This month, meet Molly McNamara of Molly Mac Designs, a Michigan-based interior designer. We love working with our designers in our showroom, and have had the privilege of working with Molly to help her client's dreams a reality!

What inspired you to become a designer?

I noticed details from a very early age, and design is all about details. When I was ten, my family travelled to Ireland, and I couldn’t stop staring at the children’s strawberry-hair and bright blue eyes. I told my step mom, “the children here look so beautiful!” I realize now how unusual it was to notice such things at that young an age. This seemed intrinsic, the way some people are naturally good at math or writing. I was good at noticing things. 

My eye for detail was strengthened, I believe, by my dad’s great taste. He and my step mom would visit estate sales and find wonderful local furniture from makers like Kendall, Baker, and many others.

I later attended MSU to play tennis and study art, but I was uncertain about becoming an artist. I remember saying to my dad, “I don’t want to be an artist. How do you make a living as an artist?” He gave me great advice, telling me to “take a semester on design and see what you like.” So, I took an interior design course, and fell in love, and never looked back! I’ve been a designer ever since.

How would you describe your design style in three words?

Classic, timeless, and cheerful (but not overdone!)

What is your favorite project you've worked on and why?

That’s like asking who your favorite child is! I can’t pick a favorite project!

Truthfully, each project ultimately comes down to relationships. It’s not uncommon that I form long-lasting friendships with my clients, because they’re inviting me into their home and sharing so much with me. It’s truly an intimate experience, and I’m honored by their invitation. I learn how they eat, where they sit, and what’s important to them. 

So, while it’s impossible to pick a favorite project, I fully believe that the relationships are my favorite part of this work.

How do you incorporate the client's personality into your designs?

This ties in perfectly with the previous question! My primary role in the relationship is being a good listener. I ask a lot of questions: do you entertain a lot, what do you do, what do you love about your home already? I then weave their answers into the details and design of the space.

I also tend to work with older clients, which I love! My work with older clients is partially about bringing their personalities out in the design, but also thinking about how the design can accommodate their needs as they continue to age.

What are some common challenges you face as an interior designer, and how do you overcome them?

Often, the biggest challenge is helping my clients maintain enthusiasm through the entire design process. There’s typically a lot of excitement at the beginning of the project when we’re dreaming and learning and making decisions. It’s also a lot of fun near the end when we get to see everything come into place. But there can be a long time between those things, and sometimes the vision can become lost or blurry.

I overcome this with my clients by treating design like a puzzle. Sometimes, finding that one right piece will motivate you for the whole puzzle. I had this recently when a project felt stuck, so the client and I did some fabric shopping. We found just the right kind of fabric, and suddenly the whole thing felt fresh and we were able to have the energy to keep pursuing our shared vision.

How do you stay updated on industry trends and innovations?

I attend as many events as I can. I love Modern Hardware events and other local gatherings. I also learn a lot just by going to showrooms. Dealers and stores often give me so much insight about what’s current and what works well together. 

And, of course I’m on Instagram a lot. But I still really love magazines like Veranda. There’s something about the physical magazines and layout of the pages that spark my imagination and excitement more than posts and reels.

What trends are you currently excited about?

I’m thrilled to see a return to traditional style. After all, Michigan has plenty of gray skies, so I’ve never bought into the all-gray interiors trend. Instead, I lean into rich blues and whites, touches of color, and bold wallpapers (I’ve always been a “wallpaper girl”). I really love the “cozy-layered” look: mixing textures, patterns, and warm accents to create inviting spaces.

I’m also loving the rise of “Grandmillennial” style. Think heirloom fabrics, vintage-inspired florals, and tailored details. I’ve even noticed fabric-covered lampshades making a major comeback. These trends feel both nostalgic and fresh, and they give endless opportunities to play with color, pattern, and personality.

Anything else you would like to highlight or share?

“Edit, edit edit.” 

Editing is such an important part of the design process. I don’t like a ton of “stuff,” so I encourage myself and my clients to make sure each piece is well-thought-out and edited.