Alyssa Cairns

About Alyssa Cairns

Interior Designer | Furniture Curator | Owner of Alcove InteriorsI’m Alyssa Cairns, owner and lead designer at Alcove Interiors, a Grand Rapids-based interior design studio and curated furniture warehouse built for busy families, homeowners, and trade professionals.With over nine years of experience in home design, I specialize in helping clients transform their spaces with elegant, livable interiors—without the stress or long lead times. At Alcove, we offer designer-grade, in-stock furniture, personalized styling, and complete design services to make the process seamless from start to finish.From full-room transformations to furnishing vacation homes and investment properties, I work with clients who want beautiful results—but need expert guidance to bring it all together.🪑 What sets Alcove Interiors apart:• Interior design services tailored to real life—both functional and stylish• Ready-to-go furniture and decor curated by a designer, not a big-box catalog• Furnishing packages for second homes, rentals, and Airbnb properties• Trade program for realtors, builders, and designers who need a trusted furniture source• A local studio with nationwide virtual supportWhether you’re furnishing your dream home, planning a renovation, or helping your own clients furnish theirs, I’d love to be your go-to design partner.🤝 Let’s work together:• Visit our Grand Rapids warehouse on Thursdays 12–6 PM (or by appointment)• Explore our in-stock pieces at Message me here to connect or schedule a consultationLet’s create something beautiful together.

Experience

1. Owner Lead Designer

   Alcove Interiors

   Jan 2021 — Present · Grand Rapids, MI, US

   As founder and lead designer of Alcove Interiors, I help busy families, homeowners, and design professionals furnish and style beautiful, functional spaces—without the overwhelm.Alcove is a designer-curated furniture studio and full-service interior design firm, offering a fresh alternative to big-box stores and months-long furniture delays. From our Grand Rapids warehouse, we provide in-stock, designer-grade furniture and décor, personalized design services, and full-home furnishing packages for primary residences, vacation homes, and investment properties.🪴 What I do:• Design full-room and whole-home interiors with a family-focused lens• Curate high-style, in-stock furniture and décor for immediate purchase• Create furnishing plans for second homes, Airbnbs, and vacation properties• Support trade professionals with sourcing, layout planning, and install-ready pieces• Offer personalized, concierge-style shopping experiences in our Grand Rapids warehouseWhether I\'m guiding a client through a renovation, helping a real estate investor furnish a new rental, or designing a cozy family living room, my approach is warm, collaborative, and rooted in real-life function.

Education

• Loyola University Chicago

  Master of Education (M.Ed.), Higher Education/Higher Education Administration

  2009 — 2011

• Harlaxton College

  Study Abroad

  2006 — 2006

• University of Evansville

  BFA, Creative Writing

  2004 — 2008

• University of Evansville

  Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA, Creative Writing

  2008

• University of Evansville

  Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA, Creative Writing

Skills

• First Year Experience
• Student Engagement
• Student Leadership
• Social Media
• New Student Orientation
• Academia
• Student Affairs
• Staff Development
• Career Development
• Higher Education
• Event Planning
• College Teaching
• Career Counseling
• Curriculum Mapping
• Leadership
• Higher Education Administration
• Organizational Development
• Workshops
• Student Development
• Academic Advising