Designer Friday: An aspire Exclusive Interview With Melissa Bowers

Melissa Bowers, the visionary interior designer, is the force behind chic venues in NYC like Holiday Bar and Sona restaurant, and has an unrivaled flair for merging vintage and contemporary designs. Starting her journey as a set designer for legends like Helmut Newton and Sonia Rykiel, she further refined her skills at Studio Sofield, taking on grand projects for icons such as Tom Ford. Serving as the Design Director for Miami Beach’s Faena District further solidified her reputation. Today, influenced by the vibrant parties of her childhood organized by her Mexican mother, Melissa’s signature style celebrates the art of entertaining, making her a sought-after name in both hospitality and residential interiors. Learn more about Melissa in today’s Designer Friday.

This intimate bar at Sona in New York City features marble countertops that glow beneath with under-bar lighting, and a unique square display that showcases the curated alcohol selection.

Andrew Joseph: Favorite tea to decompress, and in what mug?
Fresh mint tea – in my Rupert Spira Ceramic mug and Antique Silver teapot with raffia-wrapped handle.

AJ: What’s a guilty pleasure you have?
Hotel room crisps.

AJ: If you weren’t a designer, you’d be a ….?
Behavioral Scientist.

Dive into an 80s-inspired interior, where mirrored walls reflect an impressive array of art, offering a dining experience that’s as visually captivating as the cuisine.

AJ: What’s your design pet peeve?
The designer karate chop when pillow styling.

AJ: How would you describe your personal style?
Intuitive and playful.

AJ: What would your dream project or dream client be right now?
A rocket ship; Elon Musk’s personal residence.

At Temple Bar, the rich warmth of mahogany elegantly contrasts with black and white checkered floors, creating a harmonious blend of timeless elegance and vintage allure.

AJ: Style (or design) icon?
Francis Elkins.

AJ: How would you define your work in three words
Timeless, personal and sexy.

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About the Maker | Melissa applies a highly refined aesthetic across multiple design disciplines, incorporating lifestyle curation, styling, and the sourcing and acquisition of iconic pieces of art and antiquity. Drawing on her lived experiences and the totality of her expansive design background, Melissa’s approach brings a practicality to every project, moving beyond surface aesthetics to create spaces that express the lives and lifestyles of her clients.

In 2015 she launched M.A. Bowers, Inc. an interior design and creative studio, specializing in hospitality and residential design.

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