When it comes to creating interiors that seamlessly blend elegance and individuality, Melanie Calder Russo of Calder Design Group is a true visionary. In this exclusive interview, Melanie shares her insights on developing unique aesthetic visions for clients, balancing timeless design with modern trends, and the creative process behind her team’s work. Fresh off their recent feature on Open House NYC, she opens up about her design philosophy, her inspirations, and the latest incoming trends.

How would you define your style and aesthetic?

As Calder Design Group is a high-end interior designer firm, our style is rooted in contemporary elegance with a keen eye for unexpected elements. We thrive on blending rich textures and vibrant colors, carefully selecting materials that evoke both sophistication and warmth. Each project is uniquely crafted to reflect the sensibilities and lifestyle of my clients, as I believe that the true essence of a home is a personal expression. While my design aesthetic leans towards modern lines and open, airy spaces, I always incorporate an element of surprise—whether it’s a bold accent, an unexpected texture, or an unconventional design feature. Ultimately, my goal is to create spaces that not only feel timeless and luxurious but also resonate deeply with the individuals who live in them. At the end of the day, it's their home, and it should feel as though it is an extension of their personality.

What is the first room in the apartment that your clients usually want to design first?

For many of our clients, the main family living area/den is the first space they wish to design first.  It’s the heart of the home—a place where memories are made, and daily life unfolds. Our clients have large families and enjoy hosting gatherings, creating a welcoming, functional, and beautifully designed family room is essential. Afterward, the dining room typically follows as the next space to focus on. This area needs to be just as thoughtfully designed since it plays a central role in family meals, entertaining, and holiday celebrations. We understand the importance of these rooms as both comfortable retreats and stylish, cohesive spaces. Calder Design Group's approach is always tailored to ensure that both the living and dining areas are not only fully furnished and decorated but also capture the personality and dynamic of the family, all while maintaining a balance of practicality and beauty.

You are known for developing in depth renderings to illustrate your vision for your clients, can you tell us about the importance of renderings in the design and real estate industries?

Photo-realistic renderings are an indispensable tool in our design process, both for residential clients and within the real estate industry. Many clients struggle to visualize the end result of a project based on swatches, mood boards, or even verbal descriptions. These renderings bridge that gap by bringing samples, furniture selections, and overall design concepts to life within the actual space. By providing a fully rendered, high-definition image, we are able to help clients see the complete picture of how their design will look—down to the finest details—before a single piece of furniture is moved or a coat of paint is applied. This is especially helpful for those who need an extra level of clarity to feel confident in their choices.

In the realm of real estate, these renderings are equally crucial. For sellers and agents, photo-realistic images allow potential buyers to fully grasp a property's untapped potential, showcasing how a space can be transformed to fit their vision. Whether it's a vacant home, a fixer-upper, or a new build, renderings help buyers envision the space as their future home, which is an incredibly powerful selling tool. Ultimately, these renderings are not just about aesthetic appeal—they provide a level of certainty and confidence that ensures the design or property meets the highest expectations.

We understand that you were on Open House New York this year, can you share more about the duplex apartment you designed.

This past April, we had the incredible opportunity to be featured on Open House NYC, where we showcased a breathtaking duplex apartment on the Upper East Side. This project presented a unique challenge that we were excited to take on—combining two full-floor apartments into one expansive, cohesive space. The property itself was extraordinary, offering panoramic views of both the East River and Central Park through its floor-to-ceiling windows. These sweeping vistas served as the perfect backdrop, elevating the entire design.

For this particular client, who has a deep passion for color, we wanted to create an environment that reflected their vibrant personality while also complementing the views outside. Our approach was to infuse each area of the home with rich, dynamic tones, enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and the energy within the space. In the den, we chose an ombré area rug in deep burgundy hues to introduce warmth and a sense of movement, creating a welcoming and cozy atmosphere. In the spacious living room, we layered mustard and teal to create a striking yet inviting color palette, complemented by a red lacquer bar—an unexpected, dramatic touch that added personality to the room. The primary bedroom was brought to life with a bold, chrome yellow chaise lounge placed atop an inky black rug, creating a dynamic contrast that infused the space with energy and sophistication.

What made this project even more special was that it marked the third residence we had designed for this client. Over the course of our collaboration, we developed a strong sense of trust and a deep understanding of their personal style. This rapport allowed for an exceptionally smooth process, where each decision was made with ease, and the design felt truly tailored to their lifestyle. The result was a home that was not only visually stunning but also deeply reflective of our client’s personality, with every detail thoughtfully crafted to suit their needs and preferences.

The experience of transforming this unique space into a bold, beautiful, and functional home was incredibly rewarding. To have the final result featured on television was the icing on the cake—an honor that surpassed even our wildest dreams. It was a moment that truly encapsulated the essence of our work: creating spaces that are not only design-forward but also deeply personal and meaningful.

What are your thoughts on this year's Pantone Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse? 

Pantone's selection of Mocha Mousse as the color of the year was a perfect reflection of the mood and sensibility of 2024. With the word of the year being "demure," Mocha Mousse captures that delicate balance of understated elegance, femininity, and quiet luxury. It’s a color that feels both timeless and contemporary—soft yet rich, with just enough warmth to be inviting and comforting.

This shade of mocha, with its earthy undertones, has a universal appeal. It’s incredibly versatile and can seamlessly integrate into a wide range of design aesthetics. Whether used as a neutral backdrop to highlight other vibrant hues or as a stand-alone statement, it exudes a quiet sophistication that resonates across different spaces and styles. I see it as a grounding color, one that can bring a sense of calm and balance to a room, making it ideal for creating tranquil and welcoming environments.

On a personal level, I am currently revamping my website and am exploring utilizing Mocha Mousse as my new background color! Its soothing tone would lend an air of refinement to the overall experience, allowing the vibrant colors of my work to stand out while the backdrop remains subtly elegant. The color’s versatility makes it an ideal canvas for showcasing interior design projects, giving each room its own moment to shine without overwhelming the viewer. It’s the kind of color that feels luxurious without being flashy—perfect for the way I like to approach design. I’m excited to explore how this color could elevate my digital presence, just as it has done in the world of interiors.

How do you design a space around artwork or vintage furniture from your client's personal collection and seamlessly blend with new pieces? 

I believe not everything needs to "match" in design—it’s the mix that creates character. Blending vintage pieces with modern furnishings adds personality and flair, giving a space a unique, lived-in feel. It’s the same principle as pairing a vintage purse or belt with a brand-new outfit: these curated, one-of-a-kind items bring an iconic touch to any look. Whether in interiors or fashion, adding these timeless elements creates a sense of style, originality, and chicness that can’t be replicated by matching pieces alone. It's this combination of old and new that truly elevates a space or wardrobe into something memorable.

Is there a particular decade that you are inspired by when designing? 

I don’t adhere to a specific decade when designing, because each era has its own iconic personality and style. From the timeless elegance of the mid-century modern era, with figures like William Haines and the Rat Pack, to the bold, glossy hardness of the '80s, I love how these periods each bring something unique to the table. The beauty of design is that you can seamlessly incorporate a piece from any of these decades into a contemporary space, and it’ll work. Often, we don’t even realize how deeply these past eras have influenced modern design—many of today’s pieces are direct reflections of these iconic styles. At the end of the day, it’s not about what’s old or new—it’s about what speaks to you and how it fits within your space, creating something timeless and personal.

What do you predict the top colors of 2025 to be? 

For 2025, I predict that the top colors will be rich, nature-inspired hues, particularly shades of green, rusts, and purples. As we continue to navigate the complexities of modern life, there's a growing desire to reconnect with nature and its grounding, restorative qualities. Lush greens evoke vitality and renewal, while rusts bring warmth and earthy comfort, reminiscent of vibrant sunsets. Deep purples, with their sense of mystery and depth, will add a touch of elegance and introspection. These colors will reflect a return to the natural world, offering a sense of balance and harmony in an increasingly chaotic world.

In terms of kitchen design, what would you say is especially "in" right now and will continue to be in the year ahead?  

In 2025, kitchen design will continue to prioritize functionality, with large islands, clean lines, and hidden pantries leading the way. The focus will be on creating spaces that are not only beautiful but highly practical. While pale woods remain a staple for their light, airy feel, the new trend will be contrasting them with darker materials and textures. This mix of light and dark will add depth and sophistication, transforming kitchens into dynamic, modern spaces. Expect rich, matte finishes on cabinetry, statement countertops in bold stones, and textured backsplashes which will bring a tactile dimension to the room. This contrast will elevate the kitchen, making it both visually striking and supremely functional—perfect for today’s multi-tasking, design-conscious homeowners.