Melissa Acklen, Principal Designer and Founder

  Melissa is a Los Angeles native who now calls the Midwest home. Growing up surrounded by iconic architecture and the diverse coastal, desert, and urban landscapes of Southern California, the foundation for her design career was laid early on. Fueled by an intuitive sense for how to elevate and transform spaces, Melissa developed an innate ability to transform 

the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Before founding Oakmoss Interiors, Melissa spent years working as an agent representing some of Hollywood’s most sought-after creative professionals. In an industry where aesthetics and imagery are carefully curated, she developed a keen eye for innovation, creativity, and exceptional detail.

Now based in the Midwest, Melissa brings a distinctive blend of California cool and timeless sophistication to her work as an interior designer. Her spaces are known for their warmth, authenticity, and thoughtful layering of natural materials and rich textures. Drawing inspiration from a home’s history and the people who live within it, she creates spaces that feel both deeply personal and enduring.

At the heart of Melissa’s design philosophy is the belief that our homes influence the way we live. A well-designed space should not only be beautiful, but also support, inspire, and reflect the people who call it home. Every project begins with listening—understanding her clients’ lifestyles, aspirations, and vision to create spaces that feel uniquely their own.