Top 5 Lessons from 15 Years in Luxury Design

Top 5 Lessons from 15 Years in Luxury Design

This November, Melissa Sacco Interiors celebrates 15 years of creating timeless, collected homes across Long Island and beyond. What began as a one-woman dream has grown into a full-service interior design firm known for its serene sophistication, seamless process, and deeply personal approach to design.

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How it started:  Our first showroom prior to our move into our current space!

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The most adorable and enthusiastic helper from the early days

I still remember the early days—sketching floor plans at my kitchen table, juggling vendors, pulling together beautiful spaces with a big vision and a small team (okay, just me!). Today, I lead a powerhouse team of women creatives, manage full-scale renovations and new builds, and have the honor of mentoring other women-owned businesses. And while the scale has grown, one thing hasn’t changed: our commitment to making design feel effortless and everlasting.

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We officially moved into our new showroom in July 2024!

Here are the top five lessons I’ve learned from 15 years of curating lifestyles and creating indoor sanctuaries that feel like home:

1. Trust Is the Foundation of Every Beautiful Space

Over the years, I’ve learned that trust isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. The most beautiful, smooth, joy-filled projects all have one thing in common: a client who trusts the process.

When our clients lean in and let us guide every detail—from mood boards to millwork drawings—they’re not just getting a home that looks stunning. They’re getting a design that feels like them. And that shows up in emotional reveals, repeat clients, and those goosebump moments when someone walks in and says, “I can’t believe this is my home.”

2. It Takes a Village (And I’ve Got the Best One on Speed Dial)

Let’s be honest: no one does this alone. From tile installers to trusted tradespeople, my relationships in this industry are gold. I’ve built a vetted network of contractors, artisans, and vendors who know the standard we expect—and deliver every time.

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We’ve already done the legwork—fifteen years of it—vetting Long Island’s most skilled trades so you don’t have to.

My clients don’t have time to Google a dozen vendors. They trust me to match them with the right people for their project. I’m not just a designer—I’m a connector, a matchmaker, and a guardian of excellence.

3. Process is Power

A smooth renovation or full-service design project doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because of a proven, thoughtful process that anticipates problems before they arise and takes the weight off the client’s shoulders.

At Melissa Sacco Interiors, we’ve refined every step: from the moment you walk through our Bellmore office door to the final reveal, we handle every detail. Trades are coordinated. Deliveries tracked. Installations managed. Problems? Solved—often before you even know they existed.

“If there’s ever an issue on the job site, we handle it. When the plumber goes to install, we’ve already checked the pieces and parts.”

Our process is designed to keep you at peace—because serenity should begin long before you walk into your finished home.

4. Design Should Feel Like Coming Home

A home should reflect your personal style, not whatever’s trending on Instagram. Every space we design is tailored to each individual’s unique style, lifestyle, and how they truly intend to live in and utilize each room.

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Over the last 15 years, I’ve found that the most timeless spaces are the ones rooted in authenticity, comfort, and a bit of collected magic. My goal is always the same: to create a home that feels like a retreat—clean lines, natural materials, and textures that invite you to linger.

We’re not here for flash—we’re here for forever.

“I always bring in an element that makes people feel relaxed. We’ll introduce pieces that make you feel at peace.”

5. Success Means Lifting Others Up

One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been watching others grow. From mentoring women business owners to watching my team step into their talents, success for me is about more than finished rooms—it’s about empowering others.

We’ve expanded into a beautiful second studio, I’ve been honored as IDS Designer of the Year, and yes—I’ve even received calls from other designers asking for guidance. But my proudest moments? Seeing my team shine. Seeing clients come back for their second (or third!) project. Watching a nervous client’s face light up when they finally see their vision brought to life.

Here’s to the Next Chapter

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Fifteen years of curating homes that reflect our clients’ lives, values, and dreams—and we’re just getting started.

If you’re planning a large-scale renovation or building your dream home on Long Island, we’d love to be your first call. Let us make the process seamless—and the result spectacular.

Melissa Sacco Interiors Dark Logo

Melissa Sacco
Founder + Principal Designer
Melissa Sacco Interiors

Ready to bring your dream home to life?

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