As we approach the final days of 2023, we’re pausing to reflect on all the incredible experiences and accomplishments that have shaped this year for us as a team. 2023 was marked by stunning home reveals, photoshoots, a handful of installs, and the kickoff of several new projects. Join us for our end of year recap, as we highlight all the moments that made 2023 a truly memorable year.

January

We kicked off the year with an install for our #mgdxhorseshoebay project in Texas, setting the tone for the months to come. We also revealed the charming front & back exterior of our beloved Nellie Gail project.

February

We had a photoshoot at The Cottage in February for a couple exciting publications to come. We can’t wait to share them next year! We also revealed our Rancho Santa Fe project on the blog, and our team spent Valentine’s Day in the studio, celebrating with a treat exchange!

March

In March, we had another beautiful install at one of our local projects. Our design team also had the pleasure of attending the CDM Home Tour. We also hosted a painting evening in the studio with the lovely Blakely Made, putting our creativity to the test and learning from the best!

April

Our team went on a few design sourcing showroom visits in April. We shared our Rancho home reveal on the blog, and installed our #mgdxporthills project. We also shared sweet birthday moments in the studio for a few of our team members.

May

In May, our design team caught a wave of inspiration by attending the annual Newport Harbor Home Tour. There were so many beautiful homes from local designers and architects who we admire.

I also had the joy of speaking at the Haven Workshop, sharing all about the business of interior design, the many things I’ve learned running a studio over the years, and more about our team’s design process. It was amazing to be surrounded by so many other incredibly talented creatives, and women who run successful firms, both small and large. It was an unforgettable week, and an honor to be asked to be part of the Haven family.

June

We traveled to picturesque Coeur d’Alene, Idaho in June to install our #mgdxcoeurdalene project. We also saw lots of progress at our #mgdxanita and #mgdxandover projects, and had lots of site visits with our design team. Amidst it all, we paused to celebrated one of our own with a dreamy bridal shower at a local cafe.

July

July marked the start of an exciting new chapter for MGD as we delved into material selections for our new studio space. After six years at our current studio and showroom in Costa Mesa, we embarked on finding a new space for our team and clients. We were also busy with presentations and site visits, as we started on our #mgdxlaquinta and #mgdxbirdrock projects, in Palm Desert and La Jolla. To cap off the kick of summer, we had a stunning photoshoot at #mgdxrancho, gearing up for exciting publications in the upcoming year that will be featuring our client’s stunning home.

August

In August, we moved into our new creative haven and studio space in Newport Beach, and officially welcomed the team to our new office space. We also had an MGD movie night, complete with sweets, drinks and rom coms! To wrap up our August celebrations, I was spoiled with a birthday picnic at sea with the team. It was a month full of milestones and memories.

September

September saw progress on so many of our projects, sourcing slabs for #mgdxandover, selecting materials and hardware for #mgdxirvineterrace, and so much more. It was a month full of sourcing, presentations, site visits and planning for year end festivities.

October

We kept busy in the studio in October, starting on the creative direction for our new project #mgdxoliveterrace, as well as putting finishing touches on several projects in preparation for the end of the year. To get in the autumn spirit, we escaped the studio hustle for a team day at the farm, picking apples and drinking cider in the orchards.

November

We started construction at our #mgdxpaseoclemente project in November, which is a new build project with a transitional take on classic Spanish architecture. We celebrated our last team birthday party of the year, then we were off to Michigan for a site visit to our #mgdxgreatlakes project.

November concluded with our MGD Friendsgiving gathering, complete with a homemade feast while sharing gratitude for an amazing year with the best team. It was the perfect way to savor the warmth of the season. I also made a special announcement to the team. More to come on that surprise!

December

We ended this year on a high note with installs at our #mgdxramsgate and #mgdxalvarado projects. We also adorned our studio with some holiday cheer and celebrated the season with our MGD cookie swap.

We wrapped up December with our team holiday party at a local cooking school. Each year, we love gathering to do something fun together, and this year’s fête was such a highlight. After our last install of the year, our team took to the kitchen to make the yummiest four course meal in groups of four, making for the ultimate cooking competition. Fan favorites from the night were the potato leek soup, caramelized onion + gruyere pastry puffs and the parmesan polenta. We all left with full tummies and happy hearts after the perfect ending to the work year.

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Thank you for joining us for our 2023 recap! Each season brought its own set of amazing experiences, and I’m always so grateful for each of the moments we’re able to share as a team. As we look ahead to 2024, we can’t wait to share more of our projects and all that we’re up to around here. Be sure to follow us on Instagram for a sneak peek into all of the beauty and fun that will be unfolding in the months to come. Happiest New Year wishes to you and yours! xx