The Style Files: Melissa Warner

{The Lovely and Stylish Melissa Warner}

As a style blogger and interior design enthusiast, I am constantly faced with inspiring spaces. Naturally, I like some more than others, but if a room is well-designed, whether it is extremely modern or completely traditional, I can certainly appreciate it, even if it is not my style. However, every now and then, one comes across the work of a designer that is perfect in one’s eyes. That is the case for me when it comes to Melissa Warner of Massucco Warner Miller. Her designs are exactly my taste. Melissa’s style is at once sophisticated, fresh, modern, and  glamorous. She has an amazing ability of mixing styles, colors, patterns, textures, and new pieces with vintage ones. One of the things that most stands out to me when I am admiring Melissa’s work is her ability get the balance between traditional and eclectic styles just right. Her work never feels stuffy or impersonal, nor does it feel overly trendy. Melissa’s spaces are as chic and timeless as they are inviting.

 

Name: Melissa Warner

Occupation: Interior Designer at Massucco Warner Miller Interior Design

Hometown: Los Angeles, California

Current City: West Hollywood and San Francisco

 

{Melissa’s Apartment as Featured in the May 2010 issue of House Beautiful}

LDV: What inspired you to begin your career in design? 

MW:  Ever since I was a little girl, I always loved design. I was forever rearranging my bedroom, styling my bookshelves, and having disagreements with my mom about wallpaper (I REALLY wanted a tulip print!) After getting a degree in business, I immediately started design school and haven’t looked back since…. It was one of the best decisions I ever made!

 

{This bedroom is part of a gorgeous home that Melissa designed for a San Francisco family. It was recently published in Traditional Home. Aren’t the colors lovely?}

LDV: What do you love most about it?

MW: I love working with our clients to make their house a home. Each client is different so we get to work in a variety of different styles which always keeps things interesting and fun. I’m a detail person so I really enjoy working out the specifics of custom pieces with local upholsters, seamstresses and furniture makers.

 

{How gorgeous is this vanity? I feel like it is the embodiment of my design personality. Melissa is a girl after my own heart!}

LDV:  Where do you find inspiration?

MW: From everything! Travel, fashion, nature...inspiration is all around!

 

{The Ultimate Style Icon: Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis}

LDV: Who are some of your personal style icons?

MW: Jackie O, Dorothy Draper, Audrey Hepburn, Miles Redd

 

{Melissa’s own bedroom is bananas! There are so many fabulous elements in this one room: the Dorothy Draper Chest, gorgeous custom headboard, Chippendale bamboo bookcase, and pops of orange.}

 

LDV: How would you describe your own style?

MW: Classic with a modern twist

 

{I honestly think Melissa designs the best bedrooms in the business. So maybe this room (from the same gorgeous San Francisco home mentioned earlier) was intended for a three year old. I’d still take it!}

 

LDV: What is the trait you most admire in a person?

MW: Sincerity and honesty

 

{The dining room plays host to bold orange chairs and gorgeous hand-painted de Gournay wallpaper, which you might recognize from the cover of the Domino book.}

 

LDV: What is your principal weakness?

MW: Anything with truffle oil.

 

{Melissa’s gorgeous apartment graced the cover of House Beautiful in May.}

 

LDV: What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

MW: Stay in the moment.

 

{Melissa’s closet features black and white pictures of her style icon, Jackie O. Such a brilliant idea!}

 

LDV: What do you consider your greatest achievement?

MW:  Amazing friends and family

 

{This ultra-chic bedroom was designed by Massucco Warner Miller for the 2008 San Francisco Decorator Showhouse.}

 

LDV: What is your idea of living “la dolce vita”?

MW:  A dreamy vacation with lots of pampering

 

{A Delectable Array of Cheeses}

 

Bloom: Hydrangeas and Peonies

Food: Cheese…I can’t resist it!

Drink: St. Germaine Cocktail

 

{Wandering the Streets of Italia… Image by Francesco Lagnese}

 

Thing to Wear: Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress

Destination: Florence, Lake Como, Paris…anywhere in Italy or France

Season: Fall—I love the crispness in the air

Meal: Pasta

 

{A Strking Image Captured by Massimo Vitali}

Musician: Elton John

Artist: Massimo Vitali

Film: Sliding Doors

 

{The Hilarious “Family Portrait” episode of Modern Family}

 

Television Show: Modern Family…I can’t stop laughing!

Book: Girls Guide to Hunting and Fishing

Magazines: House Beautiful and Elle Decor

Blogs: Style Saloniste and La Dolce Vita of course!

 

{Tangerine meets Charcoal in Melissa’s Home Office}

 

Texture: All things knit

Fabric or Pattern: This is an impossible question! Too many to choose from!

Color: Tangerine or Coral paired with Charcoal or Ivory

 

 

{Chance by Chanel}

 

Scent: Fresh basil and Chanel “Chance”

Extravagance: Long lunches

Quote: “Keep Calm and Carry On”

 

To see more of Melissa’s fabulous work, visit the Massucco Warner Miller website and become a fan on Facebook.