Studio Lee Quarterly Recap: What’s New, What I’m Loving, and What I’m Learning
Q1 has been an exciting one at Studio Lee, and let’s just say—March is coming in hot. The year kicked off with a mix of new opportunities, completed projects, and a growing appreciation for the creative partnerships that make this all possible.
What’s New?
I’ve officially landed two new custom home projects and two new home renovations, which means a lot of fresh designs are in the works. But that’s not all—I wrapped up one of my favorite custom home projects to date, Top Trail Estate (sneak peek below), and a renovation that kicked off in January is pending demo!
And a moment of gratitude—one of my past clients reached out for a Study/Office + Guest Bath renovation, and honestly—that kind of trust and continued partnership is everything I could hope for. Being able to work with a client again on a project is like winning the lottery. We both go into it with trust, a shared understanding, and a relationship that supports another project together. It’s the best feeling.
This season is already shaping up to be one of my most creatively diverse yet. And I’m here for it.
3 Things I’ve Loved This Quarter
The people I get to work with. The builders, the trades, the clients—they’re the ones who make every project what it is. I’ve always said great design is a team sport, and the best projects happen when collaboration is strong. When the right people come together, the results are next-level.
The diversity in my Q1/current projects:
A High-end Organic Modern custom home with stunning, timeless details
A New/Old Farmhouse—yes, we’re building a brand-new home to look like it’s been there for 200 years!
A Rustic Modern Mountain home that feels cozy but elevated
A Beach Boho Bathroom with the dreamiest textures
A Modern Lakeside Cottage that balances clean lines with warmth
A Statement Kitchen that gives monochromatic a timeless take
Seeing these styles come to life in different ways has been both inspiring and energizing.
Blending styles to meet a client’s vision. Every project has a unique fingerprint, and I love the challenge of layering different design influences to create something that truly feels like home. Whether it's making a new build look historic or finding the perfect balance between rustic and refined, that process never gets old.
3 Things I’ve Learned This Quarter
Versatility is everything. While I have a specific aesthetic, this quarter has reminded me just how adaptable I am as a designer. No two projects look the same because no two clients are the same. And I love that.
Trim detailing & millwork are game-changers. I’ve been expanding my knowledge in this area, and let me tell you—trimwork is not cheap, but when done right, it elevates an entire space. Finding ways to bring extra detail into rooms (even on a budget) has been a fun challenge. Can’t wait to incorporate even more of this into future projects.
Construction will test you—but the best projects are worth the wait. Material lead times shift, schedules get delayed, and that “quick” decision turns into five rounds of back and forth. Welcome to building and renovating! But here’s the thing—I’ve never had a client say, “I’m so glad we rushed this just to get it done.” The best homes aren’t built on impatience. They’re built with intention, and the wait is always worth it.
The Studio Lee Method: Designing Your Home & Your Life
I’ve been developing the Studio Lee Method not just in theory—but in practice. Every project I take on helps refine these principles, but at the same time, this isn’t just about home design. It’s about designing your life.
The way we live daily life is a fundamental part of the way we design our spaces. And having a home that works for you in that way—to me, is everything.
3 Studio Lee Method Principles in Action This Quarter
1. Design with Purpose – A well-designed space should work as beautifully as it looks. Take the Beach Boho Bathroom project—this wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was about making the space functional for real life. We prioritized efficient storage solutions, durable materials that can handle humidity, and a layout that maximizes the footprint while still delivering that breezy, relaxed vibe. We can’t wait to see this finish!
2. Livable Luxury – True luxury isn’t about excess—it’s about a home that feels effortless, beautiful, and completely tailored to how you live. The Modern Lakeside Cottage is the perfect example. It’s not about over-the-top finishes; it’s about thoughtful material choices, high-impact details, and a balance of warmth and sophistication. We brought in organic textures, custom lighting, and a mix of modern and natural elements to create a home that feels polished yet completely livable. You’ll have to check back in a few months to see the end result!
3. Bring the Outside In – Nature isn’t just an inspiration—it’s a design philosophy. The Rustic Modern Mountain home is the great example of this, with natural wood tones, organic textures, and large windows that bring in the outdoors, making the home feel like a retreat.
Every project I touch is a balance of form and function, beauty and purpose, inspiration and real life. And that’s the Studio Lee Method in action.
What’s Next?
With so many exciting projects underway, Q2 is shaping up to be just as dynamic as the first few months of the year. I’ll be diving deeper into custom home detailing, unique material selections, and pushing the boundaries of blending styles to create homes that feel both intentional and effortless.
I’m also continuing to refine and define The Studio Lee Method—bringing more focus to livable luxury, functional beauty, and designing spaces that truly support how you live. Expect to see more of this philosophy woven into upcoming projects (and future blog posts!).
And as always, I’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes insights, design strategies, and the realities of building and renovation—because great design isn’t just about the final reveal; it’s about the process that gets you there.
Want to be part of it? I’m now booking projects for April & May, and HourLee sessions are always available for quick, expert guidance on your next design move.
