Building a Soulful Space: The Journey of North Nest Interiors

Building it from the ground up — grit, grace, and a lot of heart.

Demo & Vision: Where It All Began

When I first walked into the space — a 100-year-old building that had been a saddle shop, gas station, and general store — I felt its charm, grit, and history. I knew right away that I didn’t want to erase the past. Instead, I wanted to highlight it.

The goal was to design a studio-meets-shop that felt layered, inviting, and deeply rooted in Montana. I envisioned a blend of Scandinavian softness, vintage moments, and ample room for collaboration and retail discovery.

Sourcing, Questions & Quick Fixes

Let’s talk decisions. You know, the kind that keeps you up at night. The ones that make you screenshot 20 Pinterest photos just to feel a bit more secure:

• Windows: I asked myself, “In stock or 6–8 weeks out?” about 14 times before finally pulling the trigger.

• Lighting: I quickly learned that not all track heads fit Juno T, Tu, and V series. (Note to self: label things better online!)

• Drywall Details: For an arched doorway, Strait-Flex Mid-Flex was the winner after four trips to town.

• Paint Colors & Floor Refinishing: I sanded 100-year-old fir planks until my arms felt like jelly. But seeing that warm wood pop under matte sealer? Worth every sore muscle.

  
  

Every decision was rooted in feel. I considered how the light hit the room, how the air moved through the space, and how the textures played together.

Layout Lessons & Flow Fixes

We meticulously drew out every detail and furniture selection on CAD. We moved tables four inches left, then three back. We constantly asked ourselves: Does the floor flow? Can someone browse and still feel held by the space?

One huge win was maintaining open sightlines from the front door all the way to the back design library. The goal was to guide people intuitively through the shop — past the materials, the art, and the little moments — with a natural rhythm.

Display Strategy: Showroom Meets Soul

North Nest isn’t just a shop; it’s a studio. It’s a space to design, dream, and gather.

Every piece we bring in — from the vintage shearling chair to the handmade ceramic bowl — serves a dual purpose. It needs to be beautiful but also feel lived in, touchable, and true to our brand. We’re mixing Montana-made with global design, and balancing that takes care and instinct.

Surprises, Setbacks & Things I’d Do Differently

• Biggest surprise: How emotional it was to see the original shiplap walls come back to life after a century.

• What I’d skip next time: Rushing any trim or floor decision. You always notice the details later.

• Best call I made: Leaving some imperfections intact. Not everything needs to be polished — it just needs to feel right.

  
  

The Heart of the Matter: Community and Connection

As I reflect on this journey, I realize it’s not just about the physical space. It’s about the community that surrounds it. I wanted to create a place where people feel welcome. A space that resonates with warmth and authenticity.

I’ve learned that design is not just about aesthetics; it’s about connection. It’s about creating a backdrop for memories, laughter, and creativity.

Final Thoughts

This shop was built with more than a contractor’s checklist. It was built with late-night questions, community input, creative vision, and a whole lot of dust. And now? It feels like home.

Want to see the full transformation?

→ Follow us on Instagram

→ Visit the Studio in Harrison, MT

The Future of North Nest Interiors

Looking ahead, I’m excited about the possibilities. I want North Nest Interiors to be the go-to design studio in Montana for creating personalized, soulful, and functional living spaces. We aim to grow our full-service interior design projects and boutique offerings while staying true to our local roots.

In this ever-evolving journey, I invite you to join me. Let’s explore the beauty of design together. After all, every space tells a story... and I can’t wait to help you tell yours.