Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Melody Vaughn.

Founder of Melody Vaughn Interiors (MVI), conversation dives into the art and business of interior design, with a focus on accessibility, personalization, and the emotional power of home spaces.

🎙️ Guest: Melody Vaughn

Title: Interior Designer, Founder of Melody Vaughn Interiors (MVI)
Specialties: Kitchens, bathrooms, renovations, art consultation, and staging

🏡 Key Highlights ✨ Design Philosophy

• Interior design is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for well-being.
• Everyone deserves a beautiful space, regardless of budget.
• Design should reflect how people live, not just how it looks.

🧠 Personal Journey

• Started as a hobby—reorganizing closets and rearranging furniture as a child.
• Inspired by her father, a landscaper, and early exposure to beautiful homes.
• Returned to school to become a certified kitchen designer.
• Worked with Home Depot, then transitioned into flipping homes and full-scale renovations.

🛠️ Design Process & Team

• Melody leads a team that includes:
  • Senior and mid-level designers
  • Contractors (painters, electricians, wallpaper installers, etc.)
  • Sourcing specialists and assistants
• Emphasizes project management, timelines, and behind-the-scenes coordination.
• Compares the design process to composing music—each element must harmonize.

🎨 Client-Centered Approach

• No “one-size-fits-all” style—designs are based on:
  • Client lifestyle
  • Regional influences (East Coast vs. West Coast aesthetics)
  • Color psychology
  • Even the client’s wardrobe!
• Two types of clients:
  • Personal/homeowners: require emotional connection and time
  • Investors/flippers/Airbnb owners: want fast, functional, stylish results

🧩 Managing Expectations

• Design takes time—up to a year for full transformation.
• Contracts include clear timelines and exit clauses to protect both parties.
• AI and rendering tools help visualize concepts, but human connection is key.

📍 Location

• Based in Atlanta, GA
• Available for travel—“There’s a Hartfield-Jackson Airport, and I’ll jump on a plane in a minute!”

💬 Rushion’s Take

• Praises Melody’s ability to make design relatable and emotionally resonant.
• Highlights her professionalism, creativity, and growing popularity with listeners.

 

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

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