When a Brookhaven family purchased a spec home, they had a hard time visualizing the interior as their own. They wanted to move beyond its builder-grade origins and create an environment that felt custom, layered and highly personal. Another important challenge was thoughtfully incorporating furnishings and décor the family already owned while introducing new pieces that elevated the overall design. Also, an unfinished basement was ripe for design, but the family did not want cookie-cutter finishings. When they partnered with Iris & Oak Interiors, not only did the project take off, but a long-lasting friendship was struck between the homeowners and designers.
Michelle Button is Senior Designer at Iris & Oak Interiors and says designing a home is an incredibly personal experience. “Over the course of this project, the homeowner became much more than a client. We built a friendship rooted in trust, collaboration and a shared appreciation for thoughtful design.”
By carefully sourcing distinctive materials, furnishings, lighting and one-of-a-kind design elements, Michelle and her team infused the clients’ aesthetic into every space. The result is a home that feels elevated, collected over time and unmistakably theirs.
Swapping the original light fixtures for elevated, statement-making pieces immediately established a more refined aesthetic throughout the home. The custom cabinetry modifications, like replacing select solid cabinet fronts with brass metal mesh inserts, added texture, depth and a bespoke feel. “The carefully curated artwork was another favorite, as each piece was intentionally selected to reflect the family’s personality and create meaningful moments throughout the home,” says Michelle. Finally, the custom upholstery and one-of-a-kind pillows brought everything together, adding layers of comfort, color and individuality that make the spaces feel warm, collected and special.
The designers were intentional about avoiding spaces that looked like everyone else’s and helped the family invest in pieces that reflected their own personality rather than current trends. Together, they carefully sourced unique furnishings, vintage finds, custom pieces and meaningful accessories over time. “By focusing on thoughtful curation instead of instant gratification, we were able to elevate the home into one that feels collected, timeless and personal,” says Michelle.
Downstairs in the unfinished basement, Iris & Oak had the opportunity to create a space that felt unlike the rest of the home—a true destination for gathering and entertaining. The clients wanted something dramatic, elevated and unlike a typical finished basement, so designers leaned into rich materials, striking architectural details and thoughtfully selected furnishings to create an environment that is equal parts sophisticated, inviting and designed for making memories.
Michelle is known for creating timeless, inviting homes that balance refined style with everyday functionality. She enjoys working with a diverse range of clients, connecting with different personalities, lifestyles and perspectives. Her collaborative approach and attention to detail result in thoughtfully curated spaces that feel elevated yet personal, reflecting the unique stories of those who live in them.
“As their life evolves, I look forward to being a trusted design resource for years to come,” says Michelle. “For all of us at Iris & Oak, those lasting relationships are one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.”