IDS Member Spotlight: Jamie Klecka
What started as a creative outlet during a challenging season of life became a passion for designing homes that bring people together. Meet Jamie Klecka, founder of Bella Traverse Design and a member of the IDS Detroit Chapter.
Known for her signature "Michigan Coastal" style, Jamie creates warm, welcoming spaces inspired by the beauty of the Great Lakes and the moments that matter most. Learn about her design journey, where she finds inspiration, and the dream project she'd love to bring to life.
Q: What inspired you to become an interior designer?
A: I didn't take a traditional path into interior design. I returned to college at 29 while raising two young sons, one of whom had significant medical needs. During that season of life, I was looking for something creative that would challenge my mind and give me a sense of purpose beyond doctor's appointments and medical routines. I chose interior design simply because I enjoyed decorating, never realizing how much I would fall in love with the profession itself.
Looking back, I can see how that experience shaped the designer I am today. It reinforced how important home is. Not just as a beautiful place, but as the setting for everyday life, connection, and resilience. That's why I'm passionate about creating spaces where families can gather, make memories, and truly enjoy being together.
Q: How has your family's artistic and construction background shaped your design perspective?
A: I didn't grow up in a family immersed in the design or construction industry, so my passion for interior design was something I discovered on my own. Looking back, though, I can see hints of it. One of my cousins, a former art teacher, has always been incredibly creative, and today we share a passion for thoughtfully designed short-term rentals. I also learned later in life that my grandfather and two of my uncles had built their own homes. Those connections helped me realize that creativity and craftsmanship have always been part of my family's story, even if they weren't the reason I chose this career. My design perspective has been shaped most by my education, hands-on experience, and my belief that great design creates meaningful experiences.
Q: You described your style as "Michigan Coastal." How would you define that aesthetic, and what makes it unique to the region?
A: Michigan Coastal is my interpretation of life on the Great Lakes. It's warm rather than stark, layered rather than overly themed, and inspired by the colors and textures of Lake Michigan. From sun-bleached sand and driftwood to soft blue water and windswept dune grass. Instead of seashells and anchors, I focus on natural materials, collected pieces, and a sense of effortless comfort.
What makes it unique is that it's rooted in place. The homes I design feel like they belong here. They reflect the landscape, the slower pace of lake life, and the memories families create after long days on the water. That's what Michigan Coastal means to me.
Q: What accomplishment in your design career are you most proud of?
A: The accomplishment I'm most proud of is a custom new construction lake home that took more than two years to bring to life. It challenged me creatively and professionally, requiring thoughtful collaboration with the builder and countless design decisions from concept through completion.
More importantly, it perfectly reflects the kind of work I hope Bella Traverse Design becomes known for. Homes that are deeply personal, thoughtfully designed, and created around the way families live together. Every space was designed with intention, from everyday moments to holiday gatherings and weekends at the lake. Seeing it come to life reinforced my belief that great design isn't just about how a home looks; it's about creating a place where memories are made for generations.
Q: How do you stay creatively inspired throughout the year?
A: Travel is one of the best ways I recharge creatively. While I always appreciate beautiful architecture and thoughtfully designed spaces, what inspires me most is simply getting away from my desk and off my screens. Travel gives me the chance to slow down, observe the world around me, and return with a fresh perspective. It resets my creativity in a way that nothing else can.
I also enjoy reading books by other designers. I love learning how they think, how they approach design challenges, and how they've developed their own design philosophy. It reminds me that great design isn't about chasing trends. It's about creating spaces with purpose and authenticity.
Q: If you could design your dream project anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
A: My dream project would be creating a destination property in a resort town. Whether it's a boutique hotel, a collection of vacation homes, or a custom lakefront retreat. That excites me most isn't the type of project, but the opportunity to design spaces that bring people together and become part of their story.
I love designing homes and hospitality spaces where every detail supports the experience. Whether it's a kitchen designed for gathering after a day on the water, a cozy reading nook, or a hidden speakeasy that becomes the highlight of family celebrations, my goal is always the same: to create spaces that encourage connection and make lasting memories.