Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Raver.
Hi Melanie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I left my Interior Design job to be a stay at home mom. I felt called to spend the time with them. I knew it would affect my career, but not creating when you are an artist is impossible. When my youngest was two, I needed to jump back into design in any way possible. I started to style areas in my home. Create snapshots and post photos with captions that described my torn desires. To work and create or to mother and nurture. I think my posts resonated with what others were feeling. I was open, honest, and raw. I think people wanted and craved the authenticity. Within weeks of starting my account a photo of mine won a huge contest within the design influencer community and I was shared on several major pages. My page took off. My next room design which felt with transitioning from a toddler to a big girl room. It resonated with those dealing with change, letting go, and embracing the the next chapter. The cactus room was a viral success and I was featured on major platforms such as the NY Times, a major Australian decor magazine, and HGTV print. It was a great transition from full time stay at home, creative exploration, and then into working with major brands and getting paid! My next design success was the renovation I did on our vintage Airstream. It was a project we worked on as a whole family. Completely gutting and restoring this old trailer. We spent over a year working in our spare time to get the trailer on the road in major elevated style. We traveled during covid and the trailer was featured in HGTV online, The Washington Post, and the Seattle Times. My latest and most personal project is my Pacific Beach Airbnb. I spend 8 months renovating and preparing my old home into a stylish boutique style short term vacation rental. Featuring my signature design style, mixing pattern on pattern, and unexpected design risks. So far the short term rental market has been super lucrative and full time management has been a great hands on venture!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There are always unexpected obstacles when taking in a new project. You have to be able to think outside the box and be a creative thinker in terms of alternative solutions…one might say “be a risk taker!” An important factor fueling my design success is taking risks and trusting my gut. In life I prefer to mitigate my downfalls by assessing risk and most likely I prefer to toe the line on less risk less downfall. However, when I step into design my style is fueled by taking risks. Mixing colors and patterns, adding elements that are unexpected or whimsical. I push the limit fearless of consequence or reprimand, because I am trusting my gut and working for that “WOW”, the pop. I think my designs have been successful because I have led with wonder and boundary pushing rather than safe.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Being an owner of a small business allows me to wear lots of design hats. My first love is interior design. I often compare how I see interiors in my head is like that of the famous chess player in the Netflix hit series “The Queens Gambit.” She sees the board and tte possible plays in her head…she then swipes them to the side and tries another configuration…over and over until she sees the play that will win. It’s the same for me. I see a room or sosge in my head…I then dress it up in different finishes and furniture…then I swipe it to the side…and try out different colors and styles. I do this until I find one I like…the design win! I think this skill allows me to make quick decisions and move forward with a strong design plan. Because I feel confident with my plan I like to add color , patterns, and pops of fun unexpected accents, and this sets me apart from other designers who play it safe.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Thinking outside the box is key. Interior design can look many different ways. You can work for a firm…or work for yourself. You can design commercial spaces or residential. You can design for a short term rental or a storefront. You can collaborate with brands and work on social media. Do what you love, find a niche or a few…snd create?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://raveinteriordesign.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raveinteriordesign?utm_source=qr
