Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about working with MDH Designs? Explore answers to common questions about our services, design approach, and getting started.
About MDH Designs
What does MDH Designs do?
MDH Designs provides personalized interior design services tailored to each client's home, needs, and vision. Services include full-service interior design, virtual interior design, kitchen and bathroom design, space planning, furniture and styling, and color and finish consultations.
Who is Melissa Hallowell?
Melissa Hallowell is the owner and designer behind MDH Designs. Her approach is personalized and client-focused, with an emphasis on listening to each client's concerns, feedback, and vision.
Does MDH Designs work with different design styles?
Yes. Melissa does not impose a single design style on her clients. Her approach can accommodate a range of styles, including farmhouse charm, historical preservation, sleek modern design, and everything in between.
Home Addition Design & Planning
What can MDH Designs help with when planning a home addition?
MDH Designs can help with the interior design of your addition, including space planning, layouts, finishes, colors, furnishings, and details that help the new space feel connected to the rest of your home.
Can you help make a new addition feel like it belongs with the existing home?
Yes. The design can consider your existing rooms, materials, colors, furnishings, and overall style so the new space feels cohesive while still having its own character.
Do I need to have my addition fully planned before contacting MDH Designs?
Not necessarily. It is helpful to have an idea of what you want to add, but MDH Designs can discuss your goals and help determine what design support makes sense for your project.
Can you work with my contractor on an addition project?
MDH Designs can provide design selections and guidance that work alongside your construction team. The exact level of contractor communication and coordination will depend on the scope of your project.
Kitchen Interior Design
What does kitchen interior design include?
Kitchen interior design can include space planning, layout guidance, materials and finishes, color direction, cabinetry and hardware selections, and other details that help the kitchen work beautifully within your home.
Can you help with kitchen materials and finishes?
Yes. MDH Designs can help coordinate selections such as cabinetry finishes, countertops, backsplash, flooring, hardware, paint, and other visible elements so they work together.
Can you help redesign an existing kitchen?
Yes. Whether you are updating an existing kitchen or planning a larger renovation, MDH Designs can help develop the interior design direction around your space, needs, and style.
Do you work with contractors on kitchen projects?
MDH Designs can provide design selections and guidance that can be used alongside your contractor. The exact level of contractor coordination depends on the project scope.
Bathroom Interior Design
What does bathroom interior design include?
Bathroom interior design can include layout planning, tile and surface selections, vanity and storage direction, fixtures and hardware, paint, color, lighting direction, and finishing details.
Can you help me choose bathroom tile and finishes?
Yes. MDH Designs can help coordinate tile, countertops, cabinetry, hardware, paint, fixtures, and other finishes so the bathroom feels cohesive.
Do you design small bathrooms and powder rooms?
Yes. Smaller spaces can still benefit from thoughtful planning and design. MDH Designs can help make the most of the available space while creating a finished look that feels personal.
Can you work with my contractor during a bathroom renovation?
MDH Designs can provide design selections and guidance for your renovation and work alongside your project team as appropriate to the agreed scope.
Material Selection
What types of materials can MDH Designs help me choose?
Depending on your project, selections may include flooring, tile, countertops, cabinetry finishes, hardware, paint, and other visible materials and finishes.
Can you help coordinate material selections with my contractor?
Yes. MDH Designs can help develop the design selections and provide clear direction that can be used alongside your contractor during a construction or renovation project.
Do I need to know exactly what materials I want before contacting you?
No. You can bring inspiration, ideas, or even a list of choices you are considering. MDH Designs can help you narrow the options and create a more cohesive direction.
Is material selection available as part of a larger design project?
Yes. Material and finish selection can be incorporated into larger projects such as additions, kitchen design, and bathroom design.
Furniture Layouts
What is a furniture layout service?
A furniture layout looks at how your furniture fits and functions within a room. MDH Designs considers the room's size, furniture, circulation, proportions, and how you want to use the space.
Can you work with furniture I already own?
Yes. Existing furniture can be considered when developing a layout, along with any new pieces you may be planning to add.
Can you help if I am not sure where my furniture should go?
Yes. A furniture layout can help you understand the best ways to arrange your room and make the space feel more comfortable and functional.
Can furniture layouts be part of a larger interior design project?
Yes. Furniture layouts can be developed as part of a broader interior design project or as a more focused service, depending on your needs.
Paint Consultations
What happens during a paint consultation?
MDH Designs looks at your room, existing furnishings, finishes, lighting, and the overall feeling you want to create, then helps you narrow down a paint color direction.
Can you help me choose paint colors that work with my existing furniture?
Yes. Existing furniture, flooring, finishes, and natural light are important considerations when choosing a paint color.
Can I book a paint consultation for just one room?
Yes. A paint consultation can be focused on a single room or, depending on your needs, used to create a more connected color direction across multiple spaces.
Do you help with colors for an entire home?
Yes. If you are looking to create a more cohesive color direction throughout your home, MDH Designs can help you consider how the colors work from room to room.
Design Guidance
What is Design Guidance?
This is a lighter-touch option for homeowners who already have a sense of their style and ideas for their space but want professional guidance before making decisions.
Can I send you furniture, paint, or décor choices I'm considering?
Yes. The service can be used to get feedback and direction on selections you are already considering, depending on the agreed scope.
Is this different from full-service interior design?
Yes. Design Guidance is intended for clients who need focused professional input rather than a full design service from concept through completion.
Can I get help with a specific design decision?
Yes. Depending on the scope, Design Guidance can help you work through specific choices involving furniture, color, finishes, styling, or the overall direction of your space.
Getting Started
What happens when I contact MDH Designs?
You can share details about your project through the inquiry form or book a consultation. The inquiry form asks for information such as your project address, approximate square footage, construction budget, desired timeframe, design inspiration, and preferred consultation type.
Do I need to know exactly what I want before contacting MDH Designs?
No. MDH Designs takes a client-focused approach and begins by understanding your concerns, feedback, preferences, and vision for your home.
How do I get started with MDH Designs?
Start by booking a consultation or submitting an inquiry. Share a few details about your project, and MDH Designs will be in touch to discuss next steps.