Notes from the Box

A New Year, A New Direction in Design Every new year brings a shift. And this year? It’s a noticeable one. After years of cool grays and minimal palettes, we’re seeing a return to rich color, warmth, and personality. Spaces are feeling more layered, more expressive—and honestly, more inviting. At Out of the Box,...

Where Life Naturally Happens There’s a reason everyone ends up in the kitchen. It’s not just about the food—though the smell of something baking or simmering certainly helps. It’s the feeling. The casual conversations. The leaning on the counter. The “just one more bite” moments. Whether it’s Sunday brunch, after-school snacks, or a full...

After the Noise… Comes Reflection The holidays have a way of filling everything. Our schedules. Our homes. Our senses. Between the gifts, the gatherings, the meals, and the celebrations, it can feel like a lot. And maybe that’s part of the joy. As Mae West once said, “Too much of a good thing can...

When the Days Are Short, Lighting Matters More The winter solstice marks the longest night of the year—the moment when daylight feels scarce and darkness lingers just a little longer. And that’s exactly why lighting becomes so important this time of year. Not just for function—but for feeling. At Out of the Box, this...

Helping Santa Check a Few Boxes This time of year, the list gets long. And whether you’re shopping for family, friends—or sneaking in something for yourself—it helps to have options. At Out of the Box, new items arrive weekly, and this latest round feels especially gift-ready. From playful pieces to statement décor, there’s truly...

Like a Candy Store—But Better We hear it all the time: “Working there must be like being in a candy store.” And honestly? It kind of is. Except instead of sweets, it’s filled with one-of-a-kind furniture, statement lighting, and pieces with real history—and thankfully, zero calories. So this week, we did something fun. We...

A Love Letter to Italian Style There’s a reason Italy has long been considered a global leader in design. From architecture to fashion, from furniture to automobiles, Italian design has always blended beauty, innovation, and craftsmanship in a way few others can match. As architect Luigi Caccia Dominioni famously said: “Quite simply, we are...

When the Buyer Shops Like a Designer Every great store has a secret weapon. At Out of the Box, it’s Steen. He’s not just a co-owner—he’s our most dedicated “professional shopper,” constantly traveling, sourcing, and uncovering pieces that most people would never come across on their own . From multi-day trips to Colorado to...

“What Goes Together, Grows Together” You’ve probably heard it in cooking: What grows together, goes together. The same idea applies to design. When you start with one strong element—like a bed—it naturally guides everything else around it. Materials, colors, textures… they begin to fall into place when you let that first piece lead ....