Nantucket is made a stronger, better place to live by those who understand the strong sense of community this little island contains. Melanie Gowen is one of
those designers.
She understands
how people, process and place connect
in order to create sustainable, healthy environments by design.
Smitten by the natural beauty of Nantucket upon her first time on the island, Melanie also became captivated by the collaborative and supportive environment she experienced.
Before moving to the island full time as an interior designer and real estate professional, Melanie earnestly attempted to discern the sense of community on Nantucket, asking people on the island "Do you live here year-round?" What she discovered was that although only 14 miles long, Nantucket consisted of a wide-range of interesting, welcoming people - people who seemed just as hard working as they were socially minded and organically connected. Melanie could now be discussing interior design sketches with a friend, and in the same location run into a contractor or architect colleague. In fact, one of Melanie's first commercial real estate projects on Nantucket was conceived after a local friend and business owner was in search of a professional interior designer - one who would listen to understand her vision and translate that into the built environment. In Melanie's desire to find professional opportunities doing work she loved, she found much more on Nantucket; she found a supportive community and collaborative professional atmosphere that makes her thrilled to call this place home.
Lemon Press, among many other local properties, exhibits the hard work Melanie Gowen is capable of in a short period of time. While sipping the "TB12" smoothie awash in comforting light, perched on a comfortable bench supported by local tree stumps, it became very clear to me how much time and energy Melanie puts into her projects on Nantucket. This space was the work of someone who cares about "place-making" when developing interior design plans. The Lemon Press was reinvented with a fresh menu, expanded services and new bar, so they needed a fresh new design to go with it. Melanie's creative process and method focused on brand-centric and human centered design, with a goal of creating an appealing, adaptable environment reflective of her client's passion for healthy food and juices. The result is Nantucket's hippest healthy restaurant. Entering gives you an immediate good feeling. Natural elements, laid-back Shibori print dining cushions, mixed with refined details and awesome light fixtures come together while the sun shines through it beautifully. Lemon Press is actually always full: people are checking their mail on their laptops or are chatting at a table with friends. It truly is an amazing environment.
To know there are local designers like Melanie Gowen who only prefer to use local vendors, architects, and suppliers is what keeps Nantucket such an exceptional place to live. The impact of this local commerce supports the community we live in and inspires our local artisans to continue thinking creatively.
More of Melanie's inspired projects can be found on her website at www.melaniegowen.com. If anyone is seeking guidance with residential or commercial design or Nantucket real estate and investment opportunities, be sure to contact her at [email protected]. She'll gladly meet for cold brew at the Lemon Press!
Check out some of Melanie's work from Lemon Press below!
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