Mindy O’Connor is the principal of Melinda Kelson O’Connor Design, LLC, a Philadelphia-based architecture and interiors studio. She offers a thoughtful approach to the needs and wishes of her clients and the inherent potential of the architecture they live in. Crafting simple and elegant design solutions, Mindy uses concise design moves to have the largest effect. Mindy’s background and experience in built designs are also grounded in her mindfulness toward sustainability. Learn more about Mindy O’Connor in today’s Designer Friday.
Andrew Joseph: Describe your design style as if you were explaining it to someone who cannot see.
Mindy O’Connor: My style is not defined by one color, aesthetic movement, trend, period, or type. Rather, think of naturally lit spaces that feel open, gracious, and comfortable, whether big or small. I gravitate toward a base of neutral tones and simple moves that allow the architecture to define the room. Then, I can create bolder or more colorful, layered looks for a feeling of warmth and coziness, or fun. My designs aim to be understated and livable, yet elegant. I enjoy creating rooms built up from a variation of beautiful elements and textures, and while the effect can be either incredibly simple or more complex, the goal is to never be too complicated or fussy.
In this bathroom, the combination of natural materials and marble-clad walls creates a spa-like atmosphere.
AJ: What is something you hope to see trending in design in the future?
MO: I’d love to see a reduction in the appeal of fast homewares or quick-fix makeovers with a move toward sustainable choices that are well-made for durability and longevity with a timeless aesthetic. Really, I’m advocating for a trend against trendiness! I’d be happy to see a rejection of the pressure to constantly redo the whole look or revamp and toss out objects and furnishings in step with any trendy dictates. I don’t work this way and believe the practices and traditions of both design and architecture are rooted in careful decision-making, editing, and a history of craftsmanship. I’d like to see a real return to quality over immediacy, thoughtful discussions around purchasing versus repurposing, and creativity being employed to solve problems and design spaces, rather than cheap, disposable or potentially toxic materials.
AJ: What’s your favorite cocktail?
MO: Anything with Prosecco or Champagne.
AJ: What are three words to describe where you live?
MO: Historic, green, and urban-enclave.
Upon arrival at this landing, you are drawn to the vibrant rug that anchors the room. Above, the drum shade ceiling light echoes the fabric and palette of the hallway above, tying the two levels together.
AJ: What’s your design pet peeve?
MO: The expression “it’s fine” or “I’m fine with that” has always irked me a little. The language is not very descriptive and makes me question whether we are honestly achieving our goals. I’m generally not going for just fine or ok!
AJ: What was your first job?
MO: I worked at Godiva during high school. I liked stacking the pretty chocolate truffles in pyramids and tying wedding favor ribbons on little gold boxes of chocolates inside the glass front jewel box of a shop. The best part, beyond being perfect for a quiet organizer type, was that if any of the chocolates were damaged (missing a stripe, dented, or imperfect), they were put aside in a bag and the staff got to eat them.
AJ: Do you get your eight hours a night? – what is your schedule like?
MO: Rarely, if ever. No matter how early I get up, I still can’t shake being a night person— thinking, reading, or watching shows until typically midnight. It takes my brain a very long time to wind down, and I have learned not to try to rush it because it just does not work. This is my internal schedule even though I only drink decaffeinated coffee. With caffeine, I’m pretty sure I would actually never sleep!
Hues of blue are tastefully flooded with light from the bay windows in this sitting room, anchored by the marble fireplace that is flanked by open shelving.
AJ: What would your dream project or dream client be right now?
MO: I’d love to design a passive house, which is a house that because of its tight construction and design process requires little energy for space heating or cooling. And this doesn’t only apply to new buildings, a deep energy retrofit can apply to the design process for a renovation of an older structure. I aim to be a part of the movement that demonstrates how we can build, create, and design without being complicit in the ongoing climate crisis. And then, I’d like to furnish that house in beautiful, timeless pieces.
I’d also love to design a hotel. The romantic idea of travel and how the design of spaces we visit resonates with us afterward, helping define the experience and the connections we make is even more appealing today after a few years of turning inwards and focusing so heavily on homes during the pandemic.
AJ: Are you a pet person? Why either way? Dogs or cats?
MO: My dog Tessa is unequivocally the best. She is just pure joy, with a constantly wagging tail, wiggling her whole body to say hello. She’s a wait at the door and follow you to the ends of the earth girl. There is not a person that comes to our house that does not fall for her happy, playful way – and I cannot blame them. So, yes, definitely a pet person.
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