76 PUNCHMAGAZINE.COM Inherent in Melinda’s commitment to infuse homes with joy is reconnecting clients with nature. “We aim to blur the border between indoors and outdoors,” she says. For one client’s remodel, she increased the height of all of the home’s windows, resulting in welllit rooms and expanded views. She cites the well-known mental health benefits of exposure to sunlight, birdsong and nature’s endless patterns. “The more natural light we can bring in, the better,” she says. Along with mental wellbeing, Melinda puts a high value on her clients’ physical health and ecological sustainability. She explains that dust formed by fabric and upholstery foam as it breaks down exposes people and pets to microplastics and chemicals. To combat their harmful effects, she orders from companies that create fabrics that are gentle on the makers, the end users and the {home & design} the whole kitchen. The solution? An island refrigerator drawer for her cream near the tea cupboard. With many avid cooks as clients, Melinda prioritizes placing their go-to items within easy reach. “Sometimes I will have a really crisp vision,” says Melinda. Other times, the solution emerges gradually. Once the concept gels, she elicits client responses, preferring to get gut reactions. Sometimes a color triggers a visceral childhood memory, positive or negative. People can’t always explain it, so sometimes sudden reversals occur. One client said “no way” to a kitchen color Melinda suggested, then changed her mind overnight. And she has remained delighted with her choice ever since. PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF MICHELLE DREWES
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