Between the Layers | Design Guide Series
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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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POV: You want a home you love... but you don’t have the budget to do it all at once.

And then you find our studio!

I’d rather see you create one room you absolutely love than stretch yourself across an entire house and feel like nothing is ever finished. One finished room gives you momentum. It reminds you why you started. And it gives you a clear vision for everything that comes next.

One of the things we help clients with is deciding where to begin. Together, we create a roadmap that allows your home to evolve thoughtfully over time-without feeling pieced together.

You don’t have to do it all this year. You just have to know what comes first.

If you’re wondering where to start, we’d love to help. Feel free to message me and we can set up a 15 min discovery call!
New project in Bend, Oregon.🤍

We just signed on with the sweetest family, and one of the first things they said was, “We don’t really love our house.” A home can be objectively beautiful and still not feel good to live in.

In this house, the kitchen, dining room and living room are all one big great room. It sounds ideal until you realize the dining table is taking up the exact real estate the living room desperately needs.

Instead of making the kitchen bigger, we’re making it smarter. One move solved several problems at once: more storage, a better dining area, and enough square footage to give the living room the footprint it deserved.

Now we’re moving into one of my favorite phases... layering in materials. This is why I love the conceptual phase. Before a single cabinet is ordered, we’re already changing the way this family will live in their home.

If you’ve been looking around your own home thinking, “I know this could work better, I just don’t know how,” we’d love to help. Whether you’re planning a renovation, reworking your layout, or just need an expert eye before making expensive decisions, that’s exactly what we have to offer!

Check out our services through the link in our bio or send this post to a friend who’s struggling with this exact thing.
While renovations are an investment, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned after years of designing homes is this:
It’s not about how much you spend. It’s about where you spend it.

The homes that feel the most elevated aren’t necessarily the ones with the biggest budgets. They’re the ones where every decision was made with intention.

That’s the philosophy behind everything we do. We help our clients understand where it’s worth investing, where they can save without sacrificing the overall look, and how to create a home that feels layered, timeless, and beautifully functional. Because a thoughtfully planned home will always feel more luxurious than one filled with expensive choices that don’t work together.

Good design isn’t about spending more.
It’s about making every dollar work harder for you-and creating a home you’ll love living in every single day.

If you’re planning a renovation or a furnishing project, we’d love to help. Learn more through the link in our bio.
People often ask why renovations have always been my favorite. The easy answer is that I love watching a transformation. But if I’m honest, I think it’s something much deeper than that.

Years ago, our family walked through a season that forced us to start over. It wasn’t something I would have chosen, but looking back, it changed the way I see everything. Homes. People. Even myself. I stopped looking at what something was and started paying attention to what it could become. Maybe that’s why fixer-uppers have always felt so familiar to me. I know what it’s like to feel like you’re starting over. I know what it’s like to wonder if something beautiful can come from a season that feels uncertain. That’s why I love renovations. They’re hopeful. Every wall that comes down makes room for something new. Every decision is an act of believing that what’s ahead can be better than what was there before.

The funny thing is... I don’t think this is really about houses. I think all of us have something in our lives that feels unfinished, overlooked, or in need of another chance. I’ve learned that the middle of the story rarely looks like the ending. And sometimes the most beautiful things aren’t built from scratch. They’re simply revealed.
For anyone who’s ever had to start over... I’m rooting for you!
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about the little things.
After moving across the country, leaving behind everything we’d known, and living in the middle of a major renovation, I’ve realized that joy isn’t waiting for me on the other side of a finished house.

It’s in the fresh flowers on the counter.
The windows open on a summer morning.
A glass of rosé at the end of the day.
Clipping greenery from the yard.
Lighting a candle just because.

These small rituals have become the way I slow down, stay present, and make this house feel like home-even while it’s still a work in progress.

ICYMI, I wrote all about this in my post “A Home That Feels Like Summer.” It’s a collection of the simple rituals, thoughtful edits, and favorite finds that are helping me embrace this season instead of waiting for the next one.

You can read the full story through the link in our bio.🤍