“Molly” shot by Kelsey Cunningham Photography

So, who am I? What do I do, and why should you care?

Truthfully, you don’t have to care… but if you’re already reading this, it’ll help you get through the rest 😉

Here’s a little bit about me, my passion, and why I created Maison de Molly.

Younger Years

Some bangs, amirite?

From a young age, my mom saw the glimmering promise of a budding artist in front of her, and here’s the story that started it all.

“You were 5 years old when your dad built your Victorian-era-styled playhouse in the backyard. I told you that you could pick out the paint colors, and I would paint it whatever you chose — my only guidance was that it needed to be 3 different colors for the trim, siding, and railings.

“I was willing to embrace whatever whimsical (or hideous) shades of purple and pink you might choose, prepared to transform your playhouse into a spectacle of youthful imagination... for all to see from the main road.”

— Momma Lou

“I took you down to the local True Value, where they had hundreds of paint samples on display. You stood there, reached for the samples, and selected pastel purple, pastel blue, and a saturated green. After a brief moment of thought, marked by a thoughtful "hmm," you returned the green and chose a different, softer shade instead.

“I was shocked when you turned and handed them to me, as we hadn’t even been in the store for three minutes.

“So true to my words, I painted the house the colors you wanted. You even told me which trim pieces to paint each color.

“I knew right then and there that you’d be an artist of some type. I was amazed at your choice of colors.

It wasn’t what I imagined any 5 year old to select.”

— from the words of my mother, Lou McGill.

**Playhouse Dreams**

Myself, age 5, dressed as Tinkerbell, standing in the doorway of my Victorian era styled playhouse.

The playhouse has since been repainted so it coordinates with the main house, but the interior remains largely the same.

Here’s a sneak peak at the interior, which is now thoroughly enjoyed by my 4-year-old niece.

The interior transports you to a fairytale wonderland, filled with a fairy prince and princess, a cuckoo clock, and various other fairy folk.

Education

Originally a fan of polly pockets and crafting my own paper dresses using Klutz kits, I wanted to go into fashion design.

**Klutz Paper Fashions**

These craft books made up a large portion of my childhood. I loved the small metal hangers for my creations. Each set also came with thread and sequins, the perfect embellishments for my evening wear inspired runway line…

In 2004, Product Runway launched, and it quickly became a staple show of my preteen years.

I loved the innovative designs that came from limited time and resources.

One of my favorite gifts I received during this era was a Barbie calendar. The artistic fashion forward sketches allowed the ruffles, bows, and tulle to dance off the pages. I imagined myself wearing them to dinner parties and red carpet events.

Naturally, at this age I was invited to those posh occasions.

Robert Best, renowned for his Barbie fashion sketches, is an alumnus of Parsons School of Design in New York City.

Reflecting on his education, Best recalls a memorable moment when one of his instructors commented on his sketches, remarking that they resembled Barbie.

Embracing this observation, Best now reflects, 'So maybe it was prophetic,' acknowledging the unintentional foresight of his teacher's words.

(Simply The Best...Highlighting the Fashion Illustrations of Robert Best)

However, I didn’t know how to sew — and truthfully, I wasn’t passionate about learning. Goodbye fashion school.

While my head was in the clouds of fashion, my mom was interior decorating for a variety of clients. She’d help them pick paint colors and she’d even execute the painting too. I remember following her around with a paint brush and helping her trim out her client’s rooms.

I loved helping her transform spaces.

That was it.

I knew what I wanted to do.

I didn’t even realize you could go to school for interior design. My brother, being the researcher that he was, created a spreadsheet for me with all potential college options, focusing on accredited programs.

I toured five schools, and one came out on top.

A cougar mascot with a purple shirt saying Chatham University

It was close to home, but not too close.

There were old mansions for dorms, cobblestone streets, lots of trees, and it was nestled between Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill and Shadyside neighborhoods.

I was accepted into their accelerated three year program.

I wanted to learn as much as I could, in the shortest amount of time. Why?

So I could get out there and do it.

Career

A woman sitting at her desk reviewing interior design samples like fabric swatches and paint chips. Behind her hanging on the wall are images of her interior design projects. — “Interior Designer”, Created by the author using ChatGPT

After graduation, I started at a local Pittsburgh design/build firm. They helped me build my technical knowledge base, completely re-framing the way I used technical programs like AutoCAD and SketchUp.

It was in this position that I learned how to detail drawings so that the team in the field could actually build it.

You can be a great designer, but if you can’t communicate your designs to the build team, you won’t be successful.

I was able to go on site visits which provided me with a better knowledge on how our interiors are built and structured around us. I loved our team of builders — they are the craftsman that make our design magic a reality.

However, after almost three years in this position, I was hungry for more.

What happens when we are done building the addition and the clients move back in?
Who helps them with rugs, drapery, and furniture?

I accepted my next position at a small interior design firm bursting with color. I shared my AutoCAD and SketchUp skills and in time also learned the ins and outs of color, pattern, and texture.

It was my dream job.

In this position I traveled to various states, designing beautiful homes for high-end residential clients. I was exposed to brands, people, and a luxury lifestyle that I could never have imagined. I gave this position my absolute all, acting as a sponge and absorbing everything I possibly could.

So, why did I leave?

I’ve always believed that good design should be accessible to everyone.

Maison de Molly

“maison” - the French word for house. House of Molly.

Interior design is more than a profession to me; it's a heartfelt passion that has transformed into my own business venture.

The spaces around us significantly shape our health, happiness, and overall well-being. It's essential to cultivate environments that are not only safe and comfortable but also thoughtfully designed with intention.

Our homes are our sanctuaries, the places where we find solace and comfort.

Being invited into your home, a space so intimate and personal, is a privilege I will always respect. I approach each opportunity to transform a house into a home, reflecting the uniqueness and spirit of those who welcomed me in the front door.

Social Media

I look forward to showcasing and sharing my work with you, very soon.

In the meantime, I’ve started a YouTube channel dedicated to all things design.

In tandem with this blog post, I had fun filming an interview in my home. Shoutout to my Social Media Manager, Jenna. Thank you for all of your help and insight as we start this video journey together.

Good Golly Miss Molly

Younger Years

Education

Career

Maison de Molly

Designer vs. Decorator

On Wednesdays, We Wear Pink