I’ve been getting a lot of questions about how I run my business… so whether you are a prospective client or a new designer here’s something I wanted to share…
After 15+ years, I can tell you this: running a design studio is about so much more than creating something beautiful.
Most days, it feels like 80% of my job is understanding people—how they live, what they need, what matters to them and only 20% is the actual design. And honestly, that might surprise you.
A lot of how I operate comes from my early career as an Executive Assistant at Nike, where I learned the value of being organized, anticipate needs, and keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes. That foundation shapes everything we do.
Because in the end, it’s not just about pretty homes… it’s about creating spaces that truly support the people living in them. And the process in getting there can completely change the entire experience.
So if you are questioning if you have what it takes to do this, or maybe you are considering working with us- know this: if you think designers are just “creatives” you are wrong- it’s also all the unsexy stuff - the process in which we create a beautiful space.
If you want your home to feel more custom, look up.
One pet peeve is when electricians “swiss cheese” your ceiling with a bunch of recessed can lights. By strategically placing them you can get a beautiful and seamless look. Standard recessed lights have a visible trim that creates a subtle shadow line on the ceiling.
These 3” mud-in recessed lights are installed and finished directly into the drywall, so there’s no trim, no harsh edge, no visual interruption. Seamless.
A subtle ceiling detail I have never done before but I’m soooo glad we did!
It’s quieter. Cleaner. More intentional.
Save this and bring it up early in your planning phase. This is a detail WORTH considering! Also, If you want the exact lights we used comment ‘ME’ and we will DM you the link.
Happy St Patty’s Day! I used to love celebrating this holiday when I was younger… the excitement every morning coming into the kitchen before school and pinching my parents if they weren’t wearing their item of green. Did you do this too? So much fun!
I still love the color green. From rich paint colors to heirloom-inspired accents, garden textures, and even a fresh cocktail recipe (because obviously)… I pulled together everything inspiring me this month.
Green is a classic imo. It feels alive. It feels hopeful. It feels like the shift into spring.
Cover image is from a dear friend’s son’s bathroom and I absolutely loved that she wanted to go green in the shower. All the other images here are ones I found on Pinterest. Do you follow us yet? It’s become my obsession for getting inspired.
Later today we will be diving into the favorite color of mine on the blog. Live today at 3:00 PST!
Hear me out on something...I want to break down the WHY behind this service.
Over the years, we’ve had so many people reach out who don’t necessarily need full-service design... but they know they still want expert guidance before making big decisions in their home.
Maybe you’re working with a contractor and need help choosing finishes.
Maybe you’re stuck on a layout.
Maybe you just want to make sure the pieces you’re investing in will actually work together.
That’s exactly why I created Designer for a Day. It gives you 6 hours with our team, split into two 3-hour sessions so you have time to sit with decisions, talk with your contractor, and come back with questions or revisions.
During our time together, we tackle whatever is holding you back so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. Everything happens live in the session, which means we can talk through ideas, problem-solve, and make decisions together in real time.
And the best part? It works beautifully virtually.
For example: I’m in Tennessee, our junior designer Kaylei is in Oregon, and our clients can be anywhere.
I truly believe good design shouldn’t be reserved for only the biggest projects. Sometimes all you need is the right guidance at the right moment.
If you’re navigating a remodel, renovation, or design challenge and feeling a little stuck, this service was created with you in mind. Link in bio (or head to our website) to inquire!
A little design lover’s guide to Franklin, Tennessee — from a day we spent wandering, shopping, and eating our way through town.
If you’re starting the day right, it has to begin at @perennbakery. Coffee first, obviously. But the pastries are what keep us coming back. My personal favorite is the crème brûlée croissant — it’s perfect.
For shopping, @storehouseno.9 is always worth a stop (actually two. They have two locations close to each other — one in the cutest cottage turned shop and another with beautiful outdoor displays (and even some Visual Comfort pieces).
Lately I’ve been on a bit of a thrift / antique kick, trying to source pieces for our home renovation. We popped into @riversidefranklin, @t.nesbittandco, and @winchester_antiques hunting for furniture and decor finds.
A few other favorites worth bookmarking:
• @whitesmercantile — a Franklin classic. (If you know, you know... Holly Williams owns it.)
Great for gifts, clothing, and little finds you didn’t know you needed.
• @culaccino.tn — Italian restaurant meets wine bar.
• @redponyrestaurant and @cork_and_cow — one of our favorite spots for dinner with family & friends.
Save this for the next time you find yourself with a free day in Franklin🤍
Every studio has its “core values.”
Ours aren’t just buzzwords They’re the things we actually come back to when we’re choosing the extra trim detail... when we’re deciding if that chair is worth the splurge... when we’re asking, will this space still feel right in five years?
Layered. Lived-in. Designed to evolve. Invest in quality. Made for gathering.
That’s what we’re all about!
We’re so glad you’re here.
Xx, Allison
