About Me

Growing up in Minnesota, summers were spent swimming and fishing up north. Back then, most cabins were seasonal cottages that had to be shut down during the winter. They had no heat, the light bulbs dangled from cords nailed to the 2x4s on the ceiling, and, sometimes, there was even a random squirrel running around inside. No joke. Times have changed.

I graduated from school in Seattle and loved it so much I stayed there for a few more years before moving on.  From there, I savored living in some amazing places, including Boston, San Francisco and Shanghai, absorbing the best of design every inch of the way. I love to pick it apart, break it down and pile it back together. It’s been a fun journey that has led me from the cottages dotting the fields and farms on the Orcas Islands to tree houses in Marin County and mansions in Pacific Heights. I’ve perused historical row houses in Boston and admired the new and old of Shanghai and Beijing.

In Shanghai, I would spend hours every week buried within the stacks in fabric markets, discovering beautiful bolts of material. I was introduced to local craftspeople who worked with me on the design and production of case goods and upholstered pieces. I hunted markets for artwork and antiques…many of which fill my home today.

Along the way, I have gutted homes, added on to others, and built new ones from the ground up. I moved back to Minnesota in 2006, and pledged my love to the lakeside cabin. I worked as a designer for an inspiring builder that truly makes some of the most authentically old and classic, midwest cabins. You will see many of these in my portfolio.

My level of involvement on each project varies. Some clients prefer I handle everything from the early design stages to the hanging of artwork. Other clients bring their own vision, while I mainly keep us on track and provide a little humor along the way.

With the opening of BeDe Design, I am increasingly working on urban homes, laying the foundation for both “Home + Away.” As much as I love the “Away,” I have a growing fascination with “Home.” Over the months and years ahead I will continue to bring you photos of projects I’ve got in the works and, as always, welcome feedback and ideas.

Thanks,
Michelle