DESIGN MINDS
I LOVE TO MIX STYLES AND BRING IN A
TOUCH OF THE UNEXPECTED. For example, we mixed modern furniture with traditional antiques at one of our downtown condo projects. We mixed Victorian, industrial, and modern elements for a log cabin in the Snoqualmie Pass area. And for the Judge Ronald House in Seattle—a grand 1880 landmark home that needed a major overhaul—my clients asked me to draw upon a “haunted mansion” or the backstage of Moulin Rouge for inspiration. My background in psychology is probably part of why I like to create spaces that have such varied personalities—much like people do. WHEN LOOKING FOR INSPIRATION,
I love visiting reclaimed building supply stores, antique malls and art galleries. As I discover old and new objects, I look at them through the lens of what they could be. What is their potential? How could I turn them into something interesting and beautiful? Through constant questioning I think that I’m able to see new ways of looking at things and create solutions that fit each individual client. ONE OF THE BIGGEST MISTAKES HOMEOWNERS MAKE IS BUYING SOMETHING NEW
to fix a problem instead of re-evaluating the big picture. It’s often best to “design by elimination” as the first step. Evaluate what you already have, what you truly love and what is a better size and configuration for your needs. Another first step is to review images the client is drawn to on online sources like Pinterest or Houzz as a way to start the conversation about preferences and to develop a concept.
I ALWAYS WANTED TO CREATE AND REPURPOSE ITEMS TO GIVE THEM NEW
LIFE. I remember being late for kindergarten
because I wanted to change the way my curtains were hanging. By fourth grade, I was browsing architectural plan magazines… and making villages of tiny houses from shoe boxes.
MY FIRST DEGREE, AND CAREER, WAS
IN PSYCHOLOGY. As a non-profit case man-
MICHE LLE D IRK S E | SEAT T L E M I C H E L LE DI R KSE I N TE R I OR DESIGN M I C H E L LE DI R KSE .CO M @M IC H E LLE DI R KSE
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WINDERMERE LIVING SPRING 2019
ager, I connected children who are at risk and adults with chronic mental illness with resources—healthcare, housing, education— to help them through life. After three years of social work, creativity was calling and I went back to school for interior design. While psychology and design are very different in practice, both require evaluating variables and creating solutions.
RECENT RENOVATION because I had so much freedom to explore the unexpected. I bought my current home, a mid-century condo, for its location and potential—seeing past the laminate floors, Formica countertops, and drab walls. My home is now a combination of one-of-a-kind furniture pieces and art. I designed my own sofa, chaise, and nightstands from scratch, commissioned a local ceramics artist to make two custom lamps, another artist to make a new large art piece, and yet another artist to make a weaving to upholster an ottoman with. My own home project also gave me the opportunity to test out my own line of fabrics, rugs, and wallpapers that I created with local artists. (In addition to our online inventory, we sell one-of-a-kind pieces at our retail space/design studio.) I love how my new space feels and that the better functionality makes each part of my day easier and more enjoyable. Of course, I love the look, too.
COURTESY MICHELLE DIRKSE (2)
MY FAVORITE PROJECT WAS MY OWN
