As a young boy growing up in Southfield, Michigan, Mikel Welch busied himself with the construction of sofas and dining tables using toy Legos for imaginary houses. It was evident to his family that an innate sense of creativity and a passion for design were embedded in Mikel from birth.

Today Welch runs a New York based interior design business, Mikel Welch Designs, and works as a host and design expert on Quibi’s Murder House Flip. On camera, Mikel shows viewers tips and tricks for renovating homes, designing sophisticated spaces and creating luxury looks at affordable prices. Mikel is a former on-air personality of TLC’s Trading Spaces, and his designs have been featured on HGTV, The Real Housewives Of Atlanta and Good Morning America.

In January 2020, House Beautiful named Mikel as one of the 2020 NEXT WAVE designers. His work has also been featured in Architectural Digest, Traditional Home, Elle Decor, People, The New York Times and several other shelter magazines. Mikel has also had the honor of designing lavish VIP green rooms for prominent personalities, including First Lady Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Faith Hill, Steve Harvey, Harry Connick Jr., Joan Rivers and Halle Berry.

Mikel Welch's Project Showcase

Photography Credit: john bessler & marcel page

Our Interview with mikel welch

Q

How did you get started in this field?

A.

I initially got started in design by offering a free promotion on Craigslist back in 2007. I would design one free room for any client, as long as they paid for the merchandise. I did this promotion for two years, in order to build a portfolio.

Q

What is your most memorable career moment so far?

A.

I have been very fortunate to have some exciting moments, but the best would have to be getting cast as the new designer on TLC’s hit show, Trading Spaces. I’ll watched those designers for years growing up, so it was such an honor to join the ranks of these iconic television Designers who paved the way for so many people in the industry.

Q

What was the first project you worked on?

A.

My first project with an actual budget, was my office design for the comedian, Steve Harvey. Steve’s management team brought me in after seeing my work on HGTV Design Star. I literally had a ten minute meeting with Steve before he jumped on a plane. There was a room full of producers, assistants and wardrobe trying to get him to sign off on various paper before he walked out of the door (It was like a scene out of a movie). He asked me to make the office look masculine and smoky. That was the only direction I had for the project. But, it ended up being the one design that changed my life!

Q

Who is your role model and why?

A.

My industry role model is interior designer, Jillian Browder of JMB Designs. I met her the first month I moved to New York back in 2008. I was working part time as a sales associate at The Container Store on 59th/Lexington. She took me under her wing and showed me the world of high-end design. At this point, I had only really worked on free Craigslist projects with budgets in the $5000 range. She quickly introduced me to Designer showhouses and luxury design. She gave me exposure. That is something that I am forever grateful for!

Q

What are you most excited about at this point in your life?

A.

I am so excited right now about my new show, Murder House Flip on Quibi. This was such an unexpected opportunity that came my way last year. I have always dreamed of hosting my own television show and that wish finally came true! On my show, I makeover homes were iconic murders took place. The goal of the show is to flip the design of each home and change the energy in the space, so the homeowners can get over the horrific tragedies. This has been such a rewarding experience because I’m not only making something beautiful, I’m also changing someone’s life.

Q

What are three things you can’t live without?

A.

1) Soho House membership

(Please take anything but this)

2) Vintage Coconut Fiber Raincoat

(Hanging in my living room)

3) Air Fryer

(This invention is genius!)

Q

Are you a cat or dog person?

A.

I am definitely a dog person. My favorite breed is the miniature schnauzer. Cats kinda freak me out. They pounce and jump out of nowhere without any explanation.

Q

What is your favorite city to recharge?

A.

Although I am a New Yorker, my favorite place to recharge is another big city. Believe it or not, I love London! There is something about the old-time charm of the city that captivates me. I’m hoping I can score a project in London that keeps me there for a significant amount of time. Plus, that’s where the Soho House originated. You can’t go wrong with that LOL!