Michelle Parenteau is making waves in the Ocean State and beyond. The president and principal at MICHELLE LEE DESIGNS, who pairs a solid work ethic that utilizes local vendors with a confident use of color and materials, has landed the Johnston- based interior designer on the pages of regional magazines, clients from coast to coast, and national recognition as June 2022’s Sherwin Williams Designer of the Month.
Michelle traces her enthusiasm for decorating to childhood. “As an only child raised by a single parent, I had to develop my imagination in order to occupy myself. My bedroom was drab and dated. The wallpaper was made of foil – a hideous trend in the 1970’s – and lacked color and textures,” she explains. At the age of seven Michelle asked if she could renovate her bedroom and shares that she got busy choosing window treatments, carpeting, and of course, new wallpaper. “I dove into reading fashion
magazines and home magazines to hone my color skills. My love of the ocean and the color blue originated that day.”
That draw to blue continues to this day and has become a trademark of Michelle’s work. Whether installing aqua tiles in a kitchen, customizing restaurant bar stools with bright cyan trim, or accessorizing a space with azure pendant lighting, the abstract artist – who is happy to lend her skills to customer’s wall decor – brings a nod to nature in almost all she does.
“I enjoy getting to know my clients and finding out about their lives and tastes. Once I understand what makes them happy, I go about designing a space that will be thrilling to them.”
Since taking the leap to start her own business in 2004, Michelle has steadily built a long list of residential and commercial clients, colleagues, and friends. “I am proud that I had the courage to open my own business with the belief that I could make a difference.”
1200 Hartford Avenue, Johnston, 401-954-2065, MichelleLeeDesigns.com
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