• Profile: Melissa Rufty

    by  • 26 Jan ’10 • Melissa Rufty, New Orleans, profile • 25 Comments


    Like most talent in life, natural ability plays a leading role. Whether it’s drawing, dancing or designing. You’ve either got it or you don’t. Well, New Orleans based interior designer Melissa Rufty has it, and with plenty to spare! I have been a big fan of Melissa’s colorful and sophisticated design aesthetic for the better part of two years. It was from Courtney Barnes that I first learned of Melissa. I think my heart actually skipped a beat the first time that I laid eyes on her work. Layer, texture, color, refinement and personality were all in attendance.

    Thanks to our friends Michael and Quinn, Melissa and I finally had a chance to meet in person last summer. The Southern raised, Tulane educated Melissa is as affable and interesting as the interiors she fashions. Drawing inspiration from the bewitching city that is New Orleans, Melissa imbues the same alluring style in all that she creates.

    How would you describe your style?
    Ever changing but always rooted. I am easily and often inspired, but somehow all of my rooms end up with beautiful antique wood and an oil painting or two. Someone recently described my design style as – southern elegance with a modern edge. It really resonated with me, so I will hang my hat there for now!

    What is your most prized possession
    ?
    The fabulous antique chandelier that hangs in my dining room. My parents purchased it fourteen years ago from Gerrie Bremermann’s shop in New Orleans. It was a 30th birthday present.

    My father suddenly passed away just three weeks before my birthday. My mom, who never lets a birthday go unnoticed, regardless the circumstance, surprised me with a tiny wrapped box. Inside was a miniature crystal chandelier and a note that read, “He would want you to sparkle always.” Bottom line, things are simply just that—things! It is the sentiment that accompanies most things that makes them priceless.

    Who has most influenced your direction in life?
    Without a doubt my parents. My mother is the epitome of southern style. She is old fashion in her values and ahead of her time in fashion and entertaining. And did I mention that she is always right (I mean ALWAYS). We have a funny expression in our office…”What would Beulah say?” My father was a creative genius. He is legendary for his elaborate parties, practical jokes and surprises. I’d like to think I got her taste and his imagination!

    What virtue would you most like to possess?
    Patience

    Who are your style icons
    ?
    Sienna miller. You just never know what she’s going to put together, and yet it always works and seems effortless. And of course Aerin Lauder, she has so much of her famous grandmother’s timeless grace. She looks as wonderful in a ball gown as she does a pair of jeans.

    Who would you most like to collaborate with on a project?
    I really adore the design work of Amelia Handegan from Charleston. She is a color savant! Her low country, effortless approach to design is unmatched.

    What is your idea of earthly happiness
    ?
    The smell of salty seaside air, my children, belly laughs and my sweet husband pouring me a great glass of wine (while fanning me of course)!

    Who do you most admire?
    Kay Thompson’s Eloise. She lives at the Plaza, she has a never ending imagination, an unbreakable spirit and an unmonitored charge account—a girl after my own heart!

    What do you consider your greatest achievement?
    Raising three wonderful daughters. However, I’m not done, so I guess the verdict is still out.

    Profile by Ronda Carman

    25 Responses to Profile: Melissa Rufty

    1. style chronicle
      26 Jan ’10 at 1:49 pm

      Love her work. So inspiring!!!

      Reply
    2. Ragland Hill Social by Gwen Driscoll
      26 Jan ’10 at 2:02 pm

      Ronda,

      I love Melissa. She is a good friend. So glad you featured her. Can't wait until her house comes out in House Beautiful. What are they waiting on? Hope you have a great week.

      Reply
    3. ALL THE BEST
      26 Jan ’10 at 2:04 pm

      Right?!? She is soooo sweet and talented!

      Reply
    4. pve design
      26 Jan ’10 at 2:12 pm

      I like that her style has a "grown-up" flair to it.
      I have always felt akin to those who admire Eloise and
      old souls. I think Eloise would feel right at home in one of Melissa's interiors.
      pve

      Reply
    5. mary
      26 Jan ’10 at 3:17 pm

      melissa has that unusual combination of grace, style and humility that makes for a satisfying professional experience. great curtains in those shots……..thanks

      Reply
    6. Isabella & Max Rooms
      26 Jan ’10 at 4:08 pm

      Thanks for the introduction. Her work is very inspiring…I'm off to look at more. Janell

      Reply
    7. Karena
      26 Jan ’10 at 4:45 pm

      Ronda, great interview, very poignant. Love Melissa's design work. Those blue high gloss walls are fabulous!!
      Karena

      Reply
    8. A Gift Wrapped Life
      26 Jan ’10 at 6:29 pm

      Her work always makes me take a second look, a unique character in each room and she is fabulous with colour. I admire her style greatly.

      Reply
    9. Kelly Green
      26 Jan ’10 at 8:31 pm

      Great interview – she sounds so nice as well as being so clever! I love here work so it is good to see what inspires her. thanks KG

      Reply
    10. Laurie Blaswich
      26 Jan ’10 at 11:53 pm

      Love your fabric selections!Your blog is fun and carefree! I am new to blogging, please stop by and visit sometime. I appreciate your support !!

      Fondly Laurie

      Reply
    11. Amanda
      27 Jan ’10 at 1:15 am

      All of those color combinations are terrific. What great inspiration. Being a designer, I get so inspired by peoples ability to combine colors. Bravo! Great post!

      Reply
    12. NYCLQ
      27 Jan ’10 at 3:45 am

      !!! WOW !!! What BEAUTIFUL spaces!
      and a beautiful blog as well…

      :D Lynda
      http://nyclq-focalpoint.blogspot.com/

      Reply
    13. The Buzz -Diane James Home
      27 Jan ’10 at 11:48 am

      Gorgeous sense of color and textures! Who wouldn't love those glazed blue walls… Thank you for introducing Melissa to us!
      - The Buzz -

      Reply
    14. Amanda Stone Talley
      27 Jan ’10 at 1:14 pm

      Amazing post. Melissa has got it in spades! I'm in agreement that House Beautiful needs to go ahead and publish her new Orleans home. I've seen it and it should be on the cover…like yesterday..! Melissa is kind, talented, and (sorry Melissa) but way cooler than Sienna Miller could ever dream of being!!

      Reply
    15. Treesa55
      27 Jan ’10 at 4:18 pm

      could see where she was going with the colors and is a great designer to watch. loved the bedrooms especially!

      Reply
    16. red ticking
      27 Jan ’10 at 5:07 pm

      melissa is gorgeous, talented and i adore her sense of humor…
      brilliant post ronda… xx pam

      Reply
    17. Belle on Heels
      27 Jan ’10 at 8:51 pm

      i have had that lovely orange-and-pink toile bedroom image saved for ages and never knew who designed it. thank you, thank you, thank you!

      Reply
    18. VictoriaArt
      27 Jan ’10 at 11:54 pm

      What an inspiring story and lovely interview! Thanks a million!

      Victoria

      Reply
    19. little augury
      28 Jan ’10 at 5:18 am

      Her work is indeed beautiful-luxurious and honest. Lots of tooth here, the complexity of patterns and apparent ease she gives is especially pleasing. Yes-to see her work front page would be an absolute breath of fresh air with some serious design expertise at work for a change.

      Reply
    20. Southern Aspirations
      28 Jan ’10 at 1:33 pm

      This was a great interview- thank you so much! Melissa sounds like such a fabulous woman. Have seen her work- but now feel like I have a much bigger appreciation of it.

      Reply
    21. mary
      29 Jan ’10 at 5:05 pm

      Breath-taking style. So French, yet American. Her mix of color and patterns is amazing.

      Reply
    22. Chic Coles (Cole Design)
      29 Jan ’10 at 6:06 pm

      We love her work! Thank you so much for such a great interview. Looking forward to seeing her house in HB!

      Reply
    23. Cristin
      30 Jan ’10 at 2:38 am

      Great interview. I really like her design style. It's layered, mixed and complex… very nice.

      Terrific post!

      xo,
      cristin

      Reply
    24. katiedid
      2 Feb ’10 at 6:17 pm

      Such a talent! Thanks again Ronda!

      Reply
    25. Cashon&Co
      5 Feb ’10 at 8:10 pm

      Every single one of these rooms are STUNNING. I love the bright colour and the mix of pattern. Great post, thank you for sharing this incredible designer!

      Reply

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