Today we’re delighted to introduce you to Melanie, a new designer on our team here at The Black Goose Design. Hers is a story so many can relate to—a career put on hold to raise a family.
“I’ve been at home, raising my kids for 17 years,” Melanie said. “I’m excited to be back in this world full time, though I don’t feel I ever fully left. During this time, I continued to support friends on their projects, which lead to other word-of-mouth requests.”
It’s no wonder Melanie’s friends asked for her help. She has degree in design and has worked with many top designers in Salt Lake over the years. She’s even won an award for her work on a Parade of Homes project! Clearly, this girl has a gift, and we’re so happy to have her on our team. Let’s get to know a bit more about her with a Q&A!
Q. It’s always impressive to see an at-home parent deciding to try something different after being home with their kiddos for a long time. How has this transition been for you?
A. I’ve loved it. It’s fun working with other designers again and going to an office each day. But more than any of that, I’ve loved how proud my children are of me. Parenting is hard. There are many days you feel like a failure. It feels really good to know they support me and celebrate this shift.
Q. You have a tremendous resume. Is there anything you haven’t done but still hope to accomplish?
A. I would love to break into commercial space. In fact, if I were to identify one dream job, it would be to help design an LDS temple.
Q. Do you have an aspect of design you focus on?
A. No, I enjoy all types of projects, from a new build to a remodel to helping a client find the perfect furniture for their space.
At the moment, I’m supporting one client with purchasing and placing furniture, another with a remodel, and a third who has just purchased their second home and wants new furniture that doesn’t feel “new.” Every project has something special to offer, and there’s no one type of work that stands out as a main focus.
Q. When you say, “help a client get new furniture that doesn’t feel new,” what do you mean?
A. This client has eclectic taste. She doesn’t want her home to feel like it was filled with pieces from the exact same timeframe. Instead, she prefers a blend of pieces that feel as though they’ve been collected over time. It’s been really fun to collaborate with her to accomplish this goal.
Q. How do you get a feel for a client’s style and unique design preferences?
A. Some know exactly what they want. Others aren’t sure. So it’s all about spending time together, exchanging ideas.
There was a couple who came in recently. They shared photos of their home and said they didn’t even know where to start. I suggested they get on Pinterest and start by searching “living room space” and pinning ideas that appeal to them. By doing a little homework, we can work together to narrow in on a specific style or approach to take.
Another client has an eclectic home, with antique pieces she’s collected over the years. Before we worked together, she loaned me a book to help me understand her style, which is far from typical for Utah design. It’s more European. I love that she’s willing to lend me the beautiful book and share her vision with me. After all, working on any project is not about my personal style and preferences. A good designer can work with any style and wants to make their client’s vision come to life.
Q. Great point! It’s not about the designer’s style. That said, we would love to know if you have a personal fav when it comes to design style.
A. For me, it has to be fresh traditional—a transitional design that combines a good mix of clean lines and modern with more traditional.
Q. Besides time spent identifying style, what can a client expect when working with you?
A. I make it a priority to respect every client’s budget . . . I’m really conscious of this, as I never want someone to feel taken by surprise.
I will also spend time in the space we’re going to work on. This is for technical reason, such as taking measurements, but it’s also to get a feel for the home and how the space is used. After all, it would be really hard to design a space if you’ve never been in it.
Q. What is your favorite part of the design process?
A. It’s hard to choose a single favorite, but I do love a good install day. It’s the icing on the cake and so special to see all of the work come together!
Q. What is your favorite color?
A. I’m a blue a girl, but I’m loving green right now. I’ve been seeing a lot of greens and other earth tones. Green, like blue, is a color you can put anywhere. It’s soothing to the soul.
Q. What advice do you give those embarking on a design project?
A. Only have things in your home that you love. If you don’t love it, do without. Obviously, this can’t work for everything. I have a sofa in my house, for example, that I hate, but it’s better to have a sofa than not, so I have the sofa. But this is a good rule to apply overall. Don’t just buy stuff to fill a space, even if it is affordable.
I heard a quote once that sticks with me: “Every room should sing.” You can make this happen in your own way. It’s not about what others will think, it’s about what makes you feel content.
What a cool thought! Every room should sing, and Melanie would love to help you achieve that kind of design harmony.
It's already evident that Melanie brings joy to the job. She has little games for us here at The Black Goose Design. For example, she'll ask us things like, "if you could stop and shop right now, what is something you wouldn't hesitate to take home from our showroom floor?" We've had fun getting to know each other better just by being around Melanie's connective personality. Want to know a fav item at the moment? It's this pretty vase. Yes, clearly the gal has taste!
Friday Jul 25 2025
Today we’re delighted to introduce you to Melanie, a new designer on our team here at The Black Goose Design. Hers is a story so many can relate to—a career put on hold to raise a family.
It’s no wonder Melanie’s friends asked for her help. She has degree in design and has worked with many top designers in Salt Lake over the years. She’s even won an award for her work on a Parade of Homes project! Clearly, this girl has a gift, and we’re so happy to have her on our team. Let’s get to know a bit more about her with a Q&A!
Q. It’s always impressive to see an at-home parent deciding to try something different after being home with their kiddos for a long time. How has this transition been for you?
A. I’ve loved it. It’s fun working with other designers again and going to an office each day. But more than any of that, I’ve loved how proud my children are of me. Parenting is hard. There are many days you feel like a failure. It feels really good to know they support me and celebrate this shift.
Q. You have a tremendous resume. Is there anything you haven’t done but still hope to accomplish?
A. I would love to break into commercial space. In fact, if I were to identify one dream job, it would be to help design an LDS temple.
Q. Do you have an aspect of design you focus on?
A. No, I enjoy all types of projects, from a new build to a remodel to helping a client find the perfect furniture for their space.
At the moment, I’m supporting one client with purchasing and placing furniture, another with a remodel, and a third who has just purchased their second home and wants new furniture that doesn’t feel “new.” Every project has something special to offer, and there’s no one type of work that stands out as a main focus.
Q. When you say, “help a client get new furniture that doesn’t feel new,” what do you mean?
A. This client has eclectic taste. She doesn’t want her home to feel like it was filled with pieces from the exact same timeframe. Instead, she prefers a blend of pieces that feel as though they’ve been collected over time. It’s been really fun to collaborate with her to accomplish this goal.
Q. How do you get a feel for a client’s style and unique design preferences?
A. Some know exactly what they want. Others aren’t sure. So it’s all about spending time together, exchanging ideas.
There was a couple who came in recently. They shared photos of their home and said they didn’t even know where to start. I suggested they get on Pinterest and start by searching “living room space” and pinning ideas that appeal to them. By doing a little homework, we can work together to narrow in on a specific style or approach to take.
Another client has an eclectic home, with antique pieces she’s collected over the years. Before we worked together, she loaned me a book to help me understand her style, which is far from typical for Utah design. It’s more European. I love that she’s willing to lend me the beautiful book and share her vision with me. After all, working on any project is not about my personal style and preferences. A good designer can work with any style and wants to make their client’s vision come to life.
Q. Great point! It’s not about the designer’s style. That said, we would love to know if you have a personal fav when it comes to design style.
A. For me, it has to be fresh traditional—a transitional design that combines a good mix of clean lines and modern with more traditional.
Q. Besides time spent identifying style, what can a client expect when working with you?
A. I make it a priority to respect every client’s budget . . . I’m really conscious of this, as I never want someone to feel taken by surprise.
I will also spend time in the space we’re going to work on. This is for technical reason, such as taking measurements, but it’s also to get a feel for the home and how the space is used. After all, it would be really hard to design a space if you’ve never been in it.
Q. What is your favorite part of the design process?
A. It’s hard to choose a single favorite, but I do love a good install day. It’s the icing on the cake and so special to see all of the work come together!
Q. What is your favorite color?
A. I’m a blue a girl, but I’m loving green right now. I’ve been seeing a lot of greens and other earth tones. Green, like blue, is a color you can put anywhere. It’s soothing to the soul.
Q. What advice do you give those embarking on a design project?
A. Only have things in your home that you love. If you don’t love it, do without. Obviously, this can’t work for everything. I have a sofa in my house, for example, that I hate, but it’s better to have a sofa than not, so I have the sofa. But this is a good rule to apply overall. Don’t just buy stuff to fill a space, even if it is affordable.
I heard a quote once that sticks with me: “Every room should sing.” You can make this happen in your own way. It’s not about what others will think, it’s about what makes you feel content.
What a cool thought! Every room should sing, and Melanie would love to help you achieve that kind of design harmony.
It's already evident that Melanie brings joy to the job. She has little games for us here at The Black Goose Design. For example, she'll ask us things like, "if you could stop and shop right now, what is something you wouldn't hesitate to take home from our showroom floor?" We've had fun getting to know each other better just by being around Melanie's connective personality. Want to know a fav item at the moment? It's this pretty vase. Yes, clearly the gal has taste!