Oh Katie, you are a BOSS and I’ve so enjoyed getting a front row seat inside your brilliant brain. How you approach design on a very human level. And don’t get me started on your outfit inspo… (Yes to the layers!) I’m sad to not be able to continue working together on Design School—we made this cute little corner of the internet together!—but grateful for the experience and BEYOND excited to now be a reader and join you on this new journey. Onward we go! X 💘
There are not enough words for how much I’ve appreciated our collaboration. You were the best thought partner, cheerleader, and partner in all this. I wouldn’t have had the courage or know how to get this started. Thank you a million times. 😘😘
It’s so nice to hear from you Katie. There’s a profound sadness in what’s happening with schoolhouse - in many facets. From the outside looking in, it’s so obvious what made the brand is the people so it’s hard to see what can become of it without the existing design team in place. Schoolhouse is/was my favorite brand and I think aside from the obvious (excellent use of color, slightly unexpected but subtle details to add fun) it had soul and grit you can’t find in other spaces today. It is not lost on me that with all that’s going on today - AI, private equity, fast fashion, etc. A brand committed to quality and soul is what we need now more than ever. I started following you when you started this series and it added another dimension to the brand. I know you did not work alone and that there’s an army of talented people who helped shaped schoolhouse. I hope you and they know how inspiring you are. I pour over all that you share here, love looking at the photos on the website and endless enjoy the few schoolhouse items I have. You make design feel approachable and fun. I am grateful. I really hope you continue to talk to us here because I’d love to follow you wherever life takes you and hear your perspective on the world around you. We need more Katie’s, we need more art, we need more soul. Wishing you well in this time of transition and the same for your team and all the staff at schoolhouse. Big hugs ❤️
Well now I’m crying. Thank you for seeing and loving what we did. We knew we had magic. There was so much love and dedication from the schoolhouse team. I’m glad it shone through.
I have so many future heirlooms because of you, your team, and Schoolhouse. Forever grateful for the genius and tremendous beauty you’ve brought Into our everyday lives….thank you Katie❤️❤️❤️
I may or may not have cried at the schoolhouse news. I went back to school because you inspired me to take my love for design more seriously; dreaming of one day joining the team. For years Schoolhouse has been my go-to design inspiration, and taste of home away from home. I’m thankful for the space you’ve created here. I look forward to following you and your creative journey.
Oh wow. I’m so honored that I was able to inspire you to pursue design more seriously. I’ll plan on being here sharing how I see the world so we can keep insuring each other
I'm newish to your writings and inspirations and I look forward to them every time a new email hits my inbox. You have an incredible eye! It may have been schoolhouse that brought me to you, but it's YOU that kept me coming back. I can't wait to see where your new journey takes you. All the best your way in the new year. :)
I am so sorry to hear this news. I absolutely love schoolhouse and love everything I’ve bought. The Stillwater quilt, the forma dining table, Pendleton quilt, modern runner, blue and green rug, and especially the Anne cocktail table. I imagine you had a hand in designing much if not all. You are a genius who transformed my home to a place that I love. Thank you. I can’t wait to see what you do next. Is there a way to subscribe to your substack for payment? I’d love to support your writing.
Hi Katie: As a business developer in product design (IDEO, etc.), I love reading your thoughts about design - just on its own, and how it pertains to life. Without it, where are we? The Arts &n Crafts movement started when creative people decided that everyday people deserved beautiful things at a price that most could afford. And voila - that started the revolution that brought beautiful design into peoples' homes and lives. Keep on with making your environment beautiful - and your life and the lives of those you love in that environment. Best, Maureen
Such an inspiring read! You have given me much food for thought about navigating an unexpected shift in course with grace and curiosity. I am wishing you much luck and good fortune as you navigate this time, but I don’t think you need it ;) Onward, indeed.
As to books, I just read WRECK by Catherine Newman and I loved it - cried, laughed out loud, and I have since recommended it to many friends and family.
I'm glad my experience could help you in some way. It hasn't been easy to shift my thinking and get back to my optimism but it's nicer to try and stay in this play. Be kind to yourself. And thanks for the book recommendation. Maybe I'll do a round up of what everyone shares.
Oh jeeze, had no idea about Schoolhouse until reading this! After saving and dreaming for a few years I just pulled the trigger on a Schoolhouse pendant at the beginning of December. It was a big moment for me, finally getting to purchase something from this iconic brand. Oops! Wonder if I'll see it or my money ever again. Best of luck to you in your next endeavours!
I’ve thought about you so many times over the last few weeks. I’m so sorry for your and your team and forever inspired by all you built and designed at schoolhouse electric!! Sending my love!
Oh, Katie...I absolutely LOVE your writing style, your transparency, your love of COLOR and JOY, your resilience and your relatability. I am so happy that I found your writing here on Substack! I was crestfallen to hear about Schoolhouse...it has been my FAVORITE "go-to" for home design and inspiration. We just finished building an ADU in Ojai, California and I was finally able to purchase some of the Schoolhouse items that had been on my vision board throughout the permitting process (13 months!): the Princeton sconces in un-lacquered brass with clear glass shades (OH-SO-PRETTY), the Bristol bath hardware in un-lacquered brass (LOVE! LOVE!) and that darling utility stool (I AM SO SMITTEN)! We named the little cottage, "The Owlet," and it brings me so much joy to know that there will forever be lovely goodies from Schoolhouse in that home. I am wishing you ALL THE BEST and ROOTING for you in the BIGGEST WAY POSSIBLE In your quest to slow down, find out what makes your heart SING career-wise and what personally brings you JOY! I am in the same boat. Having just wrapped up the ADU this past December I am looking for my next project, too. It's a bit scary for me to be without a schedule or firm goals at the moment, but I am trying to trust the process. I am hoping that this year will bring us all into a more positive, hopeful, purposeful direction both politically and personally. These are tough times, for sure. Heartbreaking times. Unfathomable to imagine that we would end up here as a country, really. But we must believe that goodness will prevail and that we will find our place in it all. Please keep writing! You are WONDERFUL!!!
When you write about imagining the homes that have bits of Schoolhouse in them I thought of my own home. I have only a few, but they have quickly become heirlooms! I’m so glad you’re exercising courage to still fumble your way forward. How beautifully human of you. I am inspired!
Tears! Katie, I will forever cherish our time together... SH was such a meaningful chapter for me as it truly felt like a dream place of work. The people, the work, the care and love behind it all - it's hard to wrap my head around how suddenly it all shifted, but I’m deeply grateful for the experience. Schoolhouse expanded my lens in so many ways - my world feels more colorful, layered, and full of curiosity because of it - and you and Jorie were really at the heart of that! I’m so thankful for what I learned from you and your team, and excited to keep following along in whatever you do next.
Meg! You are such a talent and beautiful person. I cherish our time at SH together as well. Thank you for making me feel so at ease in front of the camera and bringing life through storytelling to our beloved products. 😍
I am so saddened by the news about schoolhouse and so grateful to have found you here.
There was so much to schoolhouse that will no longer be, and losing the vision, design, intention, care, and all that made up the brand is truly a loss. Isn’t it interesting to think about how attached a person can become to a brand? Even if they only own a few cherished pieces. It’s a testament to the brand being about what they are and so much more: everything its employees are and contribute, the inspiration, creativity and imagination. Hope. It’s difficult to summarize, really.
Anyway, I don’t think I’m saying anything new here other than adding to the echoes of what others have shared. But I am writing because I think it’s important for you to know how many people you’ve touched, inspired, impacted and influenced simply by sharing yourself with us through your design work.
I hope you continue to contribute to Substack in whatever form in the future, it’s been such a gift. Thank you.
It is the most amazing gift to hear everyone’s love of the brand…to know what we were doing meant so much. The team in Portland is so talented and passionate about the brand. Thank you for being apart of our passion.
Oh Katie, you are a BOSS and I’ve so enjoyed getting a front row seat inside your brilliant brain. How you approach design on a very human level. And don’t get me started on your outfit inspo… (Yes to the layers!) I’m sad to not be able to continue working together on Design School—we made this cute little corner of the internet together!—but grateful for the experience and BEYOND excited to now be a reader and join you on this new journey. Onward we go! X 💘
There are not enough words for how much I’ve appreciated our collaboration. You were the best thought partner, cheerleader, and partner in all this. I wouldn’t have had the courage or know how to get this started. Thank you a million times. 😘😘
It’s so nice to hear from you Katie. There’s a profound sadness in what’s happening with schoolhouse - in many facets. From the outside looking in, it’s so obvious what made the brand is the people so it’s hard to see what can become of it without the existing design team in place. Schoolhouse is/was my favorite brand and I think aside from the obvious (excellent use of color, slightly unexpected but subtle details to add fun) it had soul and grit you can’t find in other spaces today. It is not lost on me that with all that’s going on today - AI, private equity, fast fashion, etc. A brand committed to quality and soul is what we need now more than ever. I started following you when you started this series and it added another dimension to the brand. I know you did not work alone and that there’s an army of talented people who helped shaped schoolhouse. I hope you and they know how inspiring you are. I pour over all that you share here, love looking at the photos on the website and endless enjoy the few schoolhouse items I have. You make design feel approachable and fun. I am grateful. I really hope you continue to talk to us here because I’d love to follow you wherever life takes you and hear your perspective on the world around you. We need more Katie’s, we need more art, we need more soul. Wishing you well in this time of transition and the same for your team and all the staff at schoolhouse. Big hugs ❤️
Well now I’m crying. Thank you for seeing and loving what we did. We knew we had magic. There was so much love and dedication from the schoolhouse team. I’m glad it shone through.
I have so many future heirlooms because of you, your team, and Schoolhouse. Forever grateful for the genius and tremendous beauty you’ve brought Into our everyday lives….thank you Katie❤️❤️❤️
Oh Christene, this means so much. Thank you thank you for sharing and for making Schoolhouse part of your beautiful home.
Sending strength and positive energy. I don't think I've ever loved a brand as much as I loved Schoolhouse.
I’ll take all the good vibes I can take. ❤️❤️
I may or may not have cried at the schoolhouse news. I went back to school because you inspired me to take my love for design more seriously; dreaming of one day joining the team. For years Schoolhouse has been my go-to design inspiration, and taste of home away from home. I’m thankful for the space you’ve created here. I look forward to following you and your creative journey.
Oh wow. I’m so honored that I was able to inspire you to pursue design more seriously. I’ll plan on being here sharing how I see the world so we can keep insuring each other
I'm newish to your writings and inspirations and I look forward to them every time a new email hits my inbox. You have an incredible eye! It may have been schoolhouse that brought me to you, but it's YOU that kept me coming back. I can't wait to see where your new journey takes you. All the best your way in the new year. :)
🥹🥰
forever an inspiration to us all <3
Thanks for helping bring the magic of Schoolhouse to life
I am so sorry to hear this news. I absolutely love schoolhouse and love everything I’ve bought. The Stillwater quilt, the forma dining table, Pendleton quilt, modern runner, blue and green rug, and especially the Anne cocktail table. I imagine you had a hand in designing much if not all. You are a genius who transformed my home to a place that I love. Thank you. I can’t wait to see what you do next. Is there a way to subscribe to your substack for payment? I’d love to support your writing.
Hi Katie: As a business developer in product design (IDEO, etc.), I love reading your thoughts about design - just on its own, and how it pertains to life. Without it, where are we? The Arts &n Crafts movement started when creative people decided that everyday people deserved beautiful things at a price that most could afford. And voila - that started the revolution that brought beautiful design into peoples' homes and lives. Keep on with making your environment beautiful - and your life and the lives of those you love in that environment. Best, Maureen
I’ve always admired the work of IDEO…so considered and elegant. Thank you for your wisdom and being a champion of good design.
It takes one to know one, Katie! ;)
Such an inspiring read! You have given me much food for thought about navigating an unexpected shift in course with grace and curiosity. I am wishing you much luck and good fortune as you navigate this time, but I don’t think you need it ;) Onward, indeed.
As to books, I just read WRECK by Catherine Newman and I loved it - cried, laughed out loud, and I have since recommended it to many friends and family.
I'm glad my experience could help you in some way. It hasn't been easy to shift my thinking and get back to my optimism but it's nicer to try and stay in this play. Be kind to yourself. And thanks for the book recommendation. Maybe I'll do a round up of what everyone shares.
Oh jeeze, had no idea about Schoolhouse until reading this! After saving and dreaming for a few years I just pulled the trigger on a Schoolhouse pendant at the beginning of December. It was a big moment for me, finally getting to purchase something from this iconic brand. Oops! Wonder if I'll see it or my money ever again. Best of luck to you in your next endeavours!
I really hope that pendant makes it to your home. Thank you so much for following along.
I’ve thought about you so many times over the last few weeks. I’m so sorry for your and your team and forever inspired by all you built and designed at schoolhouse electric!! Sending my love!
Thanks for the love Amanda, and thanks for being apart of Schoolhouse magic.
Oh, Katie...I absolutely LOVE your writing style, your transparency, your love of COLOR and JOY, your resilience and your relatability. I am so happy that I found your writing here on Substack! I was crestfallen to hear about Schoolhouse...it has been my FAVORITE "go-to" for home design and inspiration. We just finished building an ADU in Ojai, California and I was finally able to purchase some of the Schoolhouse items that had been on my vision board throughout the permitting process (13 months!): the Princeton sconces in un-lacquered brass with clear glass shades (OH-SO-PRETTY), the Bristol bath hardware in un-lacquered brass (LOVE! LOVE!) and that darling utility stool (I AM SO SMITTEN)! We named the little cottage, "The Owlet," and it brings me so much joy to know that there will forever be lovely goodies from Schoolhouse in that home. I am wishing you ALL THE BEST and ROOTING for you in the BIGGEST WAY POSSIBLE In your quest to slow down, find out what makes your heart SING career-wise and what personally brings you JOY! I am in the same boat. Having just wrapped up the ADU this past December I am looking for my next project, too. It's a bit scary for me to be without a schedule or firm goals at the moment, but I am trying to trust the process. I am hoping that this year will bring us all into a more positive, hopeful, purposeful direction both politically and personally. These are tough times, for sure. Heartbreaking times. Unfathomable to imagine that we would end up here as a country, really. But we must believe that goodness will prevail and that we will find our place in it all. Please keep writing! You are WONDERFUL!!!
YOU are wonderful. Thank you for the support, and camaraderie…and for giving those schoolhouse products such a loving home.
When you write about imagining the homes that have bits of Schoolhouse in them I thought of my own home. I have only a few, but they have quickly become heirlooms! I’m so glad you’re exercising courage to still fumble your way forward. How beautifully human of you. I am inspired!
Thank you Jess for the support and sharing your Schoolhouse treasures.
Tears! Katie, I will forever cherish our time together... SH was such a meaningful chapter for me as it truly felt like a dream place of work. The people, the work, the care and love behind it all - it's hard to wrap my head around how suddenly it all shifted, but I’m deeply grateful for the experience. Schoolhouse expanded my lens in so many ways - my world feels more colorful, layered, and full of curiosity because of it - and you and Jorie were really at the heart of that! I’m so thankful for what I learned from you and your team, and excited to keep following along in whatever you do next.
Meg! You are such a talent and beautiful person. I cherish our time at SH together as well. Thank you for making me feel so at ease in front of the camera and bringing life through storytelling to our beloved products. 😍
I am so saddened by the news about schoolhouse and so grateful to have found you here.
There was so much to schoolhouse that will no longer be, and losing the vision, design, intention, care, and all that made up the brand is truly a loss. Isn’t it interesting to think about how attached a person can become to a brand? Even if they only own a few cherished pieces. It’s a testament to the brand being about what they are and so much more: everything its employees are and contribute, the inspiration, creativity and imagination. Hope. It’s difficult to summarize, really.
Anyway, I don’t think I’m saying anything new here other than adding to the echoes of what others have shared. But I am writing because I think it’s important for you to know how many people you’ve touched, inspired, impacted and influenced simply by sharing yourself with us through your design work.
I hope you continue to contribute to Substack in whatever form in the future, it’s been such a gift. Thank you.
It is the most amazing gift to hear everyone’s love of the brand…to know what we were doing meant so much. The team in Portland is so talented and passionate about the brand. Thank you for being apart of our passion.