tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63695145604623580932026-10-15T14:33:08.216-04:00Pretty Inspirationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02309666988076950733noreply@blogger.comBlogger116125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6369514560462358093.post-64657858044993512542017-02-15T14:48:00.000-05:002017-02-15T14:48:06.234-05:00

I'm very excited to announce that my Blog has moved to my new website which can be found here: Melissa McLay Interiors Once you're on my new site, click the Blog page.  My new blog platform is super user friendly which should result in more blog postings!  If you would like blog posts emailed to you, please subscribe on my Blog page here. Don't miss all the new portfolio

Pretty Inspirationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02309666988076950733noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6369514560462358093.post-82214463392939348532015-12-20T20:21:00.003-05:002015-12-20T20:21:54.131-05:00

Your home should be where the chaos of life is left at the door.  A place where you can relax and rejuvenate.   Creating a cozy, warm and pretty place to live is not about decorating styles but about creating an environment that includes items you enjoy and are important to you such as collections, special photos, antiques, or whatever makes you happy.   I also believe comfortable

Pretty Inspirationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02309666988076950733noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6369514560462358093.post-65814170965420578342015-06-17T09:30:00.000-04:002015-06-17T11:50:47.670-04:00

It still has not sunk in that we are renovating our kitchen.  I've been planning this moment for a long time and now that it is here, it doesn't seem real.  Even after four weeks of our family of four and our new puppy living in our master bedroom and eating frozen and carry out meals (with the exception of once a week getting a wonderful home cooked meal at my in-laws house...thank

Pretty Inspirationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02309666988076950733noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6369514560462358093.post-25118614479410252712015-02-19T08:55:00.000-05:002015-02-19T09:06:24.877-05:00

So much has happened over the last 12 months!  It's all good but it's been crazy busy so blogging has taken a back seat for some time. I'll be catching up on posts soon but wanted to send a quick note about the American Craft Council Show that takes place this weekend in Baltimore.  Last fall the ACC approached me to see if I would be interested in taking part in their Make Room

Pretty Inspirationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02309666988076950733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6369514560462358093.post-11489662902947044552014-04-07T18:42:00.000-04:002014-04-07T18:42:11.051-04:00

It's hard to believe the tour of the DC Design House starts this coming weekend!  My room was completed over a week ago.  The "press" gets access to the house before it opens to the public.  After lots of snow and hard work, over 35 spaces have been transformed in under 5 weeks! The entire house is looking amazing.  I highly recommend you check it out.  It's guaranteed

Pretty Inspirationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02309666988076950733noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6369514560462358093.post-28786183932331794262014-02-13T21:06:00.000-05:002014-03-03T09:42:36.959-05:00

I'm so excited to be one of the designers picked to transform the DC Design House 2014!  This year's house is a beautiful stone home built in the 1920s with over 7,900 square feet.  It has 6 bedrooms, 5 full baths, 2 half baths, a three car garage and a swimming pool. Three weeks ago, I decided to tour the house.  I thought chances were slim that I would submit a presentation

Pretty Inspirationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02309666988076950733noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6369514560462358093.post-7538382613023011482014-01-29T21:59:00.000-05:002014-01-29T21:59:54.027-05:00

I feel your office should be filled with pretty things that bring you joy.  The more room there is for bills and papers to lay around, the more opportunity there is to not stay organized.  One of the best changes I made was go from a super large desk to a small desk in my office.  It forces me to file, recycle and stay organized which has significantly reduced my stress level. &

Pretty Inspirationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02309666988076950733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6369514560462358093.post-41062942235677065462014-01-05T18:02:00.000-05:002014-01-05T18:02:55.461-05:00

Happy New Year!  It's hard to believe 2013 has come and gone.  I'm embarrassed to say I can't remember half of it…good thing we document most of our events in pictures or I would be in real trouble!  Anyone else feel this way? For the first post of the year, I wanted to share our most popular Pinterest images, Facebook posts, Houzz photos, and PI blog posts.  I've only

Pretty Inspirationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02309666988076950733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6369514560462358093.post-51777727440434930162013-12-09T21:15:00.000-05:002013-12-09T21:15:50.723-05:00

Soon after I finished decorating for Thanksgiving it felt like I was replacing it all with Christmas decorations.  Sure wish there was more of a breather between the holidays!  I'm just glad I have this picture of my Thanksgiving table so I can remember it!  This year, I used potted herbs and ferns, small pumpkins, squash, tulips combined with woven chargers, a mix of candles and

Pretty Inspirationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02309666988076950733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6369514560462358093.post-70454882917315146462013-10-28T17:31:00.000-04:002013-10-28T17:31:11.088-04:00

It's amazing what a new paint color, a new fireplace, new windows, new furniture arrangement, and new television and sound system can do for a room!  I recently helped a client transform her family room so not only does it look better, it has more natural light and functions better for entertaining or staying home for a quiet night of watching television! Below you can see the wall color

Pretty Inspirationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02309666988076950733noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6369514560462358093.post-81370085579707766472013-10-09T12:05:00.001-04:002013-10-09T12:05:25.044-04:00

It seems as if summer was going to continue well into October but I think we've finally turned the corner.  It's that time of year when fun, vibrant colors give way to warmer, softer tones.  Hot summer days have transitioned into cooler temperatures and the leaves are just starting to show a hint of color. The bright colors and fun fabrics in these images remind me of the great

Pretty Inspirationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02309666988076950733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6369514560462358093.post-53084199136878046542013-05-21T14:13:00.000-04:002013-05-22T11:23:32.653-04:00

After we completed our basement renovation last summer, we changed how we used a lot of the rooms in our home...the refinished basement became my office, my old office became our master suite, our old master suite became my son's room, and my son's room became the guest bedroom, our old guest bedroom became our closet, and Reid's office moved upstairs...whew!  It was a lot of work but well

Pretty Inspirationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02309666988076950733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6369514560462358093.post-41602146405235857412013-04-29T19:37:00.002-04:002013-04-29T19:37:18.795-04:00

Once again, my trip to High Point Market did not disappoint.  Lots to see and do.  I took so many pictures that I've decided to break them up into a few posts.  This post covers the sofas and trends that caught my eye.  Let me know if you see something that catches your eye and I can provide you more info.  Enjoy! First stop was Cisco Brothers.  Their aesthetic

Pretty Inspirationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02309666988076950733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6369514560462358093.post-90253302997925453002013-04-08T18:39:00.000-04:002013-04-08T21:56:42.803-04:00

It's been crazy busy in a good way (except for the tax stuff, of course!)!  If you are on the east coast, I hope you are enjoying this gorgeous day!! For one of my clients I'm in the process of sourcing the perfect chairs for a table I helped them select. Here's their new table.  It's won't be delivered for some time but it will be worth the wait! I came across the pictures

Pretty Inspirationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02309666988076950733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6369514560462358093.post-91690152953007003082013-03-19T22:02:00.001-04:002013-03-19T22:02:31.971-04:00

I'm dreaming of spring and connecting more with the outdoors!  These rooms make a connection to the outside.  They are simple, filled with lots of natural light, and include natural elements such as stone, wood, and natural curiosities.  They are so peaceful and pretty...enjoy! I have lots of exciting projects in

Pretty Inspirationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02309666988076950733noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6369514560462358093.post-39011661348842102742013-02-26T21:22:00.000-05:002013-02-26T21:22:49.287-05:00

I was recently told by a friend that I had to check out the new Hobo flagship store in Annapolis.  So, on my next visit to downtown I made a point to stop in.  Well, let me just say....the store is super cool!  Next time you're in Annapolis, I highly recommend you stop by, not only to see the gorgeous purses but to see the store's design. "Cool is when vintage meets modern" is

Pretty Inspirationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02309666988076950733noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6369514560462358093.post-32022685594357801532013-02-22T00:13:00.000-05:002013-02-22T07:18:14.777-05:00

I just realized this is my 100th post!  Hard for me to believe...growing up I never enjoyed writing and here I am writing my 100th blog post.  It's funny how life can take you in unexpected directions.  Speaking of the unexpected, I met Darryl Carter at his new store last weekend.  You may remember that my very first blog post (seen here) was on Darryl, and now 100 posts later

Pretty Inspirationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02309666988076950733noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6369514560462358093.post-50871755486890579412013-02-17T16:00:00.000-05:002013-02-17T16:00:19.806-05:00

Before I share my most recent bathroom renovation...I have to confess something! I've become obsessed with Pinterest!  I've been dabbling with this site for a few months now but lately I've been using it as a great tool to save pictures of architectural elements and interior spaces that catch my eye.  Before Pinterest, I would save images to my hard drive which was a memory hog. &

Pretty Inspirationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02309666988076950733noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6369514560462358093.post-33140063445992734282013-02-03T19:44:00.000-05:002013-02-03T19:44:54.327-05:00

I took a little break from posting due to a family trip to Aruba last week.   So much work needs to be done before you leave for vacation and then there's catching up when you return but the trip was well worth the extra work!  Below I share some pictures from our trip plus our recommendations in case you are planning a trip to Aruba. Also, I recently helped my mother-in-law with

Pretty Inspirationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02309666988076950733noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6369514560462358093.post-78350467545958742622013-01-15T20:19:00.001-05:002013-01-15T21:12:22.541-05:00

Warm metal finishes are showing up everywhere!  Think gold, un-lacquared brass, bronze, and copper. Kitchen and bath fixture companies are now offering these finishes for their more transitional and contemporary styles. I recently saw this New Ravenna mosaic tile in person at Architectural Ceramics in Baltimore.  It's gorgeous!  I also like how they mix

Pretty Inspirationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02309666988076950733noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6369514560462358093.post-76332912284502194392013-01-10T12:27:00.000-05:002013-01-15T21:11:28.445-05:00

We all love our pets!  But what can we do so they don't destroy our pretty homes? Here are some of my tips... 1.  Use hard surfaces wherever possible.  They are easier to clean then carpets.  If you have to do carpets, stick with the low pile variety.  Higher pile carpets are much harder to clean. Pinterest 2.  Strategically place a blanket or throw where

Pretty Inspirationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02309666988076950733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6369514560462358093.post-59623567421553386672013-01-03T18:00:00.000-05:002013-01-03T18:01:14.692-05:00

I'm currently loving plaid.  Whether it's an accent or you decide to wallpaper entire room in it, it's a great classic pattern that's easy to mix with what you already have going on!   Tommy Smythe who works with Sara Richardson likes it too... Tommy Smythe's home Tommy Smythe's home Unknown Cameron Kimber  Unknown Unknown Apartment Therapy

Pretty Inspirationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02309666988076950733noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6369514560462358093.post-31742129421577503212012-12-23T22:38:00.001-05:002012-12-23T22:38:08.639-05:00

I jumped at the opportunity to join Reid in New York City last week.  I'm a huge fan of the city and feel fortunate that it's only a two hour train ride away.  My game plan, I mean our game plan...visit the Guggenheim Museum, check out the holiday windows at Bergdorfs, shop at ABC Home and see the NY Botanical Gardens.    The Guggenheim was designed by the famous

Pretty Inspirationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02309666988076950733noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6369514560462358093.post-22483441358575804812012-12-12T16:42:00.000-05:002012-12-12T16:42:03.605-05:00

It's been very warm in Maryland for this time of year.  I'm wishing for a little snow, especially after reading this poem... Snow in the Suburbs by Thomas Hardy .....Every branch big with it, ....Bent every twig with it; ........Every fork like a white web-foot; ........Every street and pavement mute: Some flakes have lost their way, and grope back upward, when Meeting those

Pretty Inspirationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02309666988076950733noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6369514560462358093.post-25341059961400110842012-12-05T23:17:00.000-05:002012-12-06T00:16:23.550-05:00

Earlier this year my client purchased a new house.   They had the entire house repainted and have been adding furniture throughout the year.  They contacted me because they were eager to make their home more finished and comfortable for the holidays. This project impacted seven rooms, each needing different things...design and installation of window treatments, selection and

Pretty Inspirationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02309666988076950733noreply@blogger.com3