Meet Melissa Goldblatt | Carte Blanche Designs & Finds
We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Goldblatt and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Melissa, why did you pursue a creative career?
Growing up I was always interested in art, and when I saw my first floor plan at the age of 8 or 9 I immediately knew I had to pursue this as a career. From that day on my notebooks were filled with drawings of house plans. I love that everyday I get to do something different, and use my creativity to help people design and build their dream home.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think my strongest skill in the design industry is seeing the potential of a space beyond your typical cosmetic work.
When I see a space or floor plan, I immediately know the changes I’d make, often ones most designers may overlook. I’m definitely not bound by existing walls, especially when I can see the potential of what the client needs the space to become.
I have been working in various roles in the design industry since 2015. While employed full time, I simultaneously worked freelance design jobs to get as much experience as possible. I’ve had the honor of learning from many designers over the years, which has helped me to develop my own personal style. My experiences have helped me cultivate the art of adaptability, always with respect to the client and their space.
When working on a new build or renovation project I am known to completely rework the floor plan layouts. In one project I added an entry coat closet where there was previously unused open space. I relocated the door to the pantry to a different wall in the butlers pantry, creating space for a built-in coffee bar in the kitchen. In another project I combined three separate and under utilized areas –A dining room built-in, a butler’s pantry, and the kitchen pantry, into a fully functional prep kitchen. These are the kinds of changes that reflect my philosophy when it comes to design, creating truly customized spaces, designed with intention to embody the client’s personality and how they live – it’s ‘Carte Blanche’.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would start in my neighborhood, the Heights. We would probably get a delicious breakfast from the Kolache Shoppe and then go for a walk down Heights Boulevard. I would obviously have to take them to all of my favorite local antique and home goods stores, specifically Kuhl Linscomb, I could spend hours in there! It is my go to place for any type of gift or decorative accessory. As a dedicated plant parent I’d also make sure to visit my favorite plant store, The Flora Culture. They carry a variety of exotic plants and supplies, and the staff is incredibly friendly and helpful. To end the day, we would head to one of my got to restaurants, Mia’s Table, Tiny’s, or Pappasito’s!
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe so much to my parents for constantly supporting my passion of art and design. They have always encouraged me to pursue my dreams of working in the creative field, whether it be taking me to get art supplies or driving me through old historic neighborhood to gaze at the stunning mansions I wished to work on in the future. They have been and always will be my biggest cheerleaders.
As for where I find my inspiration, lots of my ideas come from different publication sources. One of my favorites is Frederic Magazine, every space they showcase is incredibly layered and thoughtful. I have such a high level of respect for all of the professionals who help put that publication together – flipping through the pages fills me with such a strong desire to create. Alongside design magazines I also love discovering old interior design coffee table books, I love seeing how certain elements of design have changed drastically, while so many others have held up over the decades.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carteblanchedesignsnfinds/
Image Credits
Ellen Renee Photography
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