The Art of Making Things Beautiful

By Katie Ogletree | Photography by Mark Little

Like many successful entrepreneurs, Melissa Skowlund’s journey didn’t begin with a grand plan. She started with a passion for creating spaces that were beautiful and deeply personal. That passion soon evolved into something much bigger.

W hat started as a creative vision grew into Summer House Lifestyle, a design studio and lifestyle brand built on the belief that a home should reflect the people who live in it. From its earliest days, the company has remained committed to timeless design, thoughtful craftsmanship, and creating homes and spaces that are as welcoming as they are unforgettable.

Founded in 2011, Summer House Lifestyle has become one of the Emerald Coast’s premier luxury interior design firms and lifestyle boutiques. What began as a retail showroom in Grayton Beach, Florida, has expanded into a full-service interior design studio at Watersound Town Center, with projects spanning Florida and beyond. The firm’s portfolio includes luxury Gulf-front residences along Scenic Highway 30A, private estates, multiple expansive retreats, equestrian properties, and thoughtfully designed commercial spaces, each tailored to the unique vision of its owner.

When Melissa first opened the doors to Summer House Lifestyle, she wasn’t simply creating a store; she was creating an experience.

“I wanted people to come in and feel better when they left,” she recalls. “I wanted them to be able to take a little piece of something with them. I wanted to give them a beautiful experience.”

That philosophy continues to define every aspect of the business. As the company has grown, Melissa credits much of its success to the people around her. She has intentionally built a team of talented, positive individuals who share her passion for exceptional design and outstanding service. Learning to trust that team has been one of the greatest lessons of her entrepreneurial journey.

“When you surround yourself with capable people and give them room to thrive, amazing things happen,” she says.

Summer House Lifestyle’s newest showroom in Watersound Town Center represents the next evolution of Melissa’s vision. Designed to be immersive from the moment guests walk through the door, the showroom features carefully curated furnishings, lighting, textiles, artwork, decor, and lifestyle accessories alongside a collaborative design studio where clients can work directly with the firm’s experienced designers. Every room is intentionally styled to inspire, almost as though Melissa and her team are guiding visitors through the design process one space at a time. Beautifully layered tablescapes, carefully arranged furniture, and perfectly styled pillows (with the chop) encourage guests to imagine those same details in their own homes.

Before opening the new location, Melissa focused on filling gaps she felt didn’t exist in the local market. One surprisingly simple example was stationery and notecards.

“If you’re on your way to a dinner party and need the perfect gift and a beautiful card, I wanted this to be the place you stop,” she explains.

That attention to everyday moments is what transforms the showroom from a furniture store into a lifestyle destination. Many of the boutique’s signature pieces are created in-house. Melissa personally selects fabrics from the firm’s extensive textile library for custom pillows, choosing every trim and detail before they are handcrafted by a local seamstress. Even bedding for many client projects is custom-made through the studio, allowing every room to feel completely personalized.

Melissa’s design philosophy has always centered on creating homes that feel effortless, collected, and authentic rather than trend-driven. She gravitates toward natural materials, layered textures, heirloom-quality furnishings, and meaningful details that reflect how each client truly lives. Brass, marble, and richly textured fabrics remain some of her favorite design elements, while the timeless sophistication of Ralph Lauren or the history of Europe continue to influence her work. She believes the best interiors balance old and new. Melissa mentions dark wood as an example of a material that cycles in and out of popularity, noting that while it may fall out of favor for a period, it inevitably returns to the mainstream.

One of her most recognizable commercial projects was Fonville Press Market + Cafe in Alys Beach. The design offered a playful nod to Palm Beach style with cheerful pinks, vibrant wallpapers, and layered character while remaining refined and welcoming.

With projects currently underway in Palm Beach, Florida, Connecticut, and several other locations, Melissa continues to balance a growing portfolio while maintaining the personalized approach that defines her work. She embraces the fast-paced nature of her profession.

Attending design markets is an essential part of the creative process. These events provide the opportunity to discover emerging trends, connect with artisans and vendors, and source distinctive furnishings, textiles, lighting, and accessories that bring originality to her projects. High Point Authority Market in North Carolina is a favorite of hers, and she usually walks eight miles a day there, studying everything there is to see.

Some of Melissa’s most meaningful projects have come through lasting relationships with clients. Among those are Cynthia and Jeff Gregory, whose friendship has extended well beyond design. Melissa first worked with the couple on their home in Watersound Origins before collaborating on the stunning Gulf-front residence they later built with architect Geoff Chick. Inspired by the beauty of the Emerald Coast, this Seagrove Beach home embraces an airy aesthetic where every room feels light and inviting.

“With the narrow but deep lot, we wanted to make full use of the available building footprint,” says Geoff, who shared a close working relationship with Summer House Lifestyle on this project and a previous Gulf-front home. “This allowed us to create an internal motor court to minimize the impact of the cars from the street. We also wanted both the main house and the carriage house to have views of the Gulf, as well as back toward the coastal dune lake. We elevated the pool to expand out from the inverted living area and capture southwestern views of the sunset.”

Geoff also points out the central atrium space carved from the third level, which creates an unexpected wow moment, compressed through the archway in the foyer. The vaulted ceiling in the master suite extends out to the rotunda, creating an intimate space to enjoy the horizon. Landscape architect Chad Horton’s contributions, including a fountain at the entry stairs, are also exceptional additions to the charming residence.

Cynthia and Melissa attended design markets together, discovering antiques, timeless pieces, and fresh inspiration along the way for the home’s interiors and outdoor living spaces.

Melissa speaks of the Gregorys with deep admiration, describing them as people who made her a better person both professionally and personally. Their commitment to serving others is reflected in Lauren’s Legacy, the nonprofit foundation they established in honor of their daughter, Lauren, who passed away at a young age. Based in Freeport, Florida, Lauren’s Legacy provides compassionate support for women facing crisis pregnancies through services including pregnancy testing, counseling, clothing, medical care, and other essential resources. The organization continues to grow, with plans to expand into additional communities throughout the region.

Although Summer House Lifestyle has become synonymous with elevated coastal living, Melissa’s vision continues to evolve. She dreams of one day opening a showroom—or perhaps a design bar—in the Northeast, a region whose rich architectural history and enduring design traditions have long inspired her. She also imagines expanding into antique curation, breathing new life into timeless pieces while remaining true to the principles that have guided her business from the very beginning.

For Melissa, growth has meant continually improving her craft, expanding her offerings, and focusing on quality over quantity when it comes to projects.

Under Melissa Skowlund’s leadership, Summer House Lifestyle continues to set the standard for luxury interior design along the Emerald Coast of Florida and beyond, earning a reputation for personalized service, thoughtful design, and homes that are every bit as functional as they are beautiful. More than beautiful rooms, Melissa creates places where people gather, celebrate, and build lasting memories—spaces that truly feel like home.

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Visit SummerHouseLifestyle.com to find your next favorite piece. Hear more from Melissa Skowlund on Episode 97 of VIE Speaks: Conversations with Heart & Soul podcast, hosted by Lisa Marie Burwell—now streaming on all major podcast platforms and on YouTube @VIEtelevision.