Nestled in the heart of an exclusive Palm Beach Gardens country club community, Bluebird Cottage is a haven of relaxed sophistication. This project embodies the warmth and character of designer Lisa Michael’s distinct approach, a custom home crafted through her exquisite attention to detail and innate gift to masterfully infuse color. What truly sets Bluebird Cottage apart is Lisa’s skillful selection of authentic and tactile materials, each chosen for its unique contribution to the home’s layered interior. The Delray Beach-based interior designer’s hallmark is her ability to craft livable spaces where comfort is always the primary goal. Bluebird Cottage reflects Lisa Michael Interiors’ signature ability to tell a story through design—one that speaks to an effortless sense of refinement, a testament to cozy living.
Rooted in Craftsmanship and a Connection to the Natural World
Growing up in the scenic village of Moreland Hills, Ohio, as the daughter of a second-generation builder, Lisa was exposed to the design-build process from a young age. This early exposure instilled in her a lifelong appreciation for natural and authentic materials, particularly the warmth and character they bring to a home.
Entrusted with transforming a family vacation home—soon to be their permanent residence—Lisa envisioned “Bluebird Cottage” as a harmonious blend of her clients’ love for traditional design and the relaxed charm of a curated coastal retreat. Reimagining the interior floor plan as the first challenge of the project, Lisa created a great room in the existing living room by relocating the interior kitchen to a more open space. This newly created space also houses the custom bar, a focal point featuring a delicate bluebird mosaic that ultimately inspired the home’s name.
A Coastal Palette and Play on Patterns
Color has always played a pivotal role in Lisa Michael’s design process. “Color has a magical ability to evoke a sensory experience that evokes emotion,” she explains. “For me, it often starts with a fabric that catches my eye or the specific mood I’m aiming to create.” At Bluebird Cottage, Lisa translated this into an eclectic and inviting palette, curating each room’s color selections and patterns to create distinct spaces oozing with charm. Layered with custom made linens, unique wall coverings, and artisanal quality hard surfaces and fabrics, each space within bluebird cottage maintains its own unique persona.
Inspired by childhood memories of her grandparents’ guest bedrooms, affectionately known as “the red room” and “the blue room,” Lisa embraced nostalgic influences in her approach to color. The home’s “blue room” pays homage to this sentimental inspiration with a carefully curated palette of blues accented by green hues, including a refinished mirror that once belonged to the homeowner’s mother—a personal touch that adds to the home’s layered storytelling.
Throughout the home, Lisa thoughtfully wove a palette of blues, from the block-print wallpaper in the primary bedroom to the chinoiserie- inspired bar backsplash and the artisan-quality fabrics that radiate tactile warmth. These elements create a sense of relaxed sophistication. The interplay of these cool tones is balanced by detailed millwork, warm wood accents, and natural materials, resulting in a space that feels both polished and inviting.
Thoughtful Details and Enchanting Moments
At Bluebird Cottage, every detail tells a part of the story. Handwoven rugs, vintage finds, custom millwork, and natural materials come together to create a space that feels welcoming, while evoking a sense of history and mainstay. Each material was selected to add depth and warmth, making the home feel established and loved.
The kitchen’s focal point—a historic reproduction range framed by floor-to- ceiling river rock—is mirrored on the opposite side by a custom-built electric fireplace. “The balance of these elements creates a unified space,” drawing attention upward to the character oak ceilings, which celebrate the volume of the room. A soft neutral palette in the cabinetry is elegantly contrasted by polished brass hardware and handmade light fixtures, whose patina finishes add subtle, lived-in character.
One of the most enchanting features of the home is the built-in bar, showcasing a hand-cut glass bluebird mosaic. “I love adding whimsical touches to my designs,” Lisa shares. “The bluebirds in the mosaic seem to come alive, as if they could inhabit the charming town depicted in the painting above the credenza.” Commissioned from a Connecticut artist, the painting complements the mosaic, while the bluebirds honor the home’s legacy, symbolizing a connection to its past. The blue cabinetry with brass insets adds a layer of vintage charm, harmonizing with the hardware and hammered sink.
A Dining Space to Inspire
Located in the newly imagined great room, the dining area is anchored by a custom dining table featuring a basketweave marquetry tabletop crafted from reclaimed cypress. Hardwood chairs with woven seagrass, inspired by French antiques, are softened by handmade paisley cushions that subtly echo the blues of the custom built-in bar.
Adjacent to the dining area, a credenza serves as a grounding point for the commissioned painting displayed above it. The artwork is beautifully framed by antique brass buffet lamps on either side, while an antique reproduction picture light above adds a soft, warm glow to the painting. Together, these elements create a thoughtfully layered vignette that blends art, history, and functionality, enriching the room’s character and charm.
The Beauty of Curated Design
Choosing the right interior designer is key to ensuring a home reflects the client’s vision while embracing expert craftsmanship. “It’s essential to work with someone you trust—someone whose vision and expertise you have confidence in,” Lisa advises. “When clients understand that every decision a designer makes is intentional, the process flows more smoothly and results in a truly personal experience.”
With Bluebird Cottage, Lisa Michael Interiors has once again proven that beauty and comfort can exist in perfect harmony. Through thoughtful materiality, a refined color palette, and an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, the home stands as a shining example of bespoke inspired living. As Lisa reflects on the project, she shares a final takeaway: “Thoughtful design isn’t about following trends. It’s about crafting environments that feel curated and special—places where you can truly live comfortably while creating lasting memories.”
The homeowners’ sentiment affirms the success of Lisa’s approach. “They told me they’re happy to spend the rest of their lives here,” she shares—a testament to the power of thoughtful, personalized design that transcends time and trends.
See more of Lisa Michael’s work – visit her profile here.
