Our Team

Julie Muscato, Principal Designer

Julie’s journey to interior design is one that is unique. It began when she entered her second year of college at Cazenovia College. As a fashion design major, Julie felt pulled toward the vast world of creativity that interior design had to offer. Transferring to Buffalo State College, Julie knew in her heart that interior design is where she was meant to be. After freelancing for a few years, Julie left the industry to devote her focus to raising her children. In 2010, Julie reentered the world of design, launching her business out of Lockport Professional Park. Soon after in 2012, she began her journey in her first brick and mortar location settled on Main Street in the heart of Lockport. Julie was graciously welcomed into the Lockport community and received overwhelming support, leading to her outgrowing the space. The expansion and birth of Julie Muscato Home and Julie Muscato Gifts came to fruition in 2017, both nestled into Main Street. But Julie’s success didn’t stop there. In July of 2021, she expanded yet again to her current space at 1 Walnut Street, offering up the opportunity to merge both the home and gift space to create Julie Muscato Home | Gifts. What started as an interior design firm, has come to encompass an exclusive lifestyle store. Voted Best Home Décor for two consecutive years by Buffalo Spree, Julie is proud to call Lockport her home.

Julie takes pride in every project that she is entrusted with. She describes herself as eclectic, giving her the ability to design any space, from modern, to traditional, to contemporary. While she is able to design with any style, a more traditional feel is what makes her heart skip a beat. Julie has a love and deep appreciation for a traditional space adorned with antiques.

She is truly honored and delighted to make your space a reality.

Kathleen Dixon, Designer

Kathy has always had a passion for design in all forms and has been saying she has found her dream job ever since coming aboard in April 2021. She loves working with clients with different design styles, but it’s the challenge of designing their space that really excites her. Once inspiration hits, whether it’s from something the client already has, or whatever it may be, it’s game on! Kathy can appreciate all design styles, but her personal favorite (at the moment), is “rustic luxe.” Mixed metals, gorgeous textures, and natural elements all come into play for her look. In the end, it’s all about the client and helping them achieve the look and feel that they want for their home. For her, there’s nothing more satisfying than to see the client get excited about what has been designed for them!

Debbie, Designer

Interior Design is a lifelong passion for Debbie. For as long as she can remember, it is what drives and inspires her. Working closely with her customers, taking care of them, and creating those warm and welcoming spaces is what she enjoys most about this business. Debbie loves being a part of the team and Julie Muscato Home and Gifts. "It is a privilege to design beautiful spaces for our wonderful clients, Knowing there is no place like Home.

Mikayla Gifford, Graphic Designer

From a young age, Mikayla has always had a passion to create, as she says, "Being rase by an artist set me up to be one." Being homeschooled gave her the ability to cultivate her talents. That form of creative learning carried her through many accomplishments in design school, including winning multiple design competitions. She is all about creating a pleasing visual, whether it is a fabulous well-planned outfit, an engaging magazine ad loaded with curated text and self-captured pictures, or a cleanly styled room that makes you sign in contentment. As the youngest part of our team, you will see her interacting with clients, occasionally shuffling couches around, and carrying out the lion's share of our social media and marketing.

Mikayla is a welcomed addition to our fantastic design team!

Kathleen Mulvey, Gift Shop Manager

Kathy is the leading lady of the gift shop. Acting as the manager of the gift shop, she loves interacting with customers and helping them find just the right outfit or gift. If you have visited the gift shop, you most likely have met Kathy and she has made you feel right at home. Kathy joined the gift shop in October of 2019 after years of clerical work. She is the most perfect fit for the gift shop as her beautiful, lively, dynamic personality has the ability to light up a room. Kathy describes her style as being unique. She can always find a purpose for almost anything. She is an expert at solving problems and always finding a way to make something work, which is one of her very best attributes. When not working in the gift shop, Kathy loves spending time with her family and friends!