What an unbelievably proud moment it is to finally reveal the Buddha Lounge! Not only because it’s gorgeous–which it is, utterly, but the way–but also because this particular project captures the heart of Design Bar. We sat down for tea with the lovely Beth (proud owner and dweller of the Buddha Lounge) to reflect on the design process and what her new space is evoking. Here’s a glimpse of the conversation between Beth and Design Bar’s lead designer, Anne. It has been condensed and also heavily edited for colorful commentary, as these two sailors don’t hold anything back.

Reflecting on the Design Bar Process

Cozied up in the Design Bar Shoppe in Bend’s NWX, Beth opened up about the decision to redesign her home after having kids in her house for 24 years. A mom to her own three daughters (and nicknamed ‘Mama Dos’ for being a second mom to many others), she was finally ready for a new chapter. “I wanted to have a space of my own that was nice and comfortable and calming,” Beth recalled. Problem was, she had absolutely no idea how to achieve it–enter Bend’s Design Bar team.

Rather than looking to the latest trends or cranking out rote design, we work to create spaces that capture the spirit of our client. “Authentic is never going to go out of style,” Anne asserted on the couch. Beth remarked, “Friends who had been coming over to my house for years came over and they were like, you know what, it feels like you. This looks like you.” From the grand entertaining table, to the trifold doors, to the crystals buried beneath her flooring–everything was designed to reflect Beth’s personality and enhance her well-being.

In speaking about her great room, Beth reported, “The space invites me to the meditation I do every morning. In the old space it was a challenge for sure… to be brought into a meditative space by my physical surroundings is definitely not something I expected.” Wellness means something different to each individual, but Beth’s specific experience is a great reminder of what Anne believes: “Design is not a superficial element of life…. and so we struck that delicate balance of making it fabulous, but keeping it authentic and enhancing functionality.”

As our teacups emptied and conversation wound to an end, we asked Beth what advice she would give to someone else looking to redesign their home. “TRUST YOUR DESIGNER!” she exclaimed emphatically. “That doesn’t mean you don’t get to say what you do or do not like… but there’s an element of trust you have to have if you're going to hire a designer. You have to be real with them. Don’t say what you like because you think it’s going to be in the next Architectural Digest. Say how you want to live.”

Revealing the Buddha Lounge

Without further ado, here is the grand reveal of the Buddha Lounge, located in Downtown Bend, OR near the iconic Deschutes River. Design Bar’s team worked on this project from start to finish: building collaboration, floor planning, hard palette design, furniture sourcing and styling. (If you’re in need of design services, we can help you, too!)

We hope this reveal inspires you to seek authenticity in your life. Design trends are cool, but you are way cooler.