How it all started.

July 15, 2024

It was mid 2022, we were coming out of the covid chaos and trying to find some shred of normalcy - when I came up with the idea to start Taylor Made Designs. Although at that point, it was going to be called T-Squared or Wolf Works Home Improvement.

Here’s how I got there-

In 2018, we moved back to Corvallis from Eugene so I could take care of my mother. She was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s & Posterior Cortical Atrophy, at the age of 52. We knew she’d need a lot of time and care, so it felt like the right move to come back to town.

By early 2019, I was taking care of my mother part-time and working for a local window and door company, handling their scheduling as well as assisting in the field with installs - when I found out we were going to be adding another kiddo to our family. Once my belly became too cumbersome for manual labor, I stepped back and focused solely on my Mom’s care and my family.

Cue the world shutting down and everything spiraling into chaos.

March 2020 rolls in, with a brand new baby and a mother with Alzheimer’s - I also had to learn to be a teacher for my two older kiddos. To say it was challenging, would be the greatest understatement… ever. But, we made it through by sheer grit.

Fast forward to 2022, I knew changes needed to be made for the sake of my mental health. Caregiving is an incredibly mentally/emotionally taxing task, couple that with grieving and also caring for three small humans - and it all felt impossible to maintain. So, I stepped back from being my Mother’s primary caregiver, and started thinking…. What next?

The answer came to me when I was trying to figure out, where in our small home we would be able to make a space for our youngest? I started thinking of additions to the square footage, creating detailed drawings and trying to figure out the most cost effective way forward.

After receiving bids that were nowhere near our price range, I decided to look at the square footage we had and see where I could make some adjustments. Our primary bedroom was abnormally long, and awkwardly utilized, with the only window crammed to one end. So, I came up with the plan to annex a nursery space from our bedroom footprint. I came up with the plans, and again got bids - but again the bids were BONKERS.

So, I did it myself.

Well, I did what I could by myself. I handled the demo and framing, hired out the electrical and window install and HVAC, then I took care of the drywall and trim work. The end result being a sweet little space, perfect for a little one, and eventually can be used for an office later on down the road. And the best part - I was able to do it all for less than 25% of the LOWEST bid we received.

After sharing the process along the way on social media, I started receiving messages from friends asking me to help them plan their home renovations. I decided to take on a couple kitchens, some living spaces, a bathroom and helped with material selections.

I. Was. Hooked.

In May of 2023, I had just lost a young family member and was facing the loss of my dear cousin/best friend Jennifer (my cheerleader) as well as my mother, and I decided - LIFE IS TOO FREAKING SHORT to not do things that bring you joy. I took the leap and opened Taylor Made Designs. An approachable, flexible, and collaborative design studio that focuses on creating HOME.

Here we are, a little over a year later. I have had the honor of being trusted with so many amazing homes and spaces and had the opportunity to meet and get to know some pretty wonderful clients. I get to do what I love, and my kids get to see their Mom pursue something she’s passionate about.

I couldn’t be more grateful for 1 year of Taylor Made Designs, and excited for what’s to come.

-Taylor