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The April Edit:
Embracing Outdoor Inspiration

Welcome to “The April Edit.” You’re probably a bit confused since we just released our March edit last week. But hey, we’re switching things up! Instead of waiting until the end of the month to give you a recap on the inspiration behind our designs, we’re diving right in the beginning of each month to give you a sneak peek of our covets and ideas. We’ll be showing you everything that sparks our creativity!

Why the change? Well, we wanted to try something different. By looking ahead, we can anticipate trends, embrace seasonal vibes, and share our vision for the coming weeks in real-time. It’s all about staying fresh, ahead of the curve, and most importantly, keeping the inspiration flowing.


As we step into April, we can’t help but feel the excitement of embracing the return of outdoor living dreams. There’s something truly magical about European-inspired charm and the delicate accents of rattan. Those intricate woven details transport us to a place of tranquility and serenity.

This month’s inspiration moodboard isn’t just a collection of images and items. It’s a reflection of our visions, our aspirations, and our deep-rooted desire to create spaces that resonate with warmth and authenticity. With warm wood tones and creamy whites, we’re curating an ambiance that invites you to unwind, connect with nature, and revel in the beauty of simple moments.

Join us …

Come along with us on this journey as we delve into what’s capturing our hearts this month, and explore the subtle nuances that inspire our designs. It’s about more than just décor; it’s about cultivating a lifestyle that speaks to our souls, that brings us closer to the essence of who we are and the dreams we hold dear. Sometimes it’s just one thing that can launch an entire concept, idea or dream. And believe me, we’re all about dreaming … and dreaming big!

We have many exciting, fun plans these next several months that we can’t wait to share with you. So, let’s embrace the spirit of April together, creating spaces that not only reflect our style but also celebrate the beauty of life’s ever-evolving journey.


Color of the Month

For our “Color of the Month,” I’m excited to dive into Farrow and Ball’s “Selvedge” – a laid-back blue reminiscent of a lighter denim hue. This choice creates a friendly atmosphere, perfectly aligning with the vibe of April and the fresh beginnings of spring. Oftentimes, I turn to nature for inspiration, and the Central Oregon spring skies are nothing short of magic — a crystal clear blue that you just want to bottle up.

I’m thinking of using “Selvedge” for a client’s kitchen cabinets because I love the idea of saturating the space in a fun, unexpected color. It adds a cheerful, yet elegant ambiance that’s bound to uplift the mood of the room. Plus, blue tones are going to be everywhere this month in both home and fashion finds, making it a timely and versatile choice. It’s the perfect backdrop to offset simple white plates in open shelves! 

Source: Il Salviatino

Italian Inspiration

When I was in Italy last April for the Boxwood Avenue retreat, I was obsessed with the cabinet color in the Il Salviatino dining room where they served brunch each morning.  Incorporating this classic, Robin’s Egg blue color into the kitchen cabinets will not only infuse the space with character, but also create a sense of depth and sophistication.


 

Source: Jenni Kayne

What We’re Buying

In terms of what we’re buying for home furniture and décor this month, we’re fully embracing nature’s charm. We’re on the lookout for items that exude a laid-back elegance, creating a welcoming atmosphere for hosting and entertaining. Picture cozy outdoor lounges adorned with plush cushions and throws, complemented by rustic planters, vases, and wicker urns that invite guests to linger over alfresco meals during spring evenings. 

But, it’s not just about the outdoor spaces; we’re also infusing our interiors with nods to nature, whether through botanical prints, earthy textures, or statement pieces inspired by vintage silhouettes.


 

Source: Pinterest

What We’re Wearing

​​In terms of what we’re adding to our wardrobe this month, it’s all about embracing textural elements and pieces that keep our outfits fresh and vibrant for spring. So, here’s some inspiration! Picture this: a mini leather basket bag in a rich, deep chocolate hue, the perfect companion for long afternoons of strolling with no real agenda. Or, enjoying a leisurely brunch in the sunshine. This bag adds a touch of sophistication to any ensemble, effortlessly elevating your look.

Next up, we’re indulging in a creamy fringed knit cardigan, a wardrobe staple that’s both cozy and chic. I personally adore layering up in this cardigan for evenings spent on the patio, sipping cocktails with friends, or for cozying up by the fire pit. Its boho vibes lend a laid-back elegance to any outfit, making it the perfect transitional piece for spring.

And, let’s not forget about footwear! We’re stepping into the season with crochet heels featuring a small block heel, adding a playful yet sophisticated touch. These creamy, springy heels exude charm, and pair perfectly with everything from flowy dresses to cropped denim, infusing our outfits with a touch of whimsy and femininity.

To complete our spring ensemble, we’re reaching for a sparkly lipstick by none other than my favorite, Tom Ford. Because let’s face it, a pop on the lips is the perfect finishing touch to any look, adding a dash of glamour and confidence to our day.


 

Source: @endlessbookclub

What We’re Reading for Inspiration

There’s a beauty in taking time to read, isn’t there? It’s like pressing pause on the chaos of daily life and immersing oneself in a world of imagination and discovery. Whether it’s curled up on the couch with a cup of tea or lounging in the backyard under the shade of a tree, reading offers a chance to escape, to explore new perspectives, and to nourish the mind and soul. I’m taking a page (see what I did there 😉) from Chloe at Boxwood Avenue’s playbook and reading The Alchemist. Have you read it? I’m completely enthralled. Highly recommend!

Source: Clouz Houz

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT …

Discover simple ways to refresh your home for spring with these 8 easy pieces

Indulge in timeless style and essential beauty picks to elevate your spring with effortless charm

Unlock the secrets to selecting the perfect paint color for your space with expert tips and guidance

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What started as a “simple” fireplace update quickly turned into one of those classic renovation plot twists.😅 
Here’s how it actually unfolded:
1. Planned to install tile over the existing fireplace tile — that was the original vision.
2. Began demo and discovered some serious structural damage to chimney. Immediate pivot.
3. Tore in further and uncovered the original brick hiding underneath.
4. Brought in the mason to re-mortar and clean everything up.
5. The brick went from dusty and rustic to bright red and very classic — and yes... I freaked out a little.
6. Lived with it for a bit to see if I could make peace with the new look.
7. Ultimately we applied a watered down lime grout (what was used by mason) to give it that old-world imperfect feel again.
8. Polished/stained the original stone hearth to refresh it without replacing it.
9. Stripped down the fussy details from the wood mantle and surround.
10. Painted the mantle and reinstalled it — and finally, it all felt right.
Renovations rarely go exactly as planned, but sometimes uncovering what’s underneath leads to something better than you imagined in the first place.
Omg this kitchen is so close I can feel it😭
The brick floors are in, the character is there, and the countdown to actually cooking in here (aka retiring the air fryer + constant takeout era) is officially on.
This one detail alone is making everything feel real and lived-in already... And I can’t wait to see it all come together.
If you’re into kitchens with soul + old-house energy, save this for later!
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.