In the Studio with Claire Mickelborough of Cresswell Studio

Here at Materie Home, we’re drawn to designers who bring a quiet intentionality to the spaces they create—those who understand that beauty and function can coexist in subtle, enduring ways. Claire Mickelborough, founder of Cresswell Studio in Connecticut, is one such designer. Claire has over 10 years of experience working in high-end residential interior design, managing projects of all sizes in Connecticut, New York, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and Florida. Known for her warm, minimalist interiors that emphasize natural materials and thoughtful details, Claire recently incorporated two Ringvide Weave cabinets from Materie Home into one of her residential projects. In this conversation, we talk with Claire about her design philosophy, creative influences, and how she approaches crafting spaces that feel both refined and deeply livable.

Materie: First off, tell us about yourself and your path to becoming an interior designer:  

Claire: I was raised with a deep appreciation for the meaning of home. My mother, a Texan who married my French father, had an effortless ability to create beautiful, welcoming spaces. She sourced from all over the world—from French flea markets to English auction houses to Moroccan souks—and I learned by watching her layer collected pieces into something personal and timeless. I came to understand that a home should reflect the people who live in it. That early exposure inspired my own path into interior design. 

Materie: What is the most fulfilling part of your design work with clients:

Claire: The most fulfilling part is helping clients create a home that really feels like theirs. I love the collaborative process—getting to know who they are, how they live, and what matters to them—and then translating that into a space that feels both beautiful and personal. My goal is always to create homes that feel inviting and truly reflective of the people who live in them. 

Materie: Tell us about your personal space and your approach to decorating your home: 

Claire: Nothing is too precious in my home—it’s a space meant to be lived in and enjoyed.  To me, the best spaces are ones that feel curated over time—where you can kick off your shoes, curl up on the sofa and be surrounded by things you love. I tend to favor textures and solid tones over patterns in my own space.  It’s important to me that my home tells a story—but always in a way that invites you to relax and stay a while.

Materie: What are you most excited about in the design industry right now? 

Claire: What excites me most in the design industry right now is the growing emphasis on authenticity and individuality. There's a real shift toward spaces that feel collected and personal rather than overly staged or trend-driven. Sustainability and craftsmanship are also taking center stage, which feels both meaningful and necessary.

Materie: What is on your radar right now (books, music, travel)?

Claire: I just returned from a fabulous trip to England, South of France and Italy, which completely reignited my love for travel and beautiful, layered places. Right now, I’m drawn to anything that offers a bit of escapism—whether it’s a book that transports me to another country (currently reading Welcome to Glorious Tuga at the suggestion of a lovely lady in a London bookstore and it is checking all the boxes) or a show set in an atmospheric, far-off place.  I gravitate toward stories with a strong sense of setting—lush villas, old cities, winding streets.  

Materie: Favorite daily ritual:

Claire: Hard to decide between my first cup of coffee or my first cocktail :)