Beyond Coastal

Interior designer Michelle Jennings transforms St. Pete spaces into curated, one-of-a-kind homes that perfectly capture the personal style and individuality of her clients.

By Anne Zimmerman Briand

Michelle Jennings doesn’t mess around with clutter. True to the design adage “Less is More,” she ensures that every element in her interior designs serves a purpose—a central tenet of her philosophy. “My niche is warm minimalism,” she explains. “When everything has a place, I have a clearer head, and I want to offer that experience to my clients. I want them to walk into a space that feels good. Warmth comes through art, materials and approachable fabrics—things that function well for their lifestyle. For a space to truly work, it must be both functional and aesthetically beautiful.”

Building on this foundation, Michelle enjoys exploring the richness and personality that art can bring to a space. Whether her clients are avid collectors or simply have one cherished piece, she uses their artwork as a foundation, building cohesive and meaningful designs around it. “We can build the entire space around a fabulous piece of art,” she says. “Art provides an inspiring jumping off point, and from there, we bring in warm, functional materials and bold color to create something truly unique. “I love when clients come to me with an art collection or an appreciation for unique pieces.” She adds. “If you have a great art collection, let’s collaborate and create a space as extraordinary as the pieces you love.”

Designer Journey

After earning her degree in interior design and architecture, Michelle began her career in commercial design. As a junior designer, she observed the senior designers— especially men—working directly with clients, leading conversations, and shaping the outcomes of projects. Watching others take charge helped her recognize her desire to connect directly with clients and design spaces that truly reflect a personal touch.

“I realized I wanted that kind of connection with the people I was designing for,” she reflects. That realization set her on the path to entrepreneurship.

Following in the footsteps of her grandparents to start her own company, she was warned that the road to success could be bumpy. “I knew starting my own business could be a rough road, and sometimes feast or famine, but it felt like a message from above—like this was what I was meant to do,” she says. Despite the risks, Michelle persisted. “I spent years building this business, gaining confidence and eventually knowing I could be a successful business owner. The moment I realized I was worthy of living my dream, everything started to work. I had to invest in myself—getting an office outside of the house, sending my child to private school. It all came down to feeling capable and worthy.”

Signature Success

One of Michelle’s signature design techniques is pairing bold colored walls with striking pieces of art. “There was a time when everything was whitewashed, but bold colors can completely transform how a piece of art is perceived. It gives artwork a whole new life,” she says. Her projects move beyond the expected coastal aesthetic of St. Pete homes, offering more depth and a sophisticated, globally inspired design. “I want to elevate St. Pete beyond the typical beachy look,” she asserts. “I pay attention to the architecture of the home itself, so if we are working in a 1920’s bungalow or a sweet condo downtown, the inside and outside talk to each other, so we are connecting the dots between eras, architectural styles, and interior design. That’s when we can really elevate an interior to great design.”

One standout project was a renovation at Bayfront Tower, a downtown St. Pete high-rise. Michelle worked closely with her clients to merge two adjoining units into a single, luxurious home. The process required reimagining the entire layout, leaving only the original structural columns intact. The result was a warm, hotel-like retreat that perfectly reflected the couple’s lifestyle and needs. Key features included a chef’s kitchen tailored to the husband’s passion for cooking. “The owners trusted me completely, and that trust allowed us to create something exceptional,” she reflects.

As Michelle continues to make her mark on the local design scene, she’s eager to collaborate with more clients who value unique, one-of-a-kind spaces that truly reflect their personal style and individuality. She believes that the best projects are those built on trust and collaboration, where she can bring her vision to life alongside her clients.

Visit www.mjdesignsflorida.com for more information.