I started this tradition of sharing our top accomplishments of the past 12 months back in 2013 and it’s always such a joy to reflect on the amazing things we’ve done over the year and how much we’ve grown. 2018 was by far the busiest year we’ve had yet, almost feeling like a complete blur at some points, so putting this together really became the perfect opportunity to sit back and finally soak it all in.

I couldn’t be more proud of our team and all that we accomplished this past year. It’s such an incredible feeling to come into work every day surrounded by hard working, inspiring, talented women and I cannot wait to see what we stir up in 2019!

Now, without further ado, here are our 18 accomplishments in 2018 (in no particular order!). I promise to keep it short and sweet 😉

1. Brooke & Lou Launch
I had dreamed for years about creating a line of home décor that checked all the boxes when it comes to Life-Friendly™ design. Brooke & Lou, named after my two children and muses, launched in August and we have been blown away by the response. Seeing our pieces in your homes has been one of the biggest “pinch me” moments of my entire career and one of the most rewarding and growing experiences I’ve ever had.

2. Traveled to India
A big part in the development of Brooke & Lou was our trip to India this past February. From sourcing inspiration, textiles, and bringing home a bunch of one-of-a-kind pieces for our collected section, this was a trip of a lifetime. We were fortunate enough to have one of our favorite clients {who has temporarily relocated to Bangalore} host us on this trip, giving us the most curated experience of design, culture, and adventure.

3. Style Spotter
I was fortunate enough to be chosen as a Style Spotter for High Point Market this past year and I truly had the most incredible time! This was a bucket list item for me- as only 8 designers in the world get asked to participate every year. It was such a blast to work alongside such a fabulous group of designers forecasting the up and coming design trends in our industry.

4. International Design Award Nomination
Our Baltimore Project’s kitchen was nominated for an International Design Award this past fall and we were so flattered! I traveled to London in September with my family and friends to attend the award’s ceremony and although we didn’t bring home the award, to be included on the short list of such incredible designers and architects that I look up to was such an incredible honor.

5. HGTV Faces of Design Award
Our Holly Road project won HGTV’s Faces of Design award in the Color + Pattern category! This was such an honor and we were over the moon. This award is given through popular vote so we want to thank you all again for voting for us!

6. Traditional Home Feature
Being featured in the May edition of Traditional Home Magazine was definitely a bucket list item for our team- so when we were approached this past year about having our Baltimore Home in a 4 page spread in the magazine we kind of freaked out {to say the least}.

7. Our Team Continues to Grow!
Our team is now at 16 employees (including interns!) and we’re pretty much bursting at the seams in the studio! While finding a space to build a new office is in the future, we’re enjoying all the beautiful chaos where we’re at now and loving every minute of it 😊

8. Christmas Trip to Chicago
Speaking of chaos, our entire team rang in the holiday season in Chicago and it was such a fun weekend and something I’ll never forget! (If you haven’t already check out our blog post recapping it here).

9. Dove into Boutique Commercial Design
In 2018 we staring to dive into designing boutique commercial spaces and it’s been such a fun change of pace and definitely something our team wants to do more of in the upcoming years. We have 2 projects that we’ll be photographing soon that I cannot wait to share with you all and see what you think!

10. Hammel House Growth
If you’ve been following us a for a while then you know that my father and I co-own, Hammel House, a development company in southern Minnesota! This past year we completed our Birch Home (which is now for sale!) and began working on our newest build, the Magnolia Home. We are so lucky to team up with incredible craftsman and builders to support the local economy and help make the small town a even more desirable place to live!

11. Online Features
We have been so blessed this past year with the amount of online publications we’ve been featured in! From our Scottsdale home and Shady Beach project on MyDomaine, our Holly Road project on Style Me Pretty, and being a part of the Coterie and PureWow’s network of content creators, we really felt the love in 2018.

12. Parade of Homes + Luxury Home Tour
This past year we had 3 homes on the Parade of Homes tour (our Knoll Drive home, Shady Beach home, and Lakeville Farmhouse) and 1 on the Luxury Home Tour that we will be sharing an exciting reveal for soon 😉

13. Live Television Segments
Something that is always a little out of my comfort zone that I did this past year was appear on live tv segments! From Twin Cities Live, The Jason Show to WCCO’s morning show, I had lot of opportunities to push myself and do something that I’m not always comfortable with. Like anything, it gets easier and easier every time and I’m so glad that I did it.

14. Completed 19 projects and are working on 8 big projects out of state! We’ve been a little busy to say the least!

15. Spoke on the Cambria panel at the Spring Home & Garden Show
We have loved working with Cambria over this past year through Instagram takeovers (more to come in 2019!), blog features, and speaking events! I had the pleasure of chatting on their panel at the Home & Garden show this past Spring and it was such a fun experience.

16. Giving Back with Zucker x Masonic Children’s Hospital
This past Spring, Carly and Jason auctioned off a dinner at their home for 16 guests to benefit the hospital and we were fortunate enough to style their home for the event. We were so excited to work alongside some other amazing, generous vendors like Sister Honey Floral Co., Dave Puente Photography, and 6 talented chefs to bring this 5-course dining experience to life. (See the blog recap here).

17. Boardroom
I share a lot about my Boardroom group that I am a part of. My business coach Gail Doby has created the most intimate, supportive and soul lifting group of designers that have now become family to me! We spent a week in New York City visiting the Luxe Magazine headquarters and round tabling about some pretty incredible new business ideas, and we just got back from Miami and spending time at Art Basil as well as a few days with beautiful views of the ocean while planning our 2019 visions and goals. To say I’m blessed to be a part of this 6 firm group is an understatement.

18. Traveling for FUN!
I took over 50+ flights in 2018, but not all of them were for business! I was lucky enough to take a few personal trips with my family and friends to have some much needed fun. From Charleston, a Disney Cruise, New York City, London and an upcoming trip to the Bahamas next week, it’s always a good idea to take some time for yourself and relax.
I so appreciate all the love and support we have received from all of you, thank you for following along! Here’s to an amazing 2019!