Molly Lewandowski of Parkside Interiors, Traverse City, MI

Designer: Molly Lewandowski
Firm: Parkside Interiors, LLC
Location: Traverse City, MI
Style Essence: Cozy Contemporary

Q: What drew you to interior design and how would you define your style?
A: I have always been drawn to the way interior design allows the designer and client to work together to create a truly meaningful work of art that is experiential and brings not only beauty and function but also positivity to the world. My design style is to achieve the look, feel, and functions that all enable the client to live and feel the way that they would love to feel when in their home, whether that be relaxed and at ease, energized and happy or all of the above.

Q: What’s a must-have item you include in your designs?
A: I love including fresh cut florals and plants in a home. They really liven up each space and bring a sense of joy to each room. They not only elevate the look of the space but they add to our overall well being and health.

Q: What is a design trend that you love at the moment and what trends are you most looking forward to in 2023?
A: I am loving the shift to earthy colors such as burnt oranges, olive greens and warm browns. I look forward to continuing to see more bold fun pattern emerge in fabrics and wallpapers.

Q: Every room must be fun to design, but do you have a favorite?
A: Yes! I love the main living room/family room. I really feel like it’s the true essence of the home. I absolutely love pulling together beautifully coordinated fabrics, leathers, furniture and accessories that are unique to each project and perfectly suited to the specifics of the home and to the individuals who inhabit the particular home at that time.

Q: What is the most highly requested room design from your customers?
A: Living Rooms.

Q: Can people with smaller budgets afford interior design help from a professional?
A: Hiring an experienced professional can absolutely save you time and money in the long run. Even as little as one hour with an interior designer could be extremely beneficial. Your designer will be able to introduce you to products that suit your budget and taste and can suggest the right products and changes that can be made (even if it’s only using your existing furniture) that will fall within your budget that would make a difference in the overall feel and function of your home. Designers often receive discounts that they can pass on to their clients as well, saving you even more money.

Q: Is it worth it to get interior design advice for a small living space?
A: Yes. Designers can suggest ways to really maximize your space and the items within your home. They can also help you choose furniture that is the appropriate scale for your space and furniture that may be specific to small spaces with multiple functions if necessary.

Q: When you design a room, what is the most important advice you give?
A: It is important to have intention with each piece of furniture and each accessory and consider the house a whole that must flow and work together. Pieces should ideally be able to move from one room to another and feel at home in several spaces throughout the home.

Q: What is your best piece of advice to offer someone who wants to redecorate a room on their own?
A: Have fun with it! Try starting with an inspiration piece that you love such as an area rug, a piece of art or even a photograph of a room that you love and then build from there. I’d suggest gathering ideas, samples of the items you are considering, and products so that you can “see” how the room/home everything looks/works together and confirm you love it before you move forward. You can gather great inspiration online: Houzz, Instagram, etc…

Q: What questions should a customer expect an interior designer to ask?
A: One should expect an interior designer to ask a lot of questions! It is crucial for your designer to really get to know you and all who live in the home (all family members and pets). This will allow your designer to come to know how the home is currently being used so they can get to how the home could function best for all who live there. They will ask what sorts of functions and events take place in the house, what hobbies, likes and dislikes, allergies, etcetera. They may ask to see inspiration photos you’ve accumulated or simply draw ideas from your personality, stories, or even your wardrobe.

Q: Do you provide online interior design services as well as in person?
A: Of course! I love that modern technology provides us the opportunity to be in a client’s home together or walk through a shop together regardless of what part of the state or county we are in! I often will FaceTime with clients and I find it to be a wonderful tool.

Flash Q&A:
Current Facebook fan of: any and all Interior Design pages
Current Instagram crush: Becki Owens Design
You have a weakness for: fabrics!
Long-term trend predictions: back to warm wood tones in the home, including cabinetry in the kitchen
A trend that’s just a fad: Everything grey! Grey still has its place but we are seeing more and more color.

Social Media Links:
Email address: mollylewandowski@gmail.com
Phone: 734-417-7071
Website URL: www.parksideinteriors.llc
FB Page: parkside interiors
Instagram: parkside.interiors
Linked In: www/LinkedIn/in/mollylewandowski
Houzz: parkside_interiors