Haven is a community of lifestyle creatives who inspire living well through

Calling on top designers, tastemakers, and influential home industry experts, we are your destination for timeless, laid-back interiors and storytellers of livable luxury.

Interior Design: Lauren Nelson Design · Photography: Seth Smoot · Stylist: Kendra Smoot · Architect: Douglas McQuillan · Builder: KW Builders

meaningful connections.

Rooted in community-driven purpose, we reimagine the way creatives in the home industry grow strategic and profitable businesses.

Our industry-leading business retreat for interior designers, the Haven Workshop, provides a welcoming environment for designers at all levels to translate their talent into a flourishing brand. 

We've reimagined what it means to grow a successful interior design business. By stewarding experiential wisdom, we offer creatives the opportunity to learn from influential industry experts, grow their business with a smart strategy, and gain a support system of like-minded designers who will become lifelong friends.  

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Melissa Baran

As a forward-thinking leader in the design industry, Melissa founded Haven in 2018 with a commitment rooted in creating a sense of community, expertly curating and showcasing exceptional content and nurturing meaningful connections between like-minded creatives and their clientele. Over the course of her career, she has honed her expertise in crafting compelling editorial content and formulating profitable brand and social strategies.

Beyond Haven's online community, Melissa is the Founder of the industry's leading business retreat for interior designers, the Haven Workshop. Her dedication to empowering and educating designers and home industry creatives has made her a pivotal figure in the field. Having hosted hundreds of designers, Haven's workshops are now regarded as an essential experience for those seeking to thrive in the ever-evolving world of design and innovation.

When she's not at the creative helm of Haven, you'll find her spending time with her husband, Shawn, and their son, Chase.

FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Danya Gurtler

Danya's multifaceted skill set and passion for the creative design community is exemplified in both her strategic leadership and creative content management. She plays a pivotal role in ensuring Haven's commitment to delivering high-quality content and unparalleled experiences.

With a keen eye for detail, Danya orchestrates seamless operations behind the scenes at Haven, ensuring that every aspect of our online presence and in-person retreats run smoothly and efficiently. Her dedication to both community over competition and a growth mindset makes her a tremendous champion for the hundreds of creatives we work with each day. On the creative front, she is the driving force behind Haven's editorial excellence.

Danya divides her time between her city abode and countryside retreat alongside her husband, Adam. While she enjoys the surroundings of their two beautiful homes, she has a strong penchant for exploring the world and discovering new sources of inspiration.

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & LEAD EDITOR

partnerships & collaborations

Interested in working with Haven to create awareness about your brand? We would love to chat with you! Kindly, email us at advertising@thehavenlist.com to learn about our collaborations and campaigns, or to request a media kit.

Interior Design: Tiffany Leigh Design · Photography: Patrick Biller · Contractor: County Upgrades · Property: Parkway Lake House