Melissa’s Design Story
MKB was established in 2004, when the owner of Horizon Retail Construction consulted Melissa to head the design of the couple’s dream Master Bathroom. This design opportunity not only was her first residential design accomplishment, but she was presented the 2005 Bronze Award: Bathroom $75,000+ in Milwaukee Home Magazine and the photography of the space became the marketing literature for the vessel sinks specified for the project.
With the exposure and connection to the construction industry, MKB then collaborated with Bill Wesela of Wesela Homes and together they began designing custom model homes. In 2006, they designed and constructed a home which debuted in the Waukesha WI Parade of Homes and the pair was awarded Gold for New Construction in Milwaukee Home Magazine.
MKB expanded her design portfolio and began partnering with Heartland Development Group where she designed and staged custom model condos. Today these condos can be seen in Sturtevant, West Bend, Franklin and Jackson, WI.
Currently, MKB works solely with home owners to help them see the potential of their already amazing space. MKB credits themselves with spending less to create more! Good design doesn’t have to break the bank.
See some of MKB’s most recent fixes below…
The power of paint!
The yellow paint provided no contrast to the golden cabinets whereas the warm charcoal gray made just the statement the homeowner envisioned: modern and masculine. Additional updates included: new wood window trim, pendant lighting and cabinet hardware.
Rip out that carpet!
The best discovery under that tired and worn carpet was pristine hardwood floors! The area rug was the perfect tie-in to the newly designed builtin and the coloration of the brick. The rose color of the settee’ provided that pop of color necessary in any design and helped further connect all the colors in the space to provided a harmonious feel.
Bring the outside in…
This second story bedroom is surrounded by stunning woods and a ravine below but nature was lost to the green painted walls and subdivided windows. With the contrasting paint the views draw you in and make you want to stay awhile. Additional updates include: new headboard, drapes, nightstands, lamps and wall hangings. A bench was added beneath the window to take in the views for extended periods of time. Windows were replaced to help provide a better, unobstructed view to the abundant wildlife in this parklike setting.
Easy fix…
Bye-bye wallpaper! The budget was tight with this project so many of the classic design elements remained. The wallpapering, however, was the first to go! The walls were painted a warm neutral so that the new artwork became the pop of color in the space. And those pendant lights…LOVE…they definitely stay!
Past winning designs
In collaboration with Bill Wesela of Wesela Homes.
Waukesha Parade of Homes GOLD winner in Milwaukee Home Magazine.
Home of Jon and Pam Henderson: owner of Horizon Retail Construction.
BRONZE winner in Milwaukee Home Magazine.
