Christine Mechelse: From Estate Sale Treasures to Principal Designer

Christine Mechelse transforms forgotten vintage treasures into stunning focal points, building a design philosophy that honors history while embracing contemporary living. We sat down with her to discuss her journey from passionate furniture restorer to Owner and Principal Interior Designer of HouseHome.

Early Beginnings & Passion

What first drew you to vintage furniture restoration?

"I've had a lifelong love affair with historic design—from architecture to furniture and decor. Pieces from the past were crafted with such skill and intention, an artistry that's becoming increasingly rare. When I discovered estate sales, I was captivated not just by the quality of these forgotten treasures, but by their stories. Learning the history behind each piece became essential to my process, tales I would later share with their new owners. I approached each restoration knowing that my hands were continuing a legacy, preserving both monetary value and sentimental worth."

Do you remember the first piece you ever restored?

"My first restoration remains in the family—an 1880s china hutch I found at a thrift store for just $20. The moment I spotted it, I could visualize its potential. There's something deeply fulfilling about giving new life to discarded pieces; I often feel I'm rescuing history itself. That hutch lived in my kitchen for a decade before becoming a 'new' family heirloom for my daughter. I filled it with vintage dishware; she uses it for books—proving beautiful pieces adapt through generations."

How did you learn restoration techniques?

"Pure trial and error taught me everything I know. Financial constraints meant formal training wasn't an option, so I taught myself through experimentation. I often had to start over completely, but each challenge was worth it. Every restoration became a labor of love."

Evolution to Interior Design

At what point did you realize you wanted to expand from furniture restoration to full interior design?

"Design has always been my passion—starting with architecture initially. My dedication to high-quality furniture naturally expanded to envisioning complete spaces where these pieces could truly shine. Seeing my restored treasures come alive within a cohesive environment I created brings an incomparable sense of fulfillment."

How does your background in restoration influence your approach to interior design?

"My restoration work trained my eye to see potential where others see problems. I can walk into homes that owners consider beyond salvaging and immediately visualize their transformation. Finding beauty in the discarded or overlooked translates perfectly from furniture to entire spaces—breathing new life into both is what drives me."

What historical design periods most inspire your work?

"Art Deco has a special place in my heart. We recently spent over three years renovating a 1926 home with stunning quarter-sawn oak features throughout. Working with architects and contractors, we carefully relocated and restored original lighting, woodwork, and French doors while ensuring modern additions flowed seamlessly with the historic elements."

Design Philosophy

How would you describe your design aesthetic in three words?

"Historic, modern, juxtaposing. That’s tough to sum up!"

What's your process when approaching a new space or project?

"Everything begins with thorough client interviews. I use detailed questionnaires, in-person discussions, and inspiration boards to understand not just what clients want, but who they are. I regularly remind my team that we're not designing for ourselves—we're creating homes that reflect our clients' personalities and lifestyles. While many designers chase trends or impose personal preferences, we focus equally on stunning aesthetics and creating spaces that bring clients joy for years to come."

How do you balance honoring historical elements while creating spaces that work for modern living?

"Preserving original elements is non-negotiable when working with historic homes. These authentic components simply cannot be duplicated, no matter how skilled the reproduction. My team understands that careful handling is essential—damaging original features diminishes the soul of the finished space. What makes my work distinctive is the thoughtful juxtaposition of aged and contemporary elements. This intersection creates a visual excitement that's nearly impossible to replicate, allowing each design to stand as its own work of art."

Signature Style

Do you have a favorite type of project to work on?

"Historic home renovations are my absolute passion—projects where I can restore original structures while highlighting architectural details like woodwork, stained glass, or brickwork. The challenge of incorporating modern elements while maintaining the home's character creates a perfect creative tension."

How do you source unique vintage pieces for your designs?

"I'm relentless when hunting for the perfect pieces. I research local estate sales meticulously, and if I spot something ideal for a client, I'll be standing in line before dawn to acquire it. These one-of-a-kind treasures require dedication, but they're what make my designs impossible to duplicate. That uniqueness is something I feel is very special about my work."

Business Growth

What was the turning point that transformed your restoration hobby into a successful design business?

"After years of furniture restoration, I began helping friends style their homes as a creative outlet. What started as a gift for friends quickly spread through word-of-mouth when one recommendation led to my first paying client. From there, it organically evolved into a full-scale interior design firm. The business grew naturally from passion and reputation rather than strategic planning. Now we have the strategic planning too, and we’re growing like crazy. The culture of HouseHome is still the same, though, where I came from continues to drive our business model."

Looking Forward

What design trends are you excited about right now?

"I'm drawn to Japandi style with its neutral, natural palette. While I appreciate current trends, I approach them cautiously. My clients consistently request timeless designs that won't feel dated in five years, so I focus on creating enduring spaces with subtle nods to modern elements."

What's next for you and your design firm?

"We're expanding our partnerships with real estate professionals to help them close properties more efficiently. We're also in the development phase of opening our second location on the East Coast—an exciting step in our growth journey."

Personal Touch

What's one piece of advice you'd give to someone interested in starting a similar journey?

"If you have both passion for design and genuine creativity, you absolutely can build a career in this field. Don't surrender to discouragement—this industry makes it temptingly easy to compare yourself to others or internalize criticism. Remember that design is art, and art is subjective. What one person critiques, another may adore. Stay true to your vision, knowing that even the most exceptional work will always face critics."

Is there a dream project you haven't tackled yet?

"I'd love to restore a historic building with multiple dwellings, renovating each unit in a different style while maintaining the original architectural framework throughout. This would showcase how various design approaches can thrive within the same foundational structure—demonstrating the full spectrum of possibilities when history meets modern design vision."

Follow Christine Mechelse on LinkedIn and visit our website for more info on working with Christine to transform your space!