Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Hollingsworth.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve known I wanted to be an interior designer since I was young. When I was around nine or ten, my mom hired an interior designer, and that experience opened my eyes to the profession. I realized it might be the perfect fit for me — while other kids played with Barbies, I was more interested in designing their houses. I’ve always been drawn to art, and interior design seemed like the ideal blend of creativity and technical skill.
In high school, I focused on art and later attended college with the goal of being accepted into Michigan State University’s highly competitive interior design program, which had about a 50% acceptance rate. After earning my degree, I practiced interior design for many years but eventually found myself wanting more from my career. That led me back to school to earn my MFA, which opened the door to a new chapter as a professor of interior design.
A few life changes eventually brought me back to Michigan, where I returned to design practice. After navigating the challenges of the pandemic, I decided to take the leap and start my own business—a decision that has been both rewarding and fulfilling.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. While I was in college, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, took place—an event that forever changed America and left many of us uncertain about what the future would hold after graduation. Then, just a few years after I graduated from Michigan State, the 2008 housing crisis hit. The entire economy was affected, especially industries tied to luxury spending like interior design. At the time, I was living in Lansing, and the impact was devastating. Still, I learned to adapt—finding niche markets and new avenues within the design world to keep moving forward.
Most recently, the pandemic brought another wave of challenges, as nearly all construction came to a halt. We had clients with half-finished kitchens and endless backorders on materials and products.
Yet, through all this adversity, I found resilience and clarity. Those experiences ultimately inspired me to start my own business—because after weathering so many challenges, I knew I could handle anything that came my way. With the encouragement of one of my trusted contractors—who consistently supported and believed in me—I ultimately found the confidence to take that leap.
We’ve been impressed with MH Design House, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My specialty is residential interior design, with a focus on kitchen, bath, and basement remodels. I’m passionate about creating spaces that not only look beautiful but truly work for the way people live. My style is best described as clean, functional, and affordable—what I like to call “creative design for everyday living.” Every project is a collaboration with my clients to design homes that feel fresh, comfortable, and timeless, where every detail has a purpose and every room tells part of their story.
What really sets my work apart is the design-build approach I offer. It’s a turnkey process that takes the stress out of remodeling. I handle everything—from finding and managing reliable contractors to coordinating material selections, ordering, and deliveries. Many contractors leave those details to homeowners, but that can quickly become overwhelming. Most people don’t know exactly what to buy, how much they’ll need, or which small parts are required to complete an installation. I take care of all of that, so my clients can focus on the exciting parts of seeing their vision come to life.
I also want readers to know that designers are here to help you achieve the look you want within the budget you have. Yes, hiring a designer comes with a cost, but it often saves money—and a lot of headaches—in the long run. Because all the planning and documentation are done before construction begins, contractors know exactly what to do and how to do it. That preparation makes the entire process run more smoothly and efficiently from start to finish.
It all starts with a simple phone call to see if we’re a good fit. From there, I’ll usually visit your home—sometimes with the contractor—to get a sense of the space and discuss how we can bring your vision to life. I’ll ask you to share photos, ideas, or anything that’s been inspiring you, and then I get to work on space planning and material selections. The goal is always the same: to create a design that feels personal, functional, and like a place you’ll truly love coming home to.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
One of my favorite childhood memories was when my mom volunteered to be the “art lady” at my elementary school. The idea was for a parent to research a famous artist and artwork, then come back and give a presentation to the class. That week, my mom and I dove into Georges Seurat’s Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte. It was the moment I truly fell in love with art. I loved learning about Seurat—his life, his techniques, and the meticulous way he created his masterpieces. Growing up just outside Chicago, I even had the chance to see the massive painting in person during a school field trip to the Art Institute of Chicago, which made the experience unforgettable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mhdesignhouse.com
- Instagram: mhdesignhousellc
