Our editors here at BOLD Journey in Nashville, were lucky to catch up with Christine Mechelse recently and have shared our conversation below. 

Hi Christine, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose? 

I found my purpose through the emotional connection people have with home. Early in my career, I was restoring vintage furniture and sourcing one-of-a-kind pieces through estate sales, and I quickly realized that design is never just about aesthetics — it’s about storytelling, memory, and how a space makes someone feel. I became fascinated with the idea that thoughtful design could completely transform not only a home, but the way people experience their daily lives.

What began as a passion for craftsmanship and timeless pieces evolved naturally into full-scale interior design. I realized my purpose was creating environments that feel deeply personal, layered, and enduring — spaces that reflect the people living in them rather than simply following trends. That philosophy still guides every project we take on at HouseHome today.

I also discovered that I thrive in the balance between creativity and problem-solving. Great design requires both vision and empathy. You have to truly listen to your clients, understand how they live, and translate that into something beautiful, functional, and emotionally resonant. That process is incredibly fulfilling to me.

Over the years, my purpose has become even clearer: helping people create homes that feel authentic, elevated, and timeless — spaces that tell their story for generations to come.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

At HouseHome, we create luxury interiors that feel deeply personal, timeless, and intentionally layered. Our firm specializes in full-service interior design for residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces, and what makes our work unique is the way we blend modern sophistication with authentic vintage character. I’ve always believed that the most beautiful homes are the ones that tell a story — spaces that feel collected over time rather than simply decorated. We service clients around the world, while our home is located in Colorado. That said, we’ve recently also opened an office in Tennessee and will be serving some exclusive clients, while setting up a second office to broaden into the south, southeast, and northeast.

What excites me most about this industry is the transformation process. Watching a client walk into a completed space for the first time and seeing that emotional connection never gets old. Great design has the power to change how people live, entertain, relax, and connect with their families. It’s incredibly rewarding to create environments that not only elevate a home aesthetically, but genuinely improve everyday life.

One of the defining elements of our brand is our commitment to authenticity. Much of my design background began with restoring and sourcing vintage furniture through estate sales, and that foundation still influences our work today. We love incorporating one-of-a-kind vintage pieces, architectural details, and meaningful elements that give a home soul and individuality. Our aesthetic is rooted in timelessness — balancing contemporary living with warmth, history, and craftsmanship.

As a firm, we’ve grown significantly in recent years and are now working with clients nationwide, with teams based in both Colorado and Tennessee. We’ve also expanded into larger-scale luxury residential projects, boutique hospitality spaces, and relocation design services for clients moving across the country or internationally. One exciting focus for us right now is continuing to grow our presence throughout the Southeast, particularly in the Nashville region, while still serving projects across the U.S.

We’ve been fortunate to receive multiple industry recognitions, including consecutive Best of Houzz awards and luxury design honors, but what matters most to me is the trust our clients place in us. At the heart of HouseHome is a very simple philosophy: thoughtful, elevated design should feel personal, livable, and enduring. We’re not designing for trends — we’re designing homes that people will love for years and generations to come.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, I would say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been vision, adaptability, and the ability to build genuine relationships.

The first is vision — not just creatively, but strategically. In design, you have to be able to see the potential in a space before anyone else can. Whether it’s a complete renovation, a custom build, or incorporating vintage pieces into a modern home, I’ve always trusted my ability to look beyond what exists and imagine what’s possible. For anyone early in their journey, I would encourage them to spend time developing their eye and refining their point of view. Study architecture, travel when you can, pay attention to details, and learn why certain spaces feel timeless. The technical side of design matters, but developing your aesthetic perspective is what ultimately sets you apart.

The second is adaptability. This industry is constantly evolving — trends shift, client needs change, markets fluctuate, and every project brings new challenges. Some of the greatest growth in my career came from learning how to pivot while still staying true to our brand and values. Early on, I wore every hat imaginable, from sourcing and staging to project management and client relations, and that experience taught me resilience and problem-solving. My advice is to stay open to learning and not be afraid to evolve. Growth often comes from the moments that push you outside your comfort zone.

The third — and probably the most important — is relationship building and enhancing. Interior design is an incredibly personal profession, which is why we have expanded into Tennessee. We have roots there, not only with clients but long-standing friendships, and the area brings us closer to family. Clients are trusting you with their homes, their investments, and often some of the most meaningful chapters of their lives. Building trust, listening well, and communicating clearly are just as important as creativity. The same goes for relationships with contractors, artisans, vendors, and your team. I think people sometimes underestimate how much long-term success is built on professionalism, consistency, and integrity.

For anyone starting out, I would say focus less on chasing trends or instant success and more on building a strong foundation. Be curious, work hard, stay humble, and invest in developing both your creative skills and your business acumen. Talent is important, but longevity in this industry comes from discipline, adaptability, and the ability to create meaningful connections with people.

To read the full article directly on the magazines' website, click here: https://boldjourney.com/meet-christine-mechelse/