H&M Interior Design’s First Anniversary: A Thriving Collaboration

Dallas Residential Interior Design by H&M Interior Design
Exquisite residential interior design by Hugh Scarbrough and Marissa Marmolejos, the visionary owners of H & M Interior Design in Dallas. All photos: Courtesy of the designers, unless otherwise specified.

H&M Interior Design: Crafting Personalized Luxury in Dallas and Beyond

In the vibrant world of interior design, exceptional ideas often spring from the synergy of creative collaboration. Nestled in the heart of Dallas, Texas, a dynamic partnership between two highly respected interior designers, Marissa Marmolejos and Hugh Scarbrough, is redefining luxury living through a remarkably fresh and deeply personalized approach to design. Their firm, H & M Interior Design, stands as a testament to what can be achieved when passion, expertise, and a genuine client-first philosophy converge.

Marissa Marmolejos and Hugh Scarbrough of H&M Interior Design
Hugh Scarbrough, ASID, RID, and Marissa Marmolejos, ASID, RID, the distinguished owners of H & M Interior Design. Photo: Gordon Ball.

Marissa Marmolejos and Hugh Scarbrough recently celebrated a significant milestone: their first anniversary as the formidable H & M Interior Design. Their professional journey, however, began much earlier, rooted in a shared love for the art of design, a commitment to their community, and an unwavering desire to profoundly impact their clients’ lives. This powerful foundation has allowed them to cultivate a reputation for creating spaces that are not only aesthetically stunning but also deeply resonant with the individuals who inhabit them.

A Client-Centric Design Philosophy: Beyond Signature Styles

Specializing in high-end residential design, new construction, and extensive remodels, H & M Interior Design has garnered acclaim for its diverse portfolio. Unlike many design firms that adhere to a specific “signature style,” Marmolejos and Scarbrough distinguish themselves through an unwavering focus on the client’s unique lifestyle. This bespoke approach ensures that every project, whether a grand estate or a cozy urban retreat, perfectly reflects the client’s personality, needs, and aspirations.

“Many designers have a particular style, and you can often walk into a room and instantly know who designed it,” Marmolejos explains. “Hugh and I believe it’s far more crucial to truly listen to our clients and design a space that is a genuine extension of them and their home. Residential design is incredibly personal – we place immense emphasis on understanding our client’s lifestyle and how they live and interact with their family within their private sanctuary.” This philosophy is the cornerstone of their success, fostering spaces that are not just beautiful to look at, but also eminently livable and functional.

Spanning the Nation: A Portfolio of Diverse Projects

This deeply personalized and responsive design approach has resonated powerfully with clients, leading to the remarkable growth and thriving success of H&M Interior Design. Their expertise extends far beyond the Dallas metropolitan area, encompassing a range of prestigious projects across the country. From conceptualizing a serene nursery in the bustling heart of New York City to transforming a sleek high-rise condominium in Denver, and designing a captivating contemporary desert home in Palm Desert, California, their geographical reach is as broad as their design capabilities. Closer to home, in North Texas, they are actively engaged in both challenging commercial and intimate residential endeavors, handling everything from comprehensive remodels in Richardson to assisting clients in streamlining their lives by downsizing into new, elegant homes in exclusive neighborhoods like Preston Hollow.

Contemporary desert home remodel in Palm Desert, California
A stunning Palm Desert, California, residence remodel, reflecting a modern desert aesthetic. All photos from this location by Luke Gibson Photography.
Lounge area of Palm Desert residence, showcasing modern design
An inviting lounge area in the Palm Desert home, designed for comfort and style.
Dining space of contemporary Palm Desert home
Elegant dining space within the renovated Palm Desert residence, blending seamlessly with the modern aesthetic.
Kitchen island detail in Palm Desert project
A stylish kitchen island, central to the open-plan design of the Palm Desert remodel.
Bedroom view in Palm Desert modern residence
A tranquil bedroom space in the Palm Desert home, highlighting comfort and contemporary design.
Bathroom design in Palm Desert contemporary remodel
Luxurious bathroom in the Palm Desert project, featuring modern fixtures and finishes.
Outdoor patio and pool area in Palm Desert residence
The beautifully integrated outdoor living space and pool area of the Palm Desert residence.

A Legacy of Expertise: The Journeys of Marissa and Hugh

Marmolejos’ passion for interior design is deeply ingrained, a legacy passed down through generations. “I wanted to do this since I was a young girl—my mom is an interior designer, and I grew up around it,” she recounts, noting that she absorbed invaluable industry insights and practical wisdom from her mother, principles she continues to apply in her work today. Marissa formalized her innate talent by earning an undergraduate degree in interior design from the University of North Texas. Post-graduation, her career flourished as she worked for luxury home builders in Dallas, gaining critical experience in high-end construction. During this period, she further distinguished herself by earning certifications as a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) and a Certified Graduate Builder (CGB) through the prestigious National Home Builders Association. Her commitment to excellence culminated in passing the NCIDQ exam, allowing her to become a Registered Interior Designer (RID) in Texas, a mark of her comprehensive knowledge and professional standing.

Scarbrough’s journey into design began with an unexpected but equally profound passion: flowers. He is a certified Master Florist in Arkansas, an artistic foundation that undeniably imbues his interior design work with a unique sense of color, texture, and organic beauty. Complementing this, he holds a Bachelor of Interior Design degree from the University of Arkansas. This extensive education and diverse experience led him to the renowned Dallas design studio, Robb and Stucky, where he and Marmolejos first crossed paths many years ago, forging a friendship that would eventually blossom into a powerful professional partnership.

Their shared enthusiasm for the field and a mutual belief that their collective expertise, rich experience, and solid education are best utilized in service of their clients’ unique lifestyle needs solidified their bond. “Designing for clients is profoundly rewarding, far more so than simply imposing our own style onto a space,” Marmolejos emphasizes, encapsulating the core ethos of H & M Interior Design.

Exterior architectural design by H&M Interior Design
Striking exterior designs expertly crafted by H & M Interior Design, blending seamlessly with the landscape.
Another example of H&M Interior Design's exterior work
A welcoming exterior entrance, showcasing H & M Interior Design’s thoughtful approach to curb appeal.
Modern residential facade designed by H&M
A modern residential facade, embodying contemporary architectural principles and careful material selection by H & M Interior Design.

Leadership in the Industry: ASID Involvement

Beyond their thriving practice, both Marmolejos and Scarbrough are deeply committed to advancing the interior design profession. They are active participants and influential leaders within the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), the leading professional organization for interior designers. Marmolejos has been a dedicated member of ASID since 2001, demonstrating her long-standing commitment. She notably served two years as Chair for the Dallas Design Community and currently holds the prestigious position of President of the ASID Texas Chapter for the 2015-2016 term. Her leadership is pivotal in shaping the future of interior design in Texas.

Scarbrough mirrors this commitment, having served as the Financial Chair for the Dallas Design Community and as the Communications Chair for the ASID Texas Chapter. His dedication continues as he currently serves as the President-Elect for the ASID Texas Chapter for 2015-2016, setting the stage for his future leadership. This extensive volunteer work is not merely about giving back; it is instrumental in building invaluable relationships within the professional community, fostering collaboration, and staying at the forefront of industry trends and best practices. “We’ve been doing this for so long, we have a lot of connections and past referrals,” Marmolejos acknowledges, reflecting on the strength of their network. “Dallas certainly has a plethora of talented interior designers, but there are also countless homeowners seeking bespoke, high-quality design solutions.”

Contemporary bedroom remodel in Dallas by H&M
A serene and sophisticated contemporary bedroom remodel in Dallas, designed for ultimate comfort and style.
Bedroom detail from a contemporary Dallas remodel
An intricate detail from the contemporary bedroom remodel in Dallas, highlighting exquisite finishes and textures.
Contemporary master suite remodel in Richardson, Texas
A luxurious contemporary master suite remodel in Richardson, offering a private oasis of comfort.
Master bathroom detail from Richardson remodel
Detailed view of the elegant master bathroom from the Richardson remodel, featuring high-end fixtures.
Living area of Richardson home remodel
The inviting living area of the Richardson home post-remodel, designed for family gatherings and relaxation.
Custom fireplace design in a Dallas area home
A custom-designed fireplace, a focal point in one of H & M Interior Design’s Dallas-area projects.

The Art of Execution: Project Management and Transformation

Scarbrough aptly characterizes interior design as a sophisticated blend of project management and event planning. “It’s all about meticulous organization and pulling countless elements together; there are always a lot of moving parts,” he explains. “Clients recognize the beautiful outcome in the end, even if they don’t fully comprehend the intricate process that led to it. That, for us, is incredibly rewarding.” This insight highlights the complex, behind-the-scenes work that goes into every H & M project, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience for clients.

One notable remodel in Richardson perfectly illustrates their transformative capabilities. The project involved clients whose parents were moving into the ground floor of their home, while the clients themselves relocated to the upstairs. “We completely reimagined that entire upstairs area,” Scarbrough details. “We transformed a guest bedroom into an expansive walk-in closet and integrated what was a Jack-and-Jill bathroom, making it a luxurious, private part of the master suite.” This comprehensive redesign not only updated the aesthetics but also profoundly enhanced the functionality and flow of the home for multi-generational living.

Another compelling project involved clients with residences in both California and Preston Hollow who were seeking a significant lifestyle change. “Our clients decided to downsize from a spacious 3,000-square-foot home to a more intimate brownstone,” Marmolejos recalls. “The primary challenge was to strategically integrate their existing furniture into a much smaller footprint. We undertook the complete design of the new home, meticulously planning everything from countertop selections and wall colors to a precise furniture layout. We also advised on what items would best be stored and what would seamlessly fit into their new, streamlined living space.” This meticulous planning ensured a graceful transition, proving that downsizing doesn’t mean compromising on style or comfort.

Nursery suite remodel by H&M Interior Design
A beautifully designed and tranquil nursery suite remodel, creating a welcoming space for a new arrival. These photos: Michael Hunter Photography.
Detail of a cozy nursery design
An adorable detail from the nursery suite, showcasing gentle colors and thoughtful decor.
Play area in the H&M designed nursery
A charming play area within the nursery suite, designed to inspire joy and creativity.

Looking Ahead: The Future of H&M Interior Design

Currently, Marmolejos and Scarbrough are engaged in several exciting projects across the bustling Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex, further cementing their presence in the regional luxury market. “We are thrilled to be partnering with a prominent custom builder in the area and are actively working on a couple of new build-to-suit projects slated to commence in the new year,” Marmolejos shares, indicating a strategic direction for the firm. “We foresee ourselves expanding more significantly into the realm of new construction, leveraging our extensive experience from concept to completion.”

No matter the scale or scope of the project, Marissa Marmolejos and Hugh Scarbrough remain steadfast in their mission: to craft interiors that are not just visually stunning but also deeply functional and emotionally resonant. They achieve this by expertly guiding clients through every phase of the design process, meticulously managing every detail along the way, and ultimately transforming houses into personalized homes where lives flourish.