Melissa’s path back to creativity began in 2018 during a trip home to Western New York for her high school reunion. What started as a way to unwind from corporate life quickly blossomed into something bigger when she began sharing her paintings online. The response was immediate. By 2020, clients were not only commissioning her art but also asking who designed her home (to which she famously replied, “You’re looking at her!” ). That moment marked the birth of M. Herriott Designs.
Named “Best Interior Designer” by QC Nerve, one of “Twenty Female Charlotte Artists Who Are Shaping the Arts Landscape” by QC Exclusive, and featured on HGTV’s Renovation Resort Showdown, Melissa has become one of Charlotte’s most celebrated creative entrepreneurs. She’s also a Wayfair Professional Tastemaker, teaches Interior Design 101 through SkillPop, and was honored on SouthPark Magazine’s 2025 IT List.
Melissa believes that every space deserves warmth, personality, and a touch of play. Her design philosophy is simple: together, she and her clients breathe new life into forgotten spaces, transforming them into reflections of the people who call them home.
CHARLOTTE-BASED CREATIVE SHARING ORIGINAL ART AND INSPIRED DESIGN.
Hi!
I'm Melissa
the "M" behind M. Herriott Designs
After thinking about it I answered that I think it’s 3 things:
Authenticity
Gratitude
Our Approach
We are exactly who you see on social media and we do exactly what we claim to do. We stick to what we love. What we are good at. We do not claim (or want) to do it all. We envision. Decorate. Style. Finish. We do not renovate, demolish, or manage vendors.
We love this work. We are honored to have the trust of our clients. We are just as excited as you are. We cannot wait for you to love your space and believe that everyone deserves to be proud of the home that they work so hard for.
We are thoughtful and realistic. You do not have to ditch everything in your home and start over to work with us. We’ll use the couch you love. Your living room walls do not have to be filled with meaningless decor. They can (and should) have pictures of your loved ones on them. We do our best to respect your home. Your money. How you live.
i was asked recently what makes M. Herriott Designs successful...
FEATURES
the hands and hearts that make your styling dreams come true
We're not just a design firm. We are a family of fun-loving, dedicated professionals who share a passion for turning interior dreams into reality. Our individual design styles allow us to bring a unique perspective to the table. From the free-spirited artists to the meticulous planners, we are a dynamic group united by a common goal:
It's the collaborative spirit of our team that makes every project extraordinary. Whether it's a complete home makeover or a subtle touch-up, our team's passion, dedication, and creative flair shine through in every design we create. You're not just getting a design team; you're gaining access to a group of people who are dedicated to making your space a reflection of your unique style and personality.
it's a team effort
To make you proud of where you live, and happy every time you walk through your front door.
Carmen, Krista, Melissa, Vada, Hailey
1. WHO IS THE EARLY BIRD AND WHO IS THE NIGHT OWL?
Carmen and Krista are early to bed early to rise! Melissa, Vada and Hailey are up all night.
2. WHO IS THE DESIGNATED DJ FOR INSTALLS?
5. WHAT CAN SOMEONE EXPECT TO FIND IN YOUR PURSE?
A few fabric samples, painter's tape, a laptop, and 6 hair ties
It changes! DJ Carmen is bringing you R&B. Krista is our pop princess. Vada & Melissa are human 5 disc changers, you never know what you'll get. Hailey would rather work in silence than have the pressure of being the DJ.
3. In order from most to least likely, who is usually ready for lunch first?
4. WHO gets the biggest kick out of reorganzining?
Vada and Hailey... they LOVE organizing (and the rest of us love to let them).
MELISSA:
Trick Question - we work straight through lunch (but have been known to run out for gas station snacks and a diet coke).
Definitely a tape measure...or 3
CARMEN:
Snacks for the WHOLE team
VADA:
Lip gloss, lip balm, lip liner
HAILEY:
At least 1 (but up to 3) pairs of sunglasses
