Loire Design Lab - Chapter 9: Lessons from the Loire

Taking the Temperature

When we first began this French renovation journey, we confidently said Loire Design Lab would open in 2025. Bold plans, right?

Fast forward to February 2026 and, spoiler alert, our timeline has adjusted. More than once. Reality has a funny way of setting its own pace, and this process has been no exception.

Designer Meets Client

One of the most humbling parts of this project has been wearing both hats: designer and client. It’s a bit like dancing, in a minefield: same song only you carefully need to choose your next step. For anyone else renovating their own project, especially fellow designer‑client hybrids, you’ll know exactly what we mean.

Taking Stock of Progress

Let’s take the temperature and share how far we’ve come.

In many ways, progress has unfolded as it should, with the delightful (and sometimes maddening) flavor of French timelines. Could things have gone faster? Oui, bien sûr. Yet this additional time has been a gift, allowing Loire Design Lab to evolve through several conceptual iterations into the precise space we need right now. And how this space will be used is something we can't wait to share more on.

Phase 1: Complete

Phase 1 is officially in the books! If you’ve been following along, you’ll remember how much the project shifted after our unexpected purchase of the building next door (catch up on that story here). With any 150‑year‑old building, surprises are the rule, not the exception, and they didn’t disappoint.

We shared many of the details back in Chapter 5, but the short version is this: Phase 1 focused on structure and flow. We raised the ceiling (and roof), expanded openings, installed new Velux windows, moved bathrooms, and erased unnecessary walls and steps, all in the name of creating more usable space without expanding the footprint.

Balancing Restoration and Innovation

Despite not uncovering as many original details as we had hoped (we suspect the second building is hiding more), preservation remained essential. Our favorite discovery? The tuffeau (local limestone) pillar hiding behind a section of drywall, now restored and taking center stage thanks to the skilled hands of our mason.

Then came materials. From locally-made hemp‑based insulation to locally sourced finishes (from paint to the kitchen faucet), we aimed to test healthier, more sustainable building solutions wherever possible. We gave a peek into that process in Chapter 6, but there’s more to come on that front.

Lessons in Resilience

There were no shortages of surprises: damaged chimneys, mysterious wall cracks, back orders galore…but the biggest takeaway so far has been resilience. Even as designers, we weren’t immune to the emotional rollercoaster that comes with renovation. But every challenge deepened our understanding of what this place can be.

Phase 2 and Beyond

What’s next? Phase 2 marks an exciting shift as we build out the attic space, finalize furniture selections, and move toward the real grand opening of Loire Design Lab.

More stories, lessons, and behind‑the‑scenes moments are on the horizon. And we’d love for you to follow along.

💬 Renovation in France has its own tempo: equal parts patience, discovery, and a touch of improvisation à la française. What part of French design or craftsmanship fascinates you most?