Michelle Carnes has been designing interiors since 1995 and has had the pleasure of transforming houses into beautiful homes by providing clients with thoughtful and creative designs while providing exceptional service and building long term relationships.
Design Philosophy
At Michelle Carnes Designs, we design homes that balance aesthetics and function while offering ease and comfort to their owners. Our firm believes everyone deserves a beautiful space that effortlessly fits the needs of its inhabitants, is an inviting place to entertain, and fosters an environment where you can recharge and create some of life’s most important memories. Michelle’s approach is modern yet classic, and her ultimate goal is to create familiar, meaningful interiors that feel like they’ve been curated over time (even when they aren’t!).
Here’s how we get there: Michelle’s mastery in both design and construction process and close collaboration with leading architects, builders, and local skilled artisans. Her proprietary design process ensures each and every project flows smoothly from concepts, finishes, detailed drawings, renderings, design specifications, and furnishings, all the way down to putting the last accessory in its place. Michelle is honored to help guide you and works tirelessly to protect the integrity of your project from start to finish.
Meet Michelle
A proud Midwesterner at birth, Michelle made the desert her forever home immediately after graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design. Her drive to be the best started with learning from the best, so she began her design career working with the prestigious Lori Carroll and Associates and Elizabeth Spengler, founder of Dorado Designs. At these firms she gained experience and expertise in both interior design and construction—and she knew her next step was starting her own design firm.
Today, with over 25 years of experience, much of Michelle’s business comes via referrals—confirmation Michelle Carnes Designs is doing it right. For Michelle there is no bigger joy as a designer than hearing clients tell her she truly “gets them,” puts their interests at the forefront of the process, and has exceeded their expectations in both design and execution.
When she’s not obsessing about her latest design project, Michelle enjoys serving on the Big Brother Big Sisters Board of Directors and spending time with her two curious children, creating memories, making art, and being in nature (preferably on the mountain).
Community Involvement
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Arizona Board Chair 2020-2021
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Arizona Vice Chair 2019
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Arizona Secretary and Gala Chair 2018
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Arizona Secretary and Gala Chair 2017
American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Arizona South President 2011-2012