This week’s designer spotlight is on Michelle Barone from Madison Hudson Design. Michelle is located in Connecticut where she specializes in residential, commercial, and retail interior design. Continue on to hear her insight into the interior design realm.
What is your favorite part about being a designer?
Seeing my clients’ happy faces after a completed install. Not all installs go as smoothly as I want (of course), but when the install comes out right, there’s nothing better than seeing a client jump up and down, or grin ear to ear.
Who or what would you cite as your most important influence?
Mother nature. I always start with a color board when I’m designing. I typically take pictures of my client’s flower gardens and the yard. I like to pull these colors inside the home, so there is a consistent flow between where they live and how they live.
Can you tell us about your personal brand?
My company is Madison Hudson Design. I named the company after my two children, Ellie Madison and James Hudson. I was working in visual merchandising and store design for 15 years, a retail client who loved the store experience, asked if I would design her home. That’s how I broke into residential interiors. My brand is different from a lot of other designers. I don’t just do one style. I can do farmhouse, nautical, mid century, glam, etc. After working in corporate for SO long, I learned how to listen really well. I don’t push my ideas on clients. I listen, and help create what they love, want, and need. So far it’s been very effective.
What is your favorite color palette to work with?
Neutrals for sure. I love pulling my color palette from nature- so lots of greens, blues, whites, neutrals, and sometimes with a pop of unexpected color.
If you could travel back, what advice would you give yourself as you start this career?
I would probably tell myself to breathe, and not worry about what other designers are doing. Like a lot of people, scrolling social media can give me anxiety, and make me feel like I’m not doing enough to build my brand. I need to remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day… AND, most importantly, to trust the process. Everything will come with time.
What do you like most about DesignerInc?
DesignerInc is a one stop shop. I can find everything I need quickly and efficiently. Also, when problems arise, DesignerInc is incredibly responsive. It’s been a joy working with Celine, Heather, and the other team members.