---
title: "By Design EM — Interior Designers & Decorators | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/by-design-em-pfvwus-pf~1006863837
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1006863837.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "By Design EM"
category: ["Interior Designers & Decorators"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/ac136dcf0049f2b8_4871-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "Traverse City, Michigan 49686, United States"
latitude: 44.7849
longitude: -85.4907
phone: "(231) 392-4890"
website: http://www.bydesign-em.com
rating: 5
review_count: 3
followers: 98
last_updated: 2026-09-23
---

# By Design EM

Original Houzz profile: [By Design EM](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/by-design-em-pfvwus-pf~1006863837)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Interior Designers & Decorators
- **Location:** Traverse City, MI
- **Serves:** Traverse City, Elk Rapids, Greilickville, Grawn, Chums Corner, Acme, Leelanau County, Williamsburg
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (3 reviews)

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- 100 Ideabook Saves
- Woman owned
- 3 years in business

As an Interior Designer for over 15 years Elizabeth McAllister has worked in all aspects of Interior Design from construction detailing and onsite supervision to furniture, window treatments, flooring, tile design, and cabinetry.  Whether it is new construction or a remodel her experience will help you get the most out of your project.

### Services Provided

- Interior Design
- Kitchen Design
- Bathroom Design
- Living Room Design
- Color Consulting
- Space Planning
- Furniture Selection
- Kids Bedroom Design
- Dining Room Design
- Custom Cabinets
- Lighting Design
- Custom Kitchen Cabinets
- Home Office Design & Construction
- Entry Design
- Design Consultation
- Custom Built-ins
- Floor Plans
- Playroom Design
- Project Management
- Custom Bathroom Vanities
- Custom Furniture
- Laundry Room Design
- Mudroom Design
- Nursery Design
- Custom Home Bars
- Guesthouse Design & Construction
- Basement Design
- Custom Bookcases
- Custom Walk-in Closets
- Sunroom Design & Construction
- Custom Entertainment Centers
- Custom Fireplace Mantels
- Home Theater Design
- Sustainable Design
- Wine Cellar Design
- Custom Shelving
- Custom Pantries
- Home Staging
- Attic Conversion
- Custom Storage
- Decluttering
- Historic Building Conservation
- Remodeling

### Areas Served

- Traverse City
- Elk Rapids
- Greilickville
- Grawn
- Chums Corner
- Acme
- Leelanau County
- Williamsburg

### Typical Job Cost

$10,000 - 100,000

We offer hourly consultation to full project packages.

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | By Design EM |
| Address | Traverse City, Michigan 49686, United States |
| Phone | (231) 392-4890 |
| Website | http://www.bydesign-em.com |
| Followers on Houzz | 98 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/elizabeth.mcallister.965?ref=tn\_tnmn

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [By Design EM](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/by-design-em-pfvwus-pf~1006863837)
- **Website:** http://www.bydesign-em.com
- **Phone:** (231) 392-4890

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- Licensed Interior Designer

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 3 reviews**

### All 3 reviews

**★★★★★ — Ck Interior Design, Feb. 2014**

> Elizabeth is knowledgeable in all areas of design. She can help you bring together materials & finishes to create the look you desire.  I have worked with her in the past and would work with her again.

**★★★★★ — sldameron, March 2013**

> North Bay Homes remodeled our kitchen for us.  Ryan did a beautiful job and worked within our budget to get more done than we thought we would be able to do.  He quickly addressed any concerns or issues that came up through out the project.  We would definitely hire him again in the future.

**★★★★★ — Nancy Woodard, Dec. 2012**

> Total Bathroom remodel.  Design, demolition and rebuild.  Excellent quality.  I would highly recommend them and will use their services again.

## Selected projects

- [Long Lake Remodel Bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/long-lake-remodel-bathrooms-pj-vj~7781623)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 4
  - Description: The bath with blue tile was previously a half bath. We were able to expand the space to add a shower so the home now has two full baths.
- [Bath Upgrade](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bath-upgrade-pj-vj~7677407)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 2
  - Description: Crystal Mountain Chalet bath upgrade. we expanded the footprint of this Master Bath to gain a larger shower. The home is a rustic style with lots of wood and stone so we complemented the style in the bathroom but added matte black accents for a more contemporary feel.
- [Long Lake Haven](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/long-lake-haven-pj-vj~7677252)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 14
  - Description: We converted a dark and dated home into an open airy, bright space with natural wood elements. Clean lines and textured finishes compliment the design and add interest.
- [Glen Arbor Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/glen-arbor-cottage-pj-vj~5713617)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 1
- [Lake Michigan Cabin](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-michigan-cabin-pj-vj~3296733)
  - Location: Kewadin, MI
  - Photos: 2
- [Traditional details meets Rustic Log Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/traditional-details-meets-rustic-log-home-pj-vj~2745668)
  - Location: Bellaire, MI
  - Photos: 10
- [1900's House, Modern Kitchen Update](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/1900-s-house-modern-kitchen-update-pj-vj~2674147)
  - Location: Traverse City, MI
  - Photos: 4
- [Woodstock Vermont Kitchen Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/woodstock-vermont-kitchen-remodel-pj-vj~2591990)
  - Location: Woodstock, VT
  - Photos: 3
- [Renderings](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/renderings-pj-vj~1813728)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 5
- [Washington DC Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/washington-dc-residence-pj-vj~1813718)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 2
- [Florida Show House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/florida-show-house-pj-vj~1813711)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 3
- [Floor Covering Brokers Projects](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/floor-covering-brokers-projects-pj-vj~729055)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 7
- [Bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bathrooms-pj-vj~105568)
  - Location: Interlochen, MI
  - Photos: 3
- [Cottage Kitchen Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cottage-kitchen-remodel-pj-vj~196546)
  - Location: Traverse City, MI
  - Photos: 4
  - Description: Tradition cottage kitchen remodel

[See all 14 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/by-design-em-pfvwus-pf~1006863837)

## Ideabooks

- [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/182437539/list/wish-list) — 1 idea
- [My House](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/58274672/list/my-house) — 133 ideas
- [Color](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/118618560/list/color) — 3 ideas
- [Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/94144690/list/kitchens) — 10 ideas
- [My Bath Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/110273387/list/my-bath-remodel) — 16 ideas
- [For my House](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/111858043/list/for-my-house) — 10 ideas
- [Exterior design and Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7309636/list/exterior-design-and-architecture) — 58 ideas
- [Bath ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4653146/list/bath-ideas) — 39 ideas
- [Home Design Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4212166/list/home-design-ideas) — 147 ideas
- [Creative Ideas!](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7252571/list/creative-ideas) — 17 ideas
- [Kitchen Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4212061/list/kitchen-ideas) — 78 ideas
- [Closets, Storage, and Organization](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/58441006/list/closets-storage-and-organization) — 13 ideas
- [Traditional Syle](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/73412175/list/traditional-syle) — 17 ideas
- [Products We Love](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4212067/list/products-we-love) — 53 ideas
- [Tile!](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/10793261/list/tile) — 15 ideas
- [Outdoor Spaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5205641/list/outdoor-spaces) — 13 ideas
- [Bedrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/21200962/list/bedrooms) — 7 ideas
- [Flooring Products](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/10793172/list/flooring-products) — 6 ideas
- [Lighting](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/8942418/list/lighting) — 3 ideas
- [Nautical Look](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5022773/list/nautical-look) — 26 ideas

[See all 20 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/bydesignem)

## Community Q&A

**Q: What color are the cabinets please?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: Stone by Mid Continent cabinetry

**Q: Looking for tips on hiring a designer** *(in Design Dilemma)*

We just moved into a 98 year old Craftsman Bungalow (in the historic area of Oxnard, CA) and are very excited to have such a well-preserved historic home. With this however, my husband an I are looking for advice. We have furnishings that were purchased for a much newer home and we want to do some remodeling in the kitchen, bathroom and bedrooms. The living and dining rooms are gorgeous so all we want to do in these rooms is remove the carpet and restore the oak floors. 
We think that a good first thing to do is to hire a designer to help us come up with a plan on how to proceed. Not having ever worked with designers before we have a few questions:
Outside of Houzz where do we find designers? Should we find someone who specializes in historic homes? Is it possible to hire a designer who will help to map out what may be a multi-year plan? What can we expect the cost to be for an initial consultation?
I am including some photos that I took the day before we moved in.
Thanks in advance for your help.

A: As a designer I recommend looking on houzz, said website or just Google designers in your area.  Check out their online portfolios and their profiles.  Narrow it down to 3 and talk to them.  A designer who wants your business should do an initial meeting free, or just call them on the phone.  You want someone who listens and asks questions about you.  You should feel comfortable with them and feel that they will be open and honest with you.  Their style ornate style of most of their work is not necessarily as important.  I love and can achieve manynsucessful styles for my clients from historic to modern, but of course it would be a plus if the person you choose has done a bungalow style house before.  Definitely they should want to work with you on many phases of your home remotely and should advise you on wisest ways to dive it up.  Like working on kitchen and bath at once if possible asait will be less expensive for the plumber.  Lastly a designer should charge around $100 an hour, I am in Michigan so I get less here but I think that number should be relevant in .CA, much more than that and they are too much.  They should charge a set fee per room or phase of each project and the per hour would be for extra advising not agreed on in a contract.  An architect would be great if you removing walls etc. But the designer should coordinate furnishings, kitchen design etc. Unless you findan architect that specializes in interior design.  A good designer will design for your lifestyle and add a lot of value in the details.  Good luck and I hope you post lots of after pictures.  P.S. I do think some credentials like benign licensed designer or have a degree or many years experience is very valuable, especially if you are doing kitchen, bath, and remodeling not just decoration.

**Q: Large front entry with high ceiling** *(in Design Dilemma)*

I live in SoCal and our home was built in '86.  We have a large front entry with a large blank wall when you walk in.  The wall is the height of our two story home.  It's the first impression you get when you walk in and I don't know what color to paint it or how to decorate it since it visually connects with the dining room and living room plus it leads into the family and kitchen areas.  The first photo is the wall in question followed by pictures of the living room and dining room.  I just purchased a new rug for the living room which will open up more color options as well as painting a sideboard a bold blue for the dining room.

A: I like a painted faux finish like you have pictured above, a grass cloth look is nice and very Mediterranean.  If you are able to mount mom sconces up high or a chandelier that would add interest.  I think a taller more open sideboard with long looking legs, large turned legs maybe, would look taller and more in the right scale.  Tall artwork or maybe a tapestry.

**Q: I really need to modernise a 1970s whole wall marble fireplace...** *(in Design Dilemma)*

I need advice about modernising my firplace and changing it to something that I absolutely love looking at. Wood surrounding is quite badly chipped.  I also never know what to put on the mantelpiece.

A: I like the uniqueness of the fireplace and surround.  Being American we do not see this type of style often and I would not get rid of it.  Due to not being able to invest much in it I would paint the wood white, sand out the chips first.  You could do a shabby chic but a nice clean finish would make it more modern and I think also make it feel lighter.  I do feel the actual center fireplace seems a bit squatty and short in scale with the curved tiers so I would build up the sides with tile, wood trim painted white or just tall narrow art or sculpture.  And a tall rectangular mirror in the center, or art.  On the right side you could do bookshelves, but I would keep them hanging shelves and put lots of cushions underneath as someonw suggested above.  This will make it look cozy and hopefully be a nice reading nook.  I would change the light fixture, paint it if you can't change it yet, and put a roman shade instead of the curtains, mount the shade at ceiling height and have it extend wider than the window and this will make it seem taller.  If at some point in the future you can change it more I would consider taking out the middle tier in front of the fireplace and leave the side teirs.  This will open it up and give it a cleaner look.  You will need to consult with someone to make sure you could fill in the spots that will be exposed with existing tile or tile to match.  Good Luck!

**Q: Need help with furniture layout in master bedroom** *(in Design Dilemma)*

We recently bought our dream home. Our master bedroom has two floors. The upper floor will be the office/TV room and the lower floor will be furnished for sleeping/reading. The room is bright with lots of natural light from the windows.  Because of these windows, we have little wall space to place our furniture. The previous owners had their master bed located near the entrance of the doorway as you walk in. You could see the large overhanging light fixture in the attached photos where the bed would normally be placed under. It’s not ideal because we would be staring down a long hallway when lying down in bed and it’s too close to the entry way. We would like to fit a king-sized bed with side tables, a dresser and a few chairs into this space. We are open to making some renovations to this room if it would make it a more usable and functional space (ie getting rid of some windows or closing off the fireplace). Thank you so much for your input.

A: I like the idea of floating a wall also if you have enough width in the room.  If you could do it under the balcony you may be able to open up the closet/bath area and have the divider wall as a transition to the bathroom/closet.  Another option may be to close off 1 door to the bath/closet and have that entry combined.  That would depend on your bath layout also.  I think floating a wall is the easiest and least expensive option.  Incorporate it into the headboard and the height would be determined by the placement.  i think you could also do this with the bed facing the door to the outside and the wall would then be floated out from the entry door from the hallway and then you would not see the bed from down the hallway and vice versa.  This space would be difficult to use however, maybe it could be wide enough for a bookshelf on the reverse side of the bed wall and a chair or chaise for reading.

**Q: need help for my realy small kitchen** *(in Design Dilemma)*

i need a complete design for my really really small kitchen
the dimensions are attached as a picture.
if somebody can help me with a design layout than wil be very appreciated

A: Oops here is the floor plan

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-23.*