a multi-disciplinary design studio:
One studio. Many expressions.
Hand-printed Fabric, Custom Rugs
& Photoshoot Styling
Balanced Design is a New England–based studio rooted in an artful, considered approach to composition, texture, and storytelling.
The studio was founded with a focus on eco-conscious textile design—creating hand-printed fabrics in small batches, prioritizing responsible materials including organic cotton, linen, and hemp, and designing pieces meant to last rather than follow trends. From the beginning, the work was guided by the belief that thoughtful design comes from intention and balance, with a focus on how pattern, material, and scale interact within a space. You can read about our beginnings here.
That exploration of material and proportion expanded into custom rug design, allowing the studio to work at a larger, more architectural scale. Designing rugs deepened an understanding of how surfaces ground a room—how weight, texture, and proportion anchor an interior and shape the overall composition.
Over time, the process of designing and photographing textiles and rugs extended into styling full scenes for the camera—considering how light, texture, and material interact, and how edited, well-chosen elements create strong imagery. What began as styling for product photography evolved into offering photoshoot styling support for interior designers, photographers, and brands.
Today, Balanced Design offers small-batch, hand-printed textiles, custom rugs, and photoshoot styling services, unified by the same values: intentionality, material awareness, and an understanding of what photographs beautifully.
Photoshoot styling services include shot list development, prop planning and sourcing, and on-site styling support for editorial and brand shoots throughout New England. Styling favors a thoughtful, edited approach—often incorporating artwork from local artists—while building layered scenes that feel natural rather than overproduced.
Balanced Design works as a creative partner, bringing an art-forward, considered eye to both product and place.
melinda cox | creative director
Balanced Design is led by Melinda Cox, a New England–based textile designer and photoshoot stylist with a background in art direction. Her experience as an art director informs the studio’s work across disciplines, with a focus on proportion, materials, and visual clarity.
Melinda’s approach is grounded in how surfaces, pattern, and light work together within a frame. Whether designing hand-printed textiles, developing custom rugs, or styling interiors for photography, she brings an editorial sensibility to each project—creating imagery that feels cohesive, intentional, and true to the space. Her work has appeared in numerous national and international publications, including books, the New York Times, Metropolis Magazine, the “GREEN” lounge at the Academy Awards, in numerous blogs, on HGTV, and on ABC “World News with Diane Sawyer”.
She collaborates closely with interior designers, photographers, and brands, offering styling support that complements design intent and streamlines shoot day.
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