One Year In

A year ago, we packed up our life in Texas and moved to the California coast. Hard to believe it’s been a year already, but when the date popped up on the calendar it gave me a chance to reflect on this last year on the peninsula. We didn’t come here for a job offer or a big opportunity. We came for something more personal: the pull of home, the nearness of family, and the chance to root our lives in a place that felt aligned with who we are and how we want to live.

That first year in a new town is no joke, especially when you’re running a small business that relies on trust, word of mouth, and relationships. Starting over professionally has been humbling and, at times, daunting. Growing Lampos Design here has taken time, patience, and a lot of coffee. But thanks to some incredible people, it’s beginning to feel like things are taking shape.

To those of you who welcomed us, referred us, and said, “You should call Katie,” thank you. The team at Hare Construction has been incredibly generous in recommending us to clients. Blake Russell, a local real estate agent and true connector, has gone out of her way to make thoughtful introductions. That kind of support is something we never take for granted. It is the foundation of how a small business grows, and we are so grateful. We take every referral seriously. It means the world when someone puts their name next to ours and trusts us to care for their home the way we would care for our own.

Personally, this move has been everything we hoped for and more. We’re now close to our parents, my brother, sister-in-law, and our nephew, which means family dinners, beach afternoons, cousin time and shared holidays. Our son is thriving at an incredible school filled with warm, funny, down-to-earth families who have become dear friends.

It’s impossible not to feel inspired here. I find endless design influence in the rugged coastline, the earthy tones of Carmel Valley, the charm of downtown Monterey, and the architecture that ranges from craftsman bungalows to historic ranches and coastal cottages. Places like Earthbound Farm have become a kind of spiritual recharge station, pure magic.

Designing in California has also come with a learning curve. Permitting and the California Coastal Commission is a powerful presence, and we’ve learned to navigate it with a mix of patience, preparation, and deep breathing. Without a nearby design center, we’ve had to rethink sourcing and logistics, becoming more resourceful and more intentional in the process. It’s made us sharper, more adaptive, and, honestly, more creative. 

One thing I miss deeply is the design community I had in Dallas. I was surrounded by a tribe of talented women who were generous with their ideas, referrals, and time. I haven’t quite found that here yet, but I’d love to. If you're a local designer or creative, reach out. Rising tides raise all boats, and we believe wholeheartedly in supporting other small businesses and sharing knowledge, not gatekeeping it.

Lately, I’ve been noticing that many homeowners are asking the same thoughtful questions when it comes to renovations, questions about permitting, timing, construction costs, what an architect does, what a design firm handles, and how the whole process works. It made me think about hosting a design/build salon. These would be casual gatherings where we open up conversations on different topics like budgeting, permitting, working with contractors, and more. Think wine, snacks, and real talk with experts in the field. Each event would focus on one theme and offer a relaxed space to ask questions, learn, and connect. Would anyone come to something like that? If this sounds interesting, send us a message, we’d love your input as we shape the idea.

At Lampos Design, we specialize in remodels, renovations, and new builds. That includes everything from kitchen and bath transformations to furnishing vacation homes and full-home design. Over the past year, we've taken on historic home renovations in Pacific Grove, designed kitchen and bath remodels in Monterey, helped new-move clients settle into their forever homes with furnishings and styling. We collaborate closely with contractors, architects, and homeowners to bring spaces to life with clarity, creativity, and a collaborative spirit.

Transitions are hard. There’s no way around that. But they can also be filled with clarity, growth, and beauty. This one has been all of those things. One year in, we know without question, we made the right choice.

If you’re planning a renovation, designing a vacation property, or settling into a new home on the Monterey Peninsula, reach out. We’d love to help make your house feel like home.

Thank you for following along. And thank you, for supporting Lampos Design.