2024 has been a journey—one filled with inspiring projects, personal growth, travel that sparked new ideas, and the exciting milestones of my second year in business. Each adventure, whether designing soulful spaces or exploring new destinations, added layers of creativity and meaning to this year.
This year brought challenges and triumphs, from dreaming up spaces that felt like home for clients, to expanding services, and embracing the beauty of travel. Studio Elle Marie grew in ways I never imagined, and every twist and turn reminded me why I love what I do.
Thank you for trusting me with your spaces, for following along, and for being part of this incredible journey. Here’s to the moments that shaped this year and the exciting possibilities ahead in 2025!
Business
This year was a significant one for Studio Elle Marie, as we stepped into our second year of business and continued to bring soulful and purposeful designs to life for our clients.
Exciting Projects: From hard surface selections and design meetings to breaking ground on the pool and cabana for our Oakland MCM Ranch project, this project has been a standout. Villa Aire reached completion, including a photoshoot to showcase its transformation. Meanwhile, Winston Park began taking shape with outdoor finishes, countertop selections, and furnishing concepts coming together beautifully. The pool construction at Not So Tired Retirement is also well underway, moving closer to completion. We also just signed on a new client project which we are so excited to share more about!
Designer on Call/ Distance Design: We were also brought on as interior designer for our Parkview Colonial project in New Jersey, things moved along with our project Put It In Neutral and we did some Designer on Call hours for a renovation project in Cutler Bay. This offering has allowed me to collaborate with homeowners who are leading their projects while providing the guidance they need to make confident decisions.
New Beginnings: This year saw the launch of our new branding and website—a reflection of the growth and evolution of Studio Elle Marie. It was a labor of love that truly feels aligned with the soulful essence of the studio.
Collaborations and Connections: Partnering with RAD Architecture for a soft finishes presentation in Grand Cayman was a highlight, as was the opportunity to work with a local interior designer on some beautiful projects! These collaborations remind me of the joy and creativity that comes from working alongside other talented professionals.
Personal
2024 was a year of milestones and meaningful moments in my personal life.
Turning 30: Celebrating my 30th birthday was a significant moment. I kicked it off with a fun trip to Key West with friends, and it felt like a beautiful transition into a new chapter of life.
Bennie’s Journey: This year brought both challenges and heartache as I navigated Bennie’s health journey. From holistic healing efforts like acupuncture and home-cooked meals to ultimately saying goodbye in August, his presence remains deeply missed. Bennie brought so much love and light into my life, and I’m forever grateful for 8 years together.
Family and Friends: Time with family and friends was a cornerstone of 2024, filled with laughter, heartfelt conversations, and memorable celebrations. A highlight was my sister and I taking a big step together by purchasing an investment property—a meaningful milestone that marked the start of an exciting new chapter. From milestone moments to quiet evenings together, these connections brought so much joy and meaning to the year.
Travel
2024 was a year filled with exploration and inspiration, and travel played a big role in shaping the journey.
Guatemala: I started the year celebrating love and adventure at Lake Atitlán, Guatemala, for a friend’s wedding (and learned the hard way to never underestimate the sun!).
Europe: Spring took me across Europe—wandering the streets of Rome, soaking up the sun in Positano, and finding design inspiration in Nice, France, and Madrid, Spain. Exploring the beauty and history of these places reinvigorated my creativity and reminded me of the joy of blending global influences into my work.
Cruising: Summer brought the joy of cruising through the islands with friends and family, a true highlight filled with laughter and ocean breezes.
Local Adventures: Fall was filled with quick getaways to Disney with friends, exploring and vintage shopping in Fernandina Beach and Jacksonville, and celebrating Thanksgiving in St. Augustine amidst the enchanting Night of Lights.
As 2024 draws to a close, I reflect on the incredible strides we've made at Studio Elle Marie. It’s been a year full of exciting projects, growth, and lessons that continue to shape our design journey. Every milestone has been a reminder of the power of collaboration and the beauty of creating spaces that resonate with both our clients and our community.
Looking ahead to 2025, I’m filled with anticipation and excitement for what the year will bring. We are energized, ready to take on new challenges and opportunities, and to continue crafting thoughtful, soulful spaces that inspire. With each project, our focus remains the same: creating spaces that feel soulful, purposeful, and inspiring for those who live in them.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
Michelle
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