Why Melissa Akkaway’s Malibu Home is Her Interior Dream Realized

Rip & Tan: Tell us about The Particulars—where did your initial idea come from and how has it evolved over the years?

Melissa Akkaway: The Particulars came out of my years in retail owning and operating my own stores in LA and Las  Vegas (Beckley). I made the decision to close the stores and my clothing line in 2015 to take a much-needed break and be with my kids. In 2017/2018 I was ready to start something new but something with a much lower lift than owning a brick-and-mortar store. I  wanted to write trend pieces about accessories and reconnect with my fashion community I had met throughout my years in retail.

I launched the interview series because I love story-telling and I always tie everything back to what people are particular about. Everyone is particular about certain things in their life. To date, I have interviewed over 100 female founders in fashion, beauty, jewelry, and everything  in between.

This past year I launched my first product called the N.I.C.E Pack (need in case of emergency), a multi-functional waistpack, cross-body bag, and all-about town bag. It’s The Particulars’ foray into developing a product line. We have sold out several times over the year and have celebrity fans such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Mandy Moore among others.

Rip & Tan: From creating content to doing school drop-off, we’re sure there doesn’t often seem like enough time in the day. What are your non-negotiables in your daily routine and how do you carve out time for yourself?

Melissa Akkaway: I have a few non-negotiables in my life that help me stay sane. I am an avid workout person, I do a mix of  Core Power Yoga, running, and Tracy Anderson method. Working out is my type of meditation. I also “try” not to be on my phone or computer after 4pm when my kids are home so I can focus on them but it doesn’t always happen.

I also go into my hot sauna 3-4 days a week for 20 minutes then finish with 2 minutes in a cold plunge pool. This I have found to help me calm my mind and body from all of life’s stressors.

Rip & Tan: We’d love to know more about the journey for this space—what kind of home life did you envision for yourself and your family when you set out on the design?

Melissa Akkaway: Our home was a real labor of love and research, mostly the research done by my husband! We used Marmol Radziner as our architect and landscape architect because we wanted a warm modern house for our family.

We wanted to live close to the beach so the kids could surf and just be closer to the ocean. We found this piece of land with a small house and knew this was the place we wanted to move and build our literal dream home.

Marmol Radziner designed the shape of the house and chose the right amount of wood and dark plaster which made the house feel both modern and warm at the same time.

Rip & Tan: In terms of interiors, how would you describe your personal style?

Melissa Akkaway: I would say I am not precious with interiors. I like to have fun with color and pattern, I enlisted Chloe Redmond of Redmond and Aldridge out of San Francisco to help me pull everything together. She is a master expert at creating spaces for families and incorporating lots of textures and colors that seem to all work in harmony.

Rip & Tan: As someone who pays special attention to the little details, how did that sensibility factor into how your home design?

Melissa Akkaway: Yes, I am particular about the details for sure. I am a big wallpaper person so a few of the rooms have wall paper which I feel is such an amazing detail. I also try to add interesting finds from travel or books that I love scattered around.

Rip & Tan: Each piece in your space feels so thoughtful and unique—do you have any tips to share for sourcing meaningful and intriguing décor?

Melissa Akkaway: I think you have to find pieces that speak to you and that you connect with rather than filling your space with a bunch of random items that you don’t love. You have to be patient sometimes but I promise it’s worth it.

Rip & Tan: What’s your philosophy on pops of color versus—or, rather, in tandem with—a more neutral, organic palette?

Melissa Akkaway: I love a neutral palette with a pop of color for sure. I feel like a bright-colored coffee table book or a few pillows that can always make things pop. Add a blanket to your bed to change it up each season.

Rip & Tan: Is there a favorite room or corner of your space? Or perhaps one you find yourself gravitating to most often? Why so?

Melissa Akkaway: My favorite room in my house is my closet! I designed it to showcase a few of my favorite things. I also love our outdoor space. We have an outdoor patio/couch area that is the best place to hang out with friends or family. It’s our go-to spot all summer or winter long.

Rip & Tan: What’s something small that’s been bringing you joy lately?

Melissa Akkaway: Laughing with my kids brings me so much joy.

Rip & Tan: What does living well mean to you?

Melissa Akkaway: Living well means myself and my family are all healthy and happy.