Notes from the Box

More Than a Staff Member—A Creative Force

At Out of the Box, the people behind the scenes are just as inspiring as the pieces on the floor.

And few embody that more than Jackie Allen.

If you’ve browsed our website, read our newsletters, or admired how pieces are styled and photographed—you’ve already seen her work in action.

But there’s more to Jackie than meets the eye.

She’s not only a key part of the Out of the Box team—she’s also an artist, a maker, and an internationally recognized jazz vocalist .

A Creative Path That Feels Meant to Be

Jackie’s journey with Out of the Box started the same way many customers discover us—through a project.

While restoring her 1917 Craftsman home, she visited the store and found:

• A full reclaimed kitchen
• Vintage doors and hardware
• Butcher block counters
• Tile that now lives in her home

What began as inspiration quickly turned into something more.

Today, she manages online content, photographs inventory, creates weekly newsletters, and helps customers bring their own spaces to life.

Her Design Style: Eclectic, Intentional, Alive

Ask Jackie to describe her style, and one word stands out:

Eclectic.

But not chaotic.

Her approach is about:

• Flow and function
• Color and art
• Balance without clutter

She believes each room should “speak”—not just visually, but emotionally.

And that philosophy shows in everything she touches.

Maker Mindset: From Fabric to Wood

Before working with wood, Jackie was a professional seamstress.

Now, she creates small furniture pieces from reclaimed materials—bringing the same attention to detail, texture, and craftsmanship into a different medium.

Her perspective?

Working with wood feels like “fusing” instead of sewing.

And that creative crossover is exactly what makes her work so unique.

Music, Art, and Balance

Beyond design, Jackie is also a jazz vocalist with 13 albums and an international touring career.

She teaches at Doane University and balances music with her work at the store—thanks to a flexible, creative team environment.

It’s a reminder that creativity doesn’t live in one lane.

It shows up everywhere.

Jackie’s Top Picks: Pieces with Personality

When Jackie chooses favorites, you can expect variety—and meaning.

A Playful Work of Art

A bronze sculpture of a bear holding a balloon is both whimsical and refined.

It’s the kind of piece that:

• Sparks conversation
• Adds personality
• Balances humor with craftsmanship

Lighting with Romance & History

A vintage birdcage chandelier with porcelain floral accents captures a softer, more romantic era.

It’s detailed, expressive, and full of character—exactly the kind of lighting that transforms a space.

Rustic Meets Functional

A white oak and iron kitchen island table blends:

• Durability
• Warmth
• Versatility

Perfect for a lake home, cabin, or any space that leans into natural materials.

Sculptural Everyday Design

A granite pedestal sink with iron “branch” base turns a functional piece into something sculptural.

It’s unexpected—and that’s the point.

Vintage That Stands the Test of Time

A gray and white marble coffee table with bronze edging offers:

• Clean lines
• Solid construction
• Timeless appeal

As Jackie puts it—it doesn’t feel trendy. It feels lasting.

Bentwood Beauty

A vintage Thonet-style armchair with updated upholstery blends classic form with modern refresh.

Lightweight, elegant, and versatile.

Lighting Worth Waiting For

A hand-carved alabaster chandelier—soft, glowing, and architectural.

One of those pieces that hasn’t found its home yet… but absolutely will.

Handmade & Personal

And finally, something uniquely Jackie:

A tropical leaf-shaped coffee table made from reclaimed wood, painted in layered greens with gold accents.

It’s:

• Playful
• Artistic
• Completely one-of-a-kind

And a perfect example of how personal design can be.

Growth at Out of the Box

Behind the scenes, things are expanding.

A new “Room Four” is in progress—bringing:

• More lighting
• Hundreds of shades
• Hardware, trim, and bath items

It may look like chaos now—but soon, it’ll be another fully realized space to explore.

Just In: New Arrivals to Discover

This week’s new items include:

• A custom limestone hood vent with architectural presence
• An ornate iron queen bed frame
• Rustic iron and brass wall sconces
• Original artwork by Nebraska artist Elma Ells Dreesen
• A dramatic nine-light iron candelabra
• A contemporary chandelier with box shades and metallic finish

Each piece adds another layer to the ever-changing showroom.

What We Can Learn from Jackie

Design doesn’t have to be rigid.

It can be:

• Personal
• Evolving
• A little unexpected

It’s about creating spaces that feel alive—not perfect.

10 Questions with Jackie, Plus Her Top Picks:

Q.   How did you get introduced to Out of the Box? 

A. I was restoring our 1917 Craftsman house in Lincoln and went to check out their new store. I remember seeing all this fantastic reclaimed stuff: an entire kitchen, vintage doors, hardware, butcher block counters (now in my kitchen), beautiful tile (now in my kitchen).  Jody, the owner was so generous with her time and knowledge, she just sucked me in! I was a regular customer and before long found myself wanting to contribute in some way…

Q.  What is your design style like? 

A. It’s certainly eclectic - beyond being functional with a good flow, I want a room to feel alive with art and color but not too cluttered. Things need to relate to each other and I want each room to “speak” to me and our guests in some way. I like the interior to relate to the age of the home but not in strict terms.

Q.  How do you keep from buying all the great stuff in the store? 

A. Luckily our home is not big and I as much as I like great style, I need to see open space in my environment too. At this point it’s one item in, one item out! I also get my kicks from helping other people with their projects, luckily. 

Q.  You make small furniture as a hobby. How did that start? 

A. I used to sew professionally. Wood working feels like a natural extension of that, fusing wood instead of fabric. I love the smell of wood too. My uncle and grandfather worked with wood. It’s fun to find a pretty piece and see what it can become. I love the creative aspect of it. I still sew and enjoy making fun pillows for the store.

(above) Global Views golden twig chandelier. It has a satin black rim with frosted glass round diffuser. It emits light both up and down. Dimensions: 33″ dia. x 37″ tall, plus chain and canopy (approx. 60″).

Q. You are a professional jazz singer and educator. How do you balance your time between that and the store?

A. Out of the Box puts up with my quirky schedule. I’m not nearly as busy in Nebraska as I was in Chicago years ago. We have a creative and wonderful staff and cover of each other when need be.

Q. How do you determine your prices in the store?

A. Good question. We research nearly every item on-line and compare it to national pricing. We generally price our items at 50% below retail. If it is discontinued, we price below other sellers, such as Chairish or 1st Dibs.

Q. How do you assist customers with their projects?

A. It’s both great fun and challenging to find the right item to suit their needs, space, taste and budget. Working with people who know exactly what they want, strangely can be a double edge sword. They may not be open to creative options that might serve them just as well.  By and large, people who come to our store are already thinking “out of the box” because they know we sell high-end items, but used. It’s fun to see them light up at the possibilities, visualizing a number of options in their homes.

Q. How is the Lincoln store different from the Ralston store?

A. It’s much bigger, first of all. The Granary is a historic venue and has a vibe all its own. The tall ceilings with exposed beams, original wood floors, and the small grain bins where we’ve placed small lighting is all quaint to me. Many people love the upstairs area with the brick walls where we hang original art. It has a warm and cosy feel to it but expansive enough to display a lot of items.

Visit Out of the Box

Come see Jackie’s picks—and everything else that’s just arrived.

Open Tuesday – Sunday
New arrivals weekly

Stop in, explore, and maybe find something that speaks to you.

FAQs: Design Style & Inspiration

What does “eclectic” design mean?

A mix of styles, textures, and influences that still feel cohesive.

How do I avoid clutter?

Focus on flow, spacing, and intentional choices.

Can I mix old and new?

Absolutely—that’s where the best design happens.

Do handmade pieces matter?

They add uniqueness and personality you can’t replicate.

How do I start developing my style?

Pay attention to what you’re naturally drawn to—and build from there.