Welcome to Mallard and Maple

If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be writing this from an old farmhouse in Michigan, surrounded by drywall dust, half-finished projects, geese outside, and two rowdy little boys underfoot… I’m not sure I would have believed you.

But here we are.

Mallard & Maple didn’t start as a business plan or a brand strategy. It started as a feeling.

A deep pull toward a slower, more intentional life. One that felt rooted, creative, and full of small, everyday magic.

I’m Melani. I’m a photographer by trade, a mom to two little boys, and someone who has always believed that homes should feel alive. Lived in. A little whimsical. A little imperfect. The kind of places where stories are made, not just styled.

For a long time, we lived out west. Life was full and busy and good, and we created little bits of magic within the walls of our 1500 sqft house… but something in us kept whispering that we were meant for more space, more seasons, more history.

We wanted our children to grow up surrounded by nature and creativity, and live closer to family. We wanted a life where making things with our hands mattered. Where beauty wasn’t rushed and our boys grew up just like we did.

So when an old farmhouse in Michigan came across our path, we took a leap. With nothing but a grainy video walkthrough, a few Zillow photos, and no knowledge of the town, we made an offer. We were one of many within the first day, and definitely not the highest but somehow, they chose us. We packed up our life, quit careers, crossed the country, and moved into our dream house… one that needed everything.

And I mean everything.

The floors were (and still are) un-level. The walls told stories. The house was outdated but completely full of potential. We’ve been renovating it slowly, thoughtfully, often with kids running through the dust. We thrift old pieces. We repurpose what we can. I paint tiny little bits of magic around for the children to find, and we’re building a home that honors its age while making room for our family’s story.

Mallard & Maple grew out of that process.

It’s the name we gave to our little farm stand. To the things we make and sell, and to the 20 acres we live on. To the idea that life can be both practical and magical at the same time. It’s sourdough and candles and pumpkins, but it’s also storybooks, hidden paintings, and moments that make you pause.

The “Mallard” comes from our love of farm life and our flock of feathered friends. The “Maple” from the land itself - trees, seasons, syrup, roots and the 300+ year old maple tree in the heart of our woods. Together, they represent what we’re building here: a grounded life with room for wonder.

This space, this blog, is where I’ll share more of that journey. The renovation wins and messes. The projects that work and the ones that don’t. The traditions we’re creating with our kids, and the magic we hope inspires others. The why behind the things we choose, make, and keep.

If you’re here because you love old homes, slow living, motherhood, or creating beauty in everyday places, I’m really glad you found us.

This is just the beginning.

Welcome to Mallard & Maple.