Jessie Marchesseau is adept at working in small spaces to create functional, pleasing interiors. Photo/Revive Interior Design

By Terra Breeden

Red-checked plaid, embroidered moose and heavy pine furniture is a common theme in the interior design of Lake Tahoe homes. The “rustic cabin” look is so repetitive it has an almost kitschy feel and let’s be honest, there are no moose in Tahoe. But Jessie Marchesseau of newly opened Revive Interior Design is revamping Lake Tahoe homes with a modern approach that’s focused on brightness, functionality and the outdoor lifestyle.

“No one wants their home to look just like their neighbor’s home,” Marchesseau said. “A lot of people want that traditional style because it’s their mountain getaway, and we can do that, but in a more classy and creative way.”

Marchesseau recently founded Revive Interior Design. A longtime Tahoe local and self-proclaimed ski bum, she graduated from UNR with dual degrees in interior design and journalism in 2009. Since then, Marchesseau has worked as a reporter for Lake Tahoe News, in local real estate, and opened Revive Interior Design, which is based out of Meyers.

“I like to do different things. When you’re stuck doing one thing all of the time you get bored. Journalism and interior design are both things I really like to do, so I thought, why do I have to pick? I can do both,” Marchesseau said.

At Revive Interior Design, Marchesseau specializes in transforming homes into modern, comfortable abodes that reflect the joys of outdoor living. Her designs and handpicked furnishings cater to people who want their home to be stylish and functional.

“In Lake Tahoe people are so active. Whether they’re skiing, rock climbing, or headed to the beach, almost everyone is out enjoying our wonderful surroundings all the time,” Marchesseau said. “People need their homes to accommodate that lifestyle.”

Jessie Marchesseau is founder of Meyers-based Revive Interior Design. Photo/Revive Interior Design

Marchesseau has designed the interiors of as many garages and mudrooms, installing shelving, hooks and storage for outdoor gear, as she has living rooms and kitchens in Lake Tahoe. Her approach to personalized interior design is knowing her client and renovating the home’s interior to reflect their taste and lifestyle.

“I want to know, for every room I do, who uses that room and what it’s for,” Marchesseau said. “I want it to be functional. So you can have that party every once in a while, but I want to focus on what the room is used for every day.”

Marchesseau has transformed a shabby Kirkwood condo into a modern skier’s getaway, personalized a Tahoe cabin by mixing antiques with modern furnishings, and revitalized an empty Heavenly ski condo. She also specializes in home-staging, which is the process of refurnishing homes that are on the market.

“Home-staging brings an empty house to life,” Marchesseau said. “If you put in some furniture and give it the décor of a home, it’s easier for people to envision what it would be like to live there.”

In 2009, Joyce Blackstone, who has been working as an interior designer in South Lake Tahoe for 37 years, employed Marchesseau as an intern. Blackstone was impressed with Marchesseau’s unique approach to interior design.

“She has a very good eye for design and is good at putting things together,” Blackstone said. “She’s also a good listener, which is important in interior design.”

Luxurious interiors at Lake Tahoe can also be warm and welcoming. Photo/Revive Interior Design

Marchesseau uses modern technology like apps and social media to help people visualize what the home will look like when it’s finished. And by working closely with clients, she chooses furnishings and accessories that are custom and affordable.

“I try to be really open about what I do and how much it will cost. All of the prices are listed on my website,” Marchesseau said. “In interior design you don’t find that very often.”

Besides being an interior designer and journalist, Marchesseau embraces the Tahoe lifestyle. She likes to spend time mountain biking, skiing, walking her three dogs and refurbishing old furniture as a hobby. However, Marchesseau anticipates that Revive Interior Design will be keeping her very busy this summer.

“It’s a new business and I’m looking forward to more projects,” Marchesseau said. “I’ve done interior design over the years and I love it. I’m really excited to make it my full-time project.”