Featured Designer / Light and Dwell
Today we are sharing an interview with Aymee and Molly from Light and Dwell located in Oregon. We’ve been following them for a while now and we love their timeless and natural designs. Read along as they share pieces of their journey and passion for the design industry.
Tell us about yourself. How has your career developed?
Aymee and Molly: We started Light and Dwell in 2015, as a way to take our passion of design and turn it into a business. We are so inspired by hospitality and believe that when you feel good about your space, it can be a blessing to not only you but those around you.
Growing up, Aymee’s grandmother had a home that was a whole experience. The 5 senses were brought to life and the feeling you had when you entered made those memories that much sweeter. Once we came to the business with that mission, we were met with an overwhelming sense of purpose.
During the start of Light & Dwell, we tried out different ways to answer this need we felt was out there, we dabbled in blogging and consulting until we developed a structured service that we believe best serves our clients no matter where they are on their design path.
Over the past years, Light and Dwell has evolved into a Full Service Interior Design Studio that serves clients nationwide and have grown to a team of 8. We feel so lucky and proud of the hard work that has brought us to where Light & Dwell is so far.
What’s your favorite part of the design process?
Aymee and Molly: There's definitely quite a few that I don't think we can narrow down to just one!
The first being the initial excitement of a new project. We love getting to know the client and understanding all the ins and outs of what home means to them. Molly loves that initial burst of inspiration that comes with a new design and the challenge of putting it together from scratch.
Second, is when the client has really bought into the design. The process of designing a home is one of the most expensive purchases in your life and we understand that there is a ton of stress that comes along with that. Once we are able to show the clients their initial designs there is an exhale of relief and we love to see that anxiety turn into excitement!
Lastly, the installs. This is the cherry on top moment for us and clients. Even though we've been in the trenches and have seen the back end of things, the moment we put the final design together and can see the full vision come to fruition surprises even our own team. The client is so delighted by the final reveal and we love the reactions that come from it whether that be tears of joy or swear words of joy, we've seen it all!
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Aymee: I love talking to leaders in other industries and other designers. I'm constantly learning, and wanting to get better whether that be through conversations in person or from a book. A friend said it best, “business talk is my love language”, it's so true! My wheels are always spinning on new processes or ways to make Light & Dwell that much better.
Molly: Nature is a big one for me. Especially with color palettes in a design. I think there is a connection between nature and home and the emotions they evoke. I believe everything in your home should serve a purpose, so I am also inspired by daily life and what this looks like for different people.
Aymee & Molly: We are always so inspired by our travels. The local architecture inspires and educates our designs in any place we have a project, Vintage/Antique shops are another source of inspiration that inform on the history and aesthetic of a new location.
Who are your biggest influences?
Aymee and Molly: We are largely influenced by our families, friendships and each other. The depth and quality of these relationships have inspired and influenced us in countless ways.
We believe you can be influenced and informed in a business in many different ways that aren't necessarily in the same industry as you. A couple of accounts that we constantly draw inspiration from and are influenced by:
Tinge - A lot of our designs start with inspiration from a floral arrangement. Ashley offers incredible inspiration in this format.
Whiskey & Clay - We are inspired by so many makers but Whiskey & Clay is one of our favorites. Her pieces are incredible and we love using them in our designs.
Able - Able’s mission for ethical fashion is something we are so passionate about in our lives as well as our own business practices. They inspire us to always do better.
Restoration House - Kennesha is such an inspiration in all she does. Her motto of “Creativity is Communion” is something we hold dear.
We are also so inspired by so many designers in our field. A couple of forefront innovators in the industry that come to mind:
Find more of Aymee and Molly’s work on their website here or Instagram here.
Photographed by Anne Blodgett.