Beyond the Design Cray Bauxmont-Flynn

Discover the inspiring journey of Caren Rideau from Kitchen Design Group and how she turned her passion for kitchen design into a thriving career. Caren takes us through her early experiences, including a pivotal university moment and her first apprenticeship at a mom-and-pop cabinet company. She shares the significance of learning from others and gaining confidence in her skills while highlighting how her culinary background and her husband's winemaking have uniquely influenced her approach to kitchen design.
Caren opens up about the collaborative nature of the design process, emphasizing the importance of understanding each client's vision and needs. She delves into the challenges and rewards of designing both large and small kitchens, with a focus on spatial relationships and functionality. Caren's excitement about the future of kitchen design is contagious as she talks about the rise of induction cooking and the latest innovations she has encountered at trade shows. Beyond her professional achievements, Caren also shares her passion for entertaining, winemaking, and her new pottery line, showcasing how these interests enrich her design philosophy.
Running a successful business in the design industry comes with its own set of challenges, and Caren doesn't shy away from discussing these hurdles. She reflects on the high operational costs and the need for adaptability over the years. Personal stories of transforming kitchen design into a lifestyle brand and meeting unique client requests bring a human element to the conversation. Caren wraps up with a powerful message on the value of hiring a professional kitchen designer, stressing that their expertise can save homeowners from costly mistakes and ensure a seamless renovation process. Join us for an episode filled with valuable insights and inspiration from a true industry expert.

I'll never forget the impact that one special house had on my career. It's much like the story Marcus and Autumn Mohon share with us—a tale of how a shared passion for design and a sprinkle of serendipity led to the birth of Mohon Interiors. In this heartfelt chat, the dynamic duo opens up about their unique paths to success, merging creative instincts with economic savvy, and teaching with business management. They recount the resilience and passion necessary to navigate the interior design business, especially through its most trying times, offering a narrative that's as inspiring as it is instructive.
Our conversation takes a candid look at the dance between the emotional pull of design aesthetics and the stark reality of business dynamics. The Mohons divulge their secrets to balancing work and life, particularly as a married couple at the helm of a growing firm. Their story is one of complementing strengths and shared values, where personal style intertwines with client relationships, and where emotional intelligence is just as crucial as design expertise. They also share touching anecdotes that exemplify their deep commitment to crafting spaces that resonate with the stories and lives of those they serve.
Peering into the future, Marcus and Autumn let us in on their upcoming projects and personal milestones. With the anticipated release of their first book and the excitement of welcoming a new addition to the family, they paint a picture of continuous growth—both within their firm and in their personal lives. They impart a vision of expanding their artistic horizons and embracing projects that promise not just visual delight but meaningful experiences, wrapping up our discussion with reflections on family connections and the joy of design work that's close to the heart.

Step into the visionary world of Victoria Sass, the mastermind behind Prospect Refuge Studio, and delve into a story of unwavering dedication and creative evolution. On Beyond the Design, we uncover how Victoria's high school dreams blossomed into a flourishing business, despite an unforgiving economic climate. Her narrative is one of courageous design choices, seamlessly marrying the legacy of historical homes with the demands of contemporary life. Listen as she reveals how a strong conceptual narrative is the cornerstone of her work, weaving together the distinct tastes of her clients with her artistic vision.
Navigating the peculiarities of space and client aspirations, Victoria imparts her philosophy that design is far more than aesthetics—it's a path to transforming one's destiny. Our exchange peels back the layers of her design process, illustrating the rule that no element should repeat, ensuring each space tells its own story. Victoria's collaborative approach invites clients into the heart of creation, building a design that unfolds with each decision, rather than presenting a finished canvas from the outset.
This episode also steps out into the broader landscape of Midwestern design, where Victoria's studio is pioneering a style reflective of the region's values: economical, durable, and rich in heritage. As we anticipate the launch of a new lighting collection that promises to embody this ethos, we also explore how objects like lighting enrich our lives through intimate interaction. Join us for an exploration of design that transcends the conventional, where the magic of collaboration and the influence of diverse architectural styles converge, painting a future where personalized spaces become the canvases of our lives.

Join the conversation with Barclay Butera, the interior design maestro who traded law books for fabric swatches and never looked back. In a candid chat, Butera recounts his ascent from the foundational influence of his mother's design firm to establishing a design empire that marries elegance with comfort. He pulls back the curtain on the unique challenges of crafting model homes and the exhilaration of nurturing licensing partnerships. As we traverse Butera's creative landscape, he illuminates the influences that feed his design philosophy, from the allure of travel to the glamour of the silver screen. He even gives us a tantalizing preview of his latest collection, Villa Blanca – a testament to his ever-evolving aesthetic finesse.
Our episode traverses more than just Barclay's professional milestones; it taps into the rich tapestry of experiences that shape an iconic designer. Butera shares his anticipation for the upcoming Salone in Milan, a hallmark of design innovation, and reflects on the pivotal moments that allowed him to spread his wings beyond the family business. The discussion wades into the deep waters of client relationships and the balancing act of aesthetics, where symmetry meets soulful art and every flooring choice sets the stage. Barclay's narrative culminates in a transformative tale of a project that brought a Chinese couple's dreams to life, showcasing the emotive power of a design reveal.
The episode wraps with a behind-the-scenes look into the world of publishing exquisite design books. Barclay unfolds the mosaic of commitment and detail that goes into capturing the visual story of a space, and his work with publisher Gibbs Smith. His latest book, "The New Traditional," serves as a beacon for those who seek timeless elegance wrapped in modern sensibilities. Rounding out the discussion, Barclay imparts wisdom on his hands-on approach to product lines and offers pearls of wisdom for both budding designers and homeowners yearning to inject their spaces with personality. With Barclay's guidance, the transformative potential of just the right textile or wallpaper becomes palpable, marking the episode as a gateway to inspiration for listeners who appreciate the confluence of experience and passion in design.

Unlock the secrets of antique restoration with David Clair, our luminary guest from Clair & Company, whose journey from an artist with a penchant for the night to a sage of historical revival unveils the alchemy of resurrecting the past. Step inside his world where nocturnal musings blend with the meticulous craft of breathing life into treasures like a mystical fortune teller cabinet and poetic wax sculptures for the World Bank. This episode of Beyond the Design promises not just stories, but a masterclass in the delicate dance of preserving the soul of bygone eras.
With a flair for the timeless, we navigate the rich tapestry of furniture restoration, discussing the complexities of modifying antiques without compromising their essence. Picture a French chair, its cabrio legs elegantly altered to meet a modern desk, or envision adapting a centuries-old bed to cradle contemporary dreams. David's insight into client relations—where diplomacy meets the unexpected—is as captivating as the art of restoration itself. As we traverse through tales of veneer detective work and professional tact, you'll gather pearls of wisdom on nurturing the symbiotic relationship between restorer and relic.
Embark on a reflective journey with us as we ponder the evolution of antique trends and the importance of staying grounded in one's craft. The future of Clair & Company unfolds with educational endeavors and a book release on the horizon, all while David balances the business with the beat of family life. It's a conversation that stirs the soul, inviting you to explore the intersection of passion, legacy, and the timeless allure of antiques. For those with a reverence for the past and an eye towards preserving it, this episode is a treasure trove of enlightenment.

Unlock the secrets of design evolution with the visionary head of Design at Basile Studio, Ashley Evans, as she shares the enthralling transformation of their design practice. From humble beginnings in furniture making to the mastery of full-scale design, build, and fabrication, this episode is a treasure trove of insights. Listen to the tales of pivoting from artistry to licensed general contracting, and be inspired by the whimsical yet pragmatic spaces crafted for renowned establishments like Born and Raised and Morning Glory. We also discover Basile Studio's foray into residential design, bringing their trademark aesthetic to the houses of San Diego.
Prepare to be invigorated by the creative fountain that keeps Basile Studio at the forefront of design innovation. You'll get an exclusive look into their distinctive method of distilling trends into timeless, raw-material masterpieces. We recount the challenges and victories of upholding a brand's identity while pushing the boundaries of budget and innovation, from the iconic Born and Raised to the industrial chic of Puesto projects. The studio's in-house fabrication expertise and their ambitious future endeavors, including owning and operating restaurants they've designed, add layers of excitement to this behind-the-scenes journey.
As we bid farewell to Ashley, we reflect on the resilience and growth of Basile Studio, especially in the face of adversity. We explore the studio's commitment to sustainability, not just as an environmental concept but as a sustainable business practice that prioritizes longevity and efficiency. We also celebrate their recent projects, such as the Basel Wilson development, which fuels their passion for design. Join us for this episode as we honor the studio's past triumphs and toast to the bright future that lies ahead for Ashley and her talented team.