who is blackdog?
I’m Melinda, owner of Blackdog & Co. I started my career in luxury residential interior design circa 1999 in Chicago, and up and down the CA coast. I led teams of amazing designers at boutique firms, designed drool worthy- award winning spaces for high profile clients. And then I found a niche.
In 2023, I launched Blackdog Retail, a specialty interior design firm for great people opening wellness lounges, stores, salons and spas. My super focused niche became designing award winning dispensaries, blending my love of experiential design and badass clients. We’re still rocking it from Alaska to Maine.
I also teach art & design locally to 12-18yr olds. It’s a love of mine, seeing their worlds open up to creativity. They inspire me with their unlimited curiosity and energy.
I want to share the luxury, tailored experience of interior design to anyone who struggles with color. I don’t do ego. Just beautiful selections. I make it easy for you to have the most beautiful backdrop to your life.
ps. The company is named for my unfailing weakness for adopting black shelter mutt pups… aka my “ forever employee of the month.”
Take photos of your space using a camera or phone.
Capture as many walls & windows as possible. Include flooring and any architectural elements.
Don’t worry. If you’ve missed something important, we’ll let you know and request. more
Schedule your consultation with us.
Share your project objectives, color loves and dislikes. Let us know if you’ve got any special considerations.
how it works
four easy steps to your consultation
Meet your interior designer.
This is where we dig deep into your space and get to know you. Interior or Exterior, we learn your unique style and goals. Microsoft Teams for 30 -45 minutes per space.
Sample colors sent directly to you from top paint brands.
We send you FedEx the large samples available to design professionals so you can see your palette in the space.
get the most
out of your consultation
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A color consultation is a discussion between a homeowner and an interior designer where interior or exterior paint color goals are discussed, and options are suggested to achieve these goals. During the consultation we cover desired mood or style, concerns centering on colors that will, or will not, work for the project, and considerations such as coordinating color with existing elements. On the day of your appointment, you’ll meet with our interior design colorist for your consultation via a provided Microsoft Teams meeting link. You can be camera on or off!
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Be prepared to provide details of your project and desired outcome. Your designer will suggest colors based on the information you provide—so the more we know about you and your project, the closer we’ll be to getting it right. Please note that while our consultants are happy to work with you on your color journey, it is up to you to make the final color decisions!
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For the best results, we request that you provide photos of your space. Photos are the best way for us to get a feel for the room and its existing elements. Your colorist will be able to understand the lighting and other factors that have a substantial effect on color selection. These details will help in reaching color selections that are right for your project, while helping you move closer to making color decisions.
photo tips
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photo tips *
Provide photos at 72dpi or higher.
Aim for 1250px in width or height—the bigger the image, the better the rendering.
Clear the room of distraction, including people, personal effects, and pets.
Ensure the room has good lighting. Natural, mid-day light is preferred.
Leave the items that will stay in the room.
Try to capture floor to ceiling when possible; landscape photos generally work better.
If you cannot capture the full room, provide multiple photos capturing different areas of the room.