Van Zee Design Associates

Having never worked with a professional interior designer before, we decided to have Melissa Van Zee just work on a spare bedroom before embarking on the rest of the house. The first meeting was so successful and we were so impressed with Melissa that we took the leap of faith and had her help us with virtually the entire house.
When asked by others how to best describe Melissa and her approach, I’d have to emphasize «personal». One of her strengths lies in repurposing items we already owned and bringing in new pieces to accentuate those cherished pieces we have.
Additionally, she has succeeded in making me feel as though I’m her favorite or only client even though I know she’s being pulled in many different directions and dealing with a wide variety of clients. Any inquiries have been addressed immediately.
Melissa held her sub-​contractors (i.e. painter, wall-​papering, furniture install, window treatment install, art install/​rehang, etc.) to the same high standard to which she strives to attain. They all respect her and her business and treated my home and our belongings accordingly.
Most importantly, Melissa succeeded in making changes that feel like us as opposed to making our home feel as though someone came in and took over. Style and designing can be intimidating to most of us.
Melissa Van Zee took a process that can be overwhelming and made it enjoyable. We will spend years appreciating the environment she has created for us… and be able to afford to entertain our friends and family because she respected our budget and found ways for us to save money in the long run.

Melissa is awesome. I was lucky enough to be able to give her virtually a blank slate, a nearly-​new three-​bedroom 2.5 bath Craftsman-​style home containing very little existing furniture (and no flourishes). She designed each room of the house according to a different theme, each theme taken from an area of my personal interests. She created a media room, a gaming room, a nautically themed bedroom and more. What I liked most about Melissa was that she didn’t try to make my tastes conform to hers, she took my themes and ideas and gave them the expression I could never have done myself. She found the most interesting design items for each room, very eclectic items that have repeatedly turned into conversation pieces at parties. And not only did Melissa create the design, but she personally supervised the installation of everything — furniture, wallpaper, decorations, window coverings, etc.
Her costs were very reasonable and she always made time for me when I needed her. She has even been a helpful sounding-​board long after the design. She has my highest recommendation.
Bob B., Sherman Oaks, CA