Melissa Lee is a Brooklyn-based interior designer who specializes in “new romantic” interiors — spaces treated as living, evolving entities. After studying psychology and working in luxury fashion, she launched Bespoke Only in 2012 and has since built a practice that spans moody Upper West Side landmarks, a vividly hued artist residency in the Berkshires, a SoHo loft that doubles as an unconventional workspace, and a brownstone HQ that is part family home, part studio. Her work speaks for itself: interiors as atmosphere and belonging, with natural materials, negative space, and long-term use doing most of the talking. And the industry is noticing. Architectural Digest gave her flowers as a New American Voices, and her work has been featured in Elle, and Design Milk. As she tells Cosmos, the best interior design starts at home.

What’s the worst recommendation someone’s given you?

It's too risky. Go with the safer route.

What book have you gifted most?

Stay True by Hua Hsu.

What's the last article you sent to a friend?

"Alysa Liu’s Comeback Offers Powerful Lessons About Resilience, Quitting, And Sustainable Performance" by Paula Davis for Forbes.

What's the best investment (money, time, habit) you've made?

My house! It's become the home of my family, Bespoke Only and the place where many pivotal memories have been made with my people.

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Find Melissa on Cosmos and Instagram.