“Getting your booty kicked is a part of what’s going to make you great. Take every ounce of that, and every experience to learn and grow to make yourself and the business better.”—Aymee and Molly of Light & Dwell will surely inspire you with their work, but also their wisdom. We tapped this design duo to share their experience in the industry—from the inception of their business and mission to their shared love of people and creating beautiful spaces. We’re also getting a look inside Molly’s personal home that boasts an organic European Farmhouse style you’ll be envious of, all captured by Anne Blodgett.
Tell us about the inception of Light & Dwell Interiors. How and when did you become a design team?
Light and Dwell became official in the fall of 2015. Aymee approached Molly about going into business together, and we jumped in headfirst. The first year, we said yes to everything and anything that came our way, mostly doing design boards and hourly consultations. We had a dream of doing full homes, but it took us a few years to establish ourselves, build a portfolio, and develop the systems to make that possible. Now we offer virtual design services, full-service design, and we have an active blog and social media.
What did you do before becoming designers? Did your previous career path help shape what you do now?
We (Molly and Aymee) both have a background in teaching and youth ministry. We love people, we love learning, we love growing, and we happen to both love design. We were both doing “projects” on the side for ourselves and for friends before going in together and creating Light and Dwell.
Tell us about your take on the Pacific Northwest style and how that translates through to the homes you design.
The PNW is known for its lush nature, neutral palette, and minimal aesthetic. We incorporate a lot of natural, neutral elements into the projects we design.
Can you tell us a bit about the space we’re featuring today?
Molly: This is my home, so it’s very personal! Designing my own home was a challenge, but also such a blessing. I see so many designs, that I wanted a home that was unique to my family. We live out in the country, in Millersburg, Oregon, and I am very attracted to European homes, so the style is a combination of European Farmhouse.
What does your morning ritual look like? What are a few things you do to set the tone before you begin a busy day at Light & Dwell?
Aymee: Early bird! I love the mornings. I wake up, get a cup of decaf coffee (because I’m naturally energized), either a walk or a workout, quiet time reading, praying, journaling. Love mornings!
You have a “shared heart for people, and all things beautiful and believe deeply in creating spaces where every client thrives and feels their best.” We LOVE that. What does a well-lived home mean to you?
A well-lived home means that everyone is thriving in that environment, and feels at ease when they walk through the door. It’s both a place of rest and a place where everyone is welcome.
What’s one piece of advice you’d go back and tell yourself in your first few months of business?
Getting your booty kicked is a part of what’s going to make you great. Take every ounce of that, and every experience to learn and grow to make yourself and the business better.
We’re not a big fan of the term ‘trends’, but we can get behind an appreciation for beautifully enduring design moments. Are there any timeless design elements you’re looking forward to using in your upcoming projects?
Fluted details!
Do you have any favorite podcasts/books/resources that you’ve discovered during these past few months of change in our world that you recommend?
Brene Browns “Unlocking Us” and Bob Goffs “Dream Big podcasts.
What changes have you experienced with running a business during this pandemic and how have you shifted your process to adapt to this new norm?
We’ve had to expand what we do for clients with virtual design and our remote full-service clients. We now offer a lot more to our virtual design services, and the majority of our full home service jobs are remote. Zoom is our new best friend.
Can you share a few Instagram accounts right now that are fueling your creativity?
Yes! Yolorenzo for yard inspiration, Tinge Florals for floral/color inspiration, and Kaemingk Design for interiors.
Love what you see? Take a peek at the talent behind the story… Design & Styling: Light & Dwell · Photography: Anne Blodgett
