Notes from the Box

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 ....

It’s Not “Used”—It’s New to You We all love improving our spaces. But here’s the shift: improvement doesn’t have to mean brand new. Some of the best pieces you’ll ever own have already lived a life—and that’s exactly what makes them better. Reclaimed, vintage, second-market… whatever you call it, these pieces offer something modern...

Bring Global Style Home You don’t need a passport to create a home that feels worldly. Some of the most memorable spaces are layered with influence—pieces that feel collected over time, inspired by travel, culture, and craftsmanship from around the globe. Whether you’ve traveled extensively or simply love a global aesthetic, incorporating international design...

Why Designer Lighting Changes Everything Lighting is one of the most overlooked—and most powerful—elements in a home. It doesn’t just help you see. It defines mood. It shapes a room. It elevates everything around it. That’s why this week, we’re spotlighting one of our favorite brands: Visual Comfort—a name known for blending timeless design...