Michelle Hughes Interior Design | Michelle Hughes
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Michelle Hughes

Interior Designer

My path in interior design started at 17, when I had the opportunity to job shadow a senior designer in Portland. That early, hands-on experience shaped how I work to this day—practical, observant, and always focused on what makes a space truly work for the people living in it.

Michelle Hughes Interior Design | doggos

A Career Built from the Ground Up

After earning my BFA in Interior Design from Marylhurst University, I spent the next several years working across a wide range of project types, from upholstery and remodeling to new construction and multifamily housing. That’s where I discovered how much I enjoy the new build process: selecting finishes, designing cabinetry layouts, coordinating timelines, and managing all the little details that add up to a finished home.

In 2007, I joined Cascade Flooring America in Vancouver, WA, where I worked closely with both homeowners and builders. That role gave me a deep knowledge of materials, especially hard surfaces, and a solid understanding of how homes actually come together during construction.

Since then, I’ve led the interior design for dozens of projects across the Pacific Northwest, including model homes, Parade of Homes entries, and builder showcase homes. With over 20 years of experience, I’ve learned to look at a project from every angle—layout, lighting, flow, and long-term function.

Beyond the Studio
I live in Vancouver, Washington with my husband (my high school sweetheart), our two kids, and our dogs. When I’m not sourcing finishes or walking job sites, you’ll usually find me at a game cheering on my kids, catching up with friends over a glass of wine, or soaking up sunshine by the river.

Michelle Hughes Interior Design | Cassidy
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Cassidy Peterson

Design Assistant

I joined MH Design Studio in early 2025 after completing the Fundamentals of Interior Design program at Heritage School of Interior Design. I first met Michelle shortly after graduation, and from day one, I knew I had found the right mentor. What started as an internship quickly grew into a part-time role, and I’m now proud to support the studio as a Design Assistant.

Creativity and Practicality

Every day, I get to learn by doing—working alongside Michelle, sourcing materials, managing design details, and helping bring our projects to life. I love being part of a team that values both creativity and practicality, and that genuinely cares about making homes feel good to live in.

Outside the Studio
You’ll usually find me at the gym, wandering around town with my friends and family….or shopping.

Michelle was awesome to work with!
She helped us pick out all new flooring, paint, lighting and a main bath gut and re-do. She gave us confidence that whatever options we chose, they would all 'go together'. She also advised me where I could save some money and then helped me know when to splurge on something for a big design impact. The final results were stunning and we are so pleased! Her rate is very fair and I highly recommend MH Design Studio!
Alison Metcalf
The perfect kitchen for my home!
Michelle designed the perfect kitchen for my home. After some conversation about my personal style and the pain points of my existing (ancient) kitchen, she put together a plan that is exactly what I wished for but could not articulate, much less create without her.
Jess n My Girl
Great work, and a nice person. Strongly recommend.
Michelle was my interior designer for a new high end house. Michelle understands the trends of the real estate market. She helped make great selections for all interior finishes including wall/trim colors, front door, lighting, cabinets, coutertops, tiles and flooring. She helped with selections of garage doors and exterior accents as well. The end product was very appealing. She is also very responsive and enthusiastic. Great work, and a nice person. Strongly recommend.
Larry Liu
–She truly has a gift in design.
Michelle was awesome to work with! She was very responsive to the multitude of questions I always had and she truly has a gift in design. She helped us change out all the flooring in our entire house and she also has a knack for wall coloring and decor! You won't be disappointed with her services!
Geneva Barnes
Work With MH Design Studio

We’d love to learn about your project.

If you’re planning a new home or remodel and want a design partner who brings experience, clarity, and care to every decision, reach out.