TThis charming studio apartment belonged to one of my daughter’s friends and a fellow interior design classmate, Michaela of Michaela Noelle Designs, while she completed her design studies. I’m sharing her space today because it’s delightfully styled — far from an average college apartment — and because I have a special announcement about Michaela and wanted to introduce her properly.
My daughter Courtney (on the right) recently graduated with a degree in Interior Design, and I couldn’t be prouder. Michaela (on the left) graduated with her as well and the two of them have become close friends. Both girls are talented, stylish, and genuinely sweet — the kind of people who bring warmth and creativity wherever they go.
Courtney assists me with projects and collages for The Inspired Room and now works full time for Restoration Hardware. She also played a major role in our recent kitchen remodel, offering trusted opinions and a fresh perspective. It was a joy to collaborate with her on such a meaningful project.
Our other daughter, Kylee, has taken on the role of project manager, keeping ideas focused and helping bring creative concepts to life. She’s also contributed some of the hand-drawn art and recipes you may have seen on the site. I feel incredibly fortunate to work alongside such a supportive, talented family.
We often joke that the team could use another sister — when these girls get together, ideas multiply and projects take on a life of their own. While we adore our 13-year-old son, he hasn’t yet caught the decorating bug the way the girls have. Still, he enjoys the results of some of our efforts, so there’s hope.
Between outside jobs, volunteer commitments, and daily life, there are far more ideas than hands to execute them. We love expanding our creative pursuits, but time is limited. That’s where Michaela fits in perfectly.
After a lively coffee meeting in Seattle, we all agreed that Michaela feels like the long-lost sister we never knew we needed. While the adoption joke was in good fun, the real news is that Michaela will be joining our creative circle in a more official way.
Starting next month she will contribute to The Inspired Room as part of our team, sharing monthly DIY projects, entertaining ideas, and design inspiration. Her sensibilities and fresh ideas complement our voice beautifully, and we’re excited to include her perspective regularly on the site.
We’re thrilled to welcome another enthusiastic designer to our team — someone who loves decor, DIY, and creative storytelling as much as we do. I’m confident you’ll enjoy her contributions and find fresh inspiration in her posts.
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Home Tour — Designed by Michaela along with her roommate Alexa Osgood. Photo credit: Monica Wang Photography