Finding Home Again: Life, Business, and Design in Gig Harbor
The transition from Seattle & Gig Harbor.
It’s hard to believe it’s already been three and a half months since our move from Seattle to Gig Harbor. While it’s technically just one bridge away, it feels like an entirely different world — calmer, quieter, and more connected in all the best ways.
Maybe it’s because Wes and I both grew up here, or maybe it’s just the pace of life. But something about Gig Harbor instantly invited us to slow down. The people are kind, the air feels lighter, and there’s this small-town rhythm that reminds us daily why we decided to plant roots here.
There’s something so special about waking up and seeing the trees wrapped in morning fog. The kind that makes you want to linger a little longer with your hot cup of coffee. Sure, it takes a bit longer to get around than it did in the city, but I don’t even mind. The drives wind through forests, past the water, and under endless evergreens. I honestly forgot how lush it is here!
One night after a date in the Harbor, Wes and I walked down to the pier to take in the view, and we both stopped and just looked at each other, acknowledging that we felt a sense of peace we couldn’t quite put our finger on. The noise, the rush, the stress of city life had started to wear on us, and in that moment, we knew we had made the right decision — not only for us, but for our girls too.
Building a new rhythm.
Everyone has adjusted so seamlessly — even the girls, which I was most worried about, especially our oldest who left behind friends she’s known since daycare. Between soccer weekends, school events, and making new friends, we feel like we’re starting to find our people. The small-town charm here is alive and well — from running into old high school classmates to chatting with parents on the sidelines, there’s this wonderful sense of familiarity and community we didn’t realize we were missing.
We also absolutely love our new neighborhood. Each street ends in a cul-de-sac, so the kids can safely ride their bikes and play without the constant buzz of cars like in the city. After-dinner walks have become a new family ritual, and right now, with the trees showing off all their fall colors and the light hitting just right, golden hour feels pure magic.
The one thing we do miss about Seattle? The food scene. But Tacoma is just ten minutes away and has quickly become our go-to for date nights and family dinners. And when we’re craving a little nostalgia, a Mariners game or a weekend up north gives us the best of both worlds.
Styled Out West: growing roots in a new community.
The move hasn’t just been good for our family, but it’s been so good for my creativity, too. Since relocating, I’ve felt more inspired than ever by the pace and lifestyle here. There’s something about Gig Harbor’s balance of calm and connection that mirrors exactly what Styled Out West stands for: intentional design, family-focused function, and homes that feel effortlessly beautiful.
Now that my interior design studio is based here in Gig Harbor, I’m excited to take on more projects throughout Tacoma and the South Sound while continuing to serve our Seattle interior design clients as well. For anyone dreaming about a renovation, new build, or furnishings project — we’re officially accepting South Sound projects for October/November, with Seattle bookings reopening in January 2026.
Whether you’re planning a full home design or just beginning the process, our goal remains the same: to create spaces that not only look stunning but truly work for the people who live in them.
On a personal note, one of my favorite parts about this transition has been connecting with local Realtors, builders, and stagers. This community of professionals is so collaborative and genuinely kind — not to mention the moms I’ve met who are now turning into real friends. If you’re local and want to grab coffee or talk shop, reach out! I love meeting new faces and building relationships here in the Harbor.
A dream home in the making.
After months (and months) of planning, our dream home build is finally inching forward. The old barn on our property was officially demo’d (bittersweet, but such a milestone), and we’re now in the final stretch of the permit process. Fingers crossed for that final approval soon (I’ve given up on timelines at this point)!
Once permits are cleared, we’ll start excavation and staking out the house and things will finally start to feel real. It’s been surreal watching it all unfold, and I won’t lie, designing for myself has been harder than I expected.
Right now, I’m deep in exterior design decisions for the exterior: paint colors, materials, siding, trim — all while finalizing windows, doors, and plumbing fixtures. (Did you know plumbing is one of the first things you have to lock down? You would if you hired a designer 😉).
It’s wild being on this side of the process. I keep reminding myself to treat it like any other Styled Out West project: make a plan, stay organized, and have fun with it. Because if this journey has taught me anything, it’s that great design doesn’t need to be rushed, it needs to be thoughtful.
A fresh perspective on design.
While we wait to break ground, we’ve been settling into our rental and making it as cozy as possible. It’s definitely not our old house that we poured so much love into, but I’ve been embracing this in-between season by reusing what we already have and creating little corners that make me happy. There’s one room in particular (my “quiet room,” as I call it) that’s become my sanctuary. It gets the most beautiful natural light, and every morning, when I sit there with my coffee, I’m reminded that home isn’t just about where you live — it’s about how you live in it.
Living here has reminded me that great design, like great community, takes time. It’s built on intention, collaboration, and a genuine love for the process. That’s what drives every Styled Out West project. Creating homes that support real life: the family dinners, the after-school chaos, the early mornings, the late nights, and the quiet moments that make a house a home.
If you’re in the Gig Harbor, Tacoma, or the Seattle area and planning a home renovation, new build, or simply want to bring new life into your home through furnishings and styling, I’d love to help. Whether you’re looking for full-service interior design, a hybrid plan, or just a little expert guidance to get started, I’d love to connect and talk about how we can make your home your sanctuary.
Ready to get started? Visit our Services Page to learn more about working with Styled Out West, or email hello@styledoutwest.com to book your consultation today.
Thanks for always following along and supporting whatever journey I’m on. It’s been such a beautiful, wild ride, and I’m so grateful you’re here for all of it!
