After graduating with a degree in counselling, Melissa realised her passion for design and Project Management was where her heart truly was. This love for the design industry drove her to change her career path.

She was offered an internship position at a high-end kitchen design company, where she learned how to design luxury kitchens. In those days, they were still designing with a scale ruler on paper. She gained valuable practical experience, but in the back of her mind, she always knew she wanted to work for herself and start her own business.

She started by opening her interior shop – Interior Galleries – in 1992. She and her team provided special paint techniques for furniture and walls. This led to growing the business to do bigger projects, ranging from a single room to medium-sized luxury homes, kitchens, bathroom vanities and built-in cupboards. She registered her company in 2000, and it continues to grow.

Melissa never stopped building her brand while raising two amazing kids with her husband, Paul. But when the kids left home in 2016, she focussed all her energy on designing and building their family home in the Highland Gate Golf Estate (Stand 843). Shortly after, Melissa and her friend Anneline decided to purchase stand 1006 in the same estate and build a 5-star guest house. And with an amazing result, they completed the house in March 2019. Melissa handles the project’s construction, design, and interior aspects, and Anneline runs the guest house – The Irish Rock Guest House (www.theirishrock.co.za) – until today. This fresh approach to design quickly attracted the interest of many new clients in Highland Gate Golf Estate.

After graduating with a degree in counselling, Melissa realised her passion for design and Project Management was where her heart truly was. This love for the design industry drove her to change her career path.

She was offered an internship position at a high-end kitchen design company, where she learned how to design luxury kitchens. In those days, they were still designing with a scale ruler on paper. She gained valuable practical experience, but in the back of her mind, she always knew she wanted to work for herself and start her own business.

She started by opening her interior shop – Interior Galleries – in 1992. She and her team provided special paint techniques for furniture and walls. This led to growing the business to do bigger projects, ranging from a single room to medium-sized luxury homes, kitchens, bathroom vanities and built-in cupboards. She registered her company in 2000, and it continues to grow.

Melissa never stopped building her brand while raising two amazing kids with her husband, Paul. But when the kids left home in 2016, she focussed all her energy on designing and building their family home in the Highland Gate Golf Estate (Stand 843). Shortly after, Melissa and her friend Anneline decided to purchase stand 1006 in the same estate and build a 5-star guest house. And with an amazing result, they completed the house in March 2019. Melissa handles the project’s construction, design, and interior aspects, and Anneline runs the guest house – The Irish Rock Guest House (www.theirishrock.co.za) – until today. This fresh approach to design quickly attracted the interest of many new clients in Highland Gate Golf Estate.

Inspiration...

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My Mom was my inspiration.

Coming from a modest background, before Pinterest, I watched my mom from a distance, meticulously selecting décor items. She created the most beautiful living spaces and focus areas.

She had a natural feel for a room, how she celebrated beautiful things, including art, which complemented a space with her special touch, very much ahead of her time.

I fondly remember her carefully hiding the decor items from my Dad.

She would assemble them next to her Sunday hats on the top shelf, until she was ready for the big reveal.

She sparked something inside of me, igniting my creativity and love for beauty. Her excellent taste and originality inspired me. Always practical, inviting and stylish – just like her.

Dankie Mamma…

My Mom was my inspiration.

Coming from a modest background, before Pinterest, I watched my mom from a distance, meticulously selecting décor items. She created the most beautiful living spaces and focus areas.

She had a natural feel for a room, how she celebrated beautiful things, including art, which complemented a space with her special touch, very much ahead of her time.

I fondly remember her carefully hiding the decor items from my Dad.

She would assemble them next to her Sunday hats on the top shelf, until she was ready for the big reveal.

She sparked something inside of me, igniting my creativity and love for beauty. Her excellent taste and originality inspired me. Always practical, inviting and stylish – just like her.

Dankie Mamma…