pinterest spirals. While I loved the dramatic before‑and‑afters, living through the renovation was something else entirely.

By day, I worked in digital project management. Evenings and weekends were spent choosing flooring, fixtures, and palettes, trying to bring a cohesive vision to life. Why a fixer‑upper? Because homes that need a little care naturally draw me in. I love stepping back, imagining what a space could become, and bringing that vision to life through layout, furnishings, and thoughtful details. Transformation, not perfection, is what inspires me.

When the renovation was complete, I staged the home for sale. It sold in five days, but what stayed with me wasn’t the speed of the sale. It was the shift in how the home felt and how others felt when they walked through it. That moment sparked something I couldn’t ignore.

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

Since then, I’ve continued to deepen my expertise and formalize the work I love. I am an HSR Certified Home Stager and Redesigner, and a member of both the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA) and the American Society of Home Stagers and Redesigners (ASHSR). These professional affiliations reflect my commitment to ongoing education, industry connection, and the continual refinement of my craft.

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 organic, welcoming style at the heart of Modern Willow.