Our Values
Creativity // Practicality // Efficiency // Beauty // Collaboration
At Refresh Design, we have a deep understanding of both interior design principles and the construction process, from concept to completion.
We bring expertise, collaboration, and strong project management skills to every project, ensuring a comprehensive plan that integrates seamlessly with all aspects of the build. As a collaborative and trusted partner, we take pride in fostering strong relationships with our clients, builders, and vendors throughout the design process.
Amy Pottenger
Founder + Principal Designer
Amy Pottenger founded Refresh Design in 2005 with a simple belief: a home should support + reflect the people who live in it. That philosophy would eventually become Aligned Alchemy™, her signature approach blending design expertise with intuitive, energetic alignment and it still guides every space she creates today, from new construction homes to large-scale renovation projects across Grand Rapids, Michigan and beyond.
Amy holds a BFA from Kendall College of Art & Design and is certified as a true color expert. She actively participates in organizations like the Professional Women in Building Council and the Grand Rapids Home Builders Association. As a sought-after design professional, Amy has been featured on numerous podcasts, showcasing her expertise and insights on the many ways design can improve your daily life.
Through her approachable take on interior design, Amy fosters a sense of ease among her clients, allowing them to enjoy the design process knowing their voice is heard. Her collaborative method shines through in a varied portfolio of distinctive and timeless designs, echoing her lifelong dedication to creating soulful interior spaces.
Amy's passion + purpose is dedicated to designing soulful, beautiful spaces that reflect the essence of the people who live there. A soulful space, in her view, turns your home into a life giving tool, nurturing you while seamlessly supporting your lifestyle needs. Just by living in a soulful space you will elevate the quality of your daily life.
Gabrielle (Gabe) Fahlen
Senior Interior Designer
Gabrielle "Gabe" Fahlen brings a lifelong love of beautiful, functional spaces to every project she touches. What began as a passion for homes and design grew into a deep understanding of how people actually live and a gift for creating spaces that support their everyday lives, not just their aesthetic.
As Senior Interior Designer, Gabe guides projects from concept through completion, working closely with clients, builders, and trades every step of the way. Her days span design concept development, finish selections, construction coordination, vendor management, and client communication, always with a focus on bridging the gap between beautiful ideas and flawless execution.
Gabe's superpower is holding the big picture and the smallest details at once, turning what can feel overwhelming into a clear, organized path forward so clients feel confident throughout the process. She stays current on design trends, materials, and emerging technology, including AI-assisted visualization tools that help clients experience their future spaces before construction begins. Her talent was recognized early: First Place in the 2011 NKBA of West Michigan Kitchen Design Competition during her studies at Kendall College of Art & Design, along with People's Choice Awards in 2010 and 2011.
For Gabe, a well-designed home is an extension of the people who live in it, a space that brings comfort, supports daily life, and becomes the backdrop for lasting memories. That belief comes naturally: as a wife and mom of five and living on the lake, she knows firsthand that the best homes balance beauty with real life. When she's not designing, you'll find her cheering on her kids from the sidelines at a game, working in her garden, or chasing her next adventure and getting inspired with travel!