The Founders

Meet Nicole & Courtney

Barely Beige Studio is led by co-founders Courtney Shondel and Nicole Sayer, whose complementary backgrounds form the backbone of the studio’s design philosophy: thoughtful, design-forward homes that are as intentional as they are livable. Together, they bring both sides of what most projects are missing, deep creative clarity and disciplined execution.

WHERE PERSPECTIVE MEETS PROCESS

Clients often come to Barely Beige with strong taste but limited clarity. They know what they like, but not how to make it cohesive, functional, or lasting. Courtney and Nicole remove that pressure. Through a high-touch, highly collaborative process, they guide clients through complex decisions, challenge assumptions, and create space for confidence to replace uncertainty.

The result is a partnership that balances intuition with structure, creativity with precision, and bold design with livability. Homes that feel elevated but never untouchable. Expressive without being excessive. Personal without being precious.

At its core, Barely Beige Studio is built on trust, trust in the process, trust in collaboration, and trust that great design comes from listening as much as leading. Courtney and Nicole bring that belief into every project, creating spaces that reflect the people who live in them while elevating what those spaces can be.