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May Edit: Embracing Romance and New Beginnings

April showers have come and gone, leaving behind the promise of May flowers. This monthly edit is sure to bring about emotions of romance, and encourage us to cultivate new beginnings as we transition into late spring. It’s unbelievable how quickly April flew by, isn’t it? May is rolling in like a breath of fresh air, welcoming a season of vibrant energy and new beginnings here in Bend. Let’s just hope we are through all the snow… I just heard there’s a chance of a few flurries tonight! Springtime in Bend can be silly, but when the trees start to bud and daffodils start popping up it’s a mood lifter for sure. 

I don’t know about you, but I’m loving this vibe! The world around us is bursting with color and life, and its got us feeling inspired to tackle some new design projects. There’s just something about this time of year that makes us want to freshen things up and bring a little more joy into our spaces.

So here’s to May – a month full of possibilities, sunshine, and all-around good vibes. Let’s make it one to remember!


Sculptured Sophistication

Sculpted pieces are stealing the spotlight in our designs lately, and I can’t get enough of them! Why are we so drawn to these bold, statement-making elements? Because they add an undeniable charm and elegance to any space. 

Source: Alexis Bittar

Lately, I’ve been eyeing the silver sculptural cuff in my shopping cart. Its organically intricate design feels perfect for any outfit that desires to be elevated naturally & simply. And, don’t even get me started on this ruffled brass chandelier. Its hand-formed shapes bring a touch of vintage flair that you’ll absolutely adore. But the pièce de résistance? The white concrete outdoor dining table, with a minimalist design and rich texture that will create the perfect setting for stylish al fresco gatherings with friends and family.

Floral Finesse

As May ushers in a season of blossoming in all aspects of life, I’m thrilled to shine a spotlight on these exquisite pieces that capture this essence. Let’s start with the stunning Flora dress by Ulla Johnson – a literal work of art! With its lightweight fabric, delicate ruffle trim and handkerchief hem, it’s the epitome of sweet feminine charm. What is it about delicate florals that make them such wonderful design elements? Well, for starters, they bring a sense of freshness and vitality to any space, infusing it with a touch of natural beauty and tranquility. Whether adorning a dress or gracing the walls of a room, florals have a magical way of uplifting the spirits and creating a sense of joy and optimism.

Source: Ulla Johnson

Speaking of walls, I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect way to incorporate this floral wallpaper into our Tumalo project. There’s something about moody botanicals and rich colors that speaks to me, but I’m not sure if it’ll find the right place in our design scheme. Still, I’m keeping it in my arsenal, hoping that someone else will see the beauty in this captivating pattern. 

Borastapeter “Nightingale Garden”

 

Free-Spirited Style

Let’s talk about Boho Chic – a style that can resonate on a deep level. It’s all about that laid-back, free-spirited vibe that feels so effortlessly cool! Here are some pieces that embody this aesthetic in the most perfect way.

Source: Flattered

Take, for example, this suede clutch – the slouched silhouette gives off a relaxed, easygoing vibe, and the sand hue adds an earthy warmth that feels so inviting. It’s like carrying around a piece of nature, and I’m all about that organic look. 

Source: Maiden Home

And then there’s the chocolate mohair accent chair – like a creative muse in furniture form. It’ll inspire you with its streamlined design and luxurious mohair upholstery. The way it seamlessly blends comfort with style is just so intriguing to me, I can’t help but imagine how it would elevate any space it graces.

 

Celebrating Handcrafted Treasures

I often advise clients to incorporate handcrafted pieces into their design, as they have the power to transform a house into a home. These artisanal touches infuse a space with a special character and uniqueness that simply cannot be replicated. It’s these handcrafted treasures that add depth and personality, creating a living environment that feels truly authentic and one-of-a-kind.

I’m excited to share that I’m incorporating this hardware into my own home. These were sourced from Walnut Studiolo, a business also local to the PNW, known for their handcrafted leather goods. We wanted to incorporate a leather element somewhere, and discovering these local leather drawer pulls was just the right sign from the universe. After deliberating over where to place them, they’ll go on the cabinets or in the bed nook pullout built-in drawers. What’s undeniable is the soft texture they bring and how they stand out, adding a unique flair to our home’s design theme.

Source: Tory Burch

As for the hand-painted pitcher, I envision it becoming a centerpiece of nostalgic and whimsical farmhouse table settings all summer long.

 

Romantic Accents

Late spring, with its blooming flowers and warm sunshine, has always held a special romantic allure. There’s something inherently magical about this time of year, especially when spent immersed in nature. From leisurely picnics in the park to romantic strolls along tree-lined paths, there are endless ways to embrace the romance of late spring and infuse everyday life with a touch of enchantment.

Source: Pinterest

Personally, I’ve always been one to romanticize my surroundings and pay special attention to the little details that make life feel extraordinary. That’s why I’m particularly drawn to romantic accents like a vintage wicker picnic basket and a striped European-inspired linen duvet cover. Pieces like these transport me to idyllic scenes of leisurely picnics and sun-dappled afternoons, which fills my heart! Try this yourself with the accent pieces you choose to make your space special … and personal.

Allison’s perfume

One item that holds a particularly romantic significance for me is a perfume I purchased last May while in Italy. Its scent takes me back to the cobblestone streets of Florence. Investing in new scents as the seasons change has become a cherished tradition for me, with each fragrance serving as a token to remember the period of time in which I’m living and to preserve memories with just one sniff.

***

As we welcome the arrival of May and late spring, let us revel in the romance that surrounds us! Take pleasure in the delicate blossoms adorning the trees and the carefree boho vibe that infuses the air. Embrace the magic of late spring, and find joy in the simple pleasures. Let’s all cherish the memories we create, and continue to cultivate a life filled with love and inspiration. 🤍

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Soaking in every little moment from our Santa Monica trip last week 🌴 As a mom, spending one on one time with each child is always good for the soul. I made this a tradition with each of our kids after graduation and I can’t recommend sneaking away- whether that’s in your city for a staycation or jumping on a plane for a little weekend adventure. Quality time with my kids always fills me up and reminds me the “why” I do what I do in this crazy thing called life.
We talked about things we never talk about. We laughed. A lot. We had tough conversations about missing school life. He told me about his dreams... ones I didn’t realize. What he values in friendships. What he doesn’t need in his life. We reminisced about the family road trip to Yosemite in a RV that was falling apart as we travelled (ie. I had to lean out the passenger window to tell D when he could change lanes since we lost a side mirror amongst other mishaps 😂). We decided our new favorite summer cocktail was the Pina Calabra at @propersantamonica rooftop pool and pasta @giorgiobaldi_ristorante is the BEST summer meal.
I’m sharing a full recap on the blog: what we did, where we ate, and all the little details I want to remember forever. Part travel guide, part journal entry.
Comment ‘LA’ and we’ll send you the link to read the full post!
Step inside the Lake Oswego Bungalow Lookbook🤎
This project already had such good bones, an absolute gem of a cottage in one of the most charming Lake Oswego neighborhoods. We weren’t here to renovate; this one was all about bringing in warmth, comfort, and character through furniture, styling, and a few cosmetic touches like wallpaper and lighting updates.
If you ask me what is one way to update your home without a lot of renovating, it’s furniture and styling! 100%!! We furnished the entry, living room, family room, primary suite, office den, and a few guest spaces. It was truly a full home furnishings project, and I can’t wait to dive into the details of what we did in each of these rooms. This is just a little peek behind the curtain!
Some of our favorite projects are the ones where we get to come in and reimagine the layout and feel of a space through furniture and accents. A fresh start without the full remodel-just the right edits to make your home feel like you.
We’re currently accepting clients for Q4 (aka the perfect time to get going once the kids are back in school and you’re ready to reset for the new year). Message us if you’re thinking about starting a project-we’d love to bring your space to life.
Comment ‘STYLE’ and I’ll DM you the link to explore all five. You can also find them in our LTK shop under product collections anytime.
I created these Design Guides because I know firsthand that design help can feel out of reach. If I weren’t a designer, I’m not sure I could afford to hire one myself-and that’s exactly why this mattered so much to me.
I believe your home should feel beautiful, personal, and pulled together without needing a huge budget or endless time to figure it all out. These guides are here to be your roadmap. And although I can’t say it completely replaces a designer, it’s a great tool to help those who are designing on their own. These guides are complete with curated furniture picks, paint palettes, styling tips, and layouts designed to take the guesswork out of the process.
They’re not just moodboards-they’re permission to start. Direction when you’re stuck. And support when you want your space to reflect you.
If you’ve ever stood in your living room and said, “I just wish someone would tell me what works”... I made these for you.
And if you still feel like you’re stuck or unsure what’s next, that’s okay too. We offer 1-hour consults, Designer for a Day sessions, and more—so you never have to navigate it alone. Head to the link in bio to learn more about our services and see how we can support you further