We recently connected with Ashley Clark and have shared our conversation below.
Ashley, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?
Skout is because we like to “skout” out and search and find unique and creative ways to do things! This company started with my love for vintage finds and looking for those one of a kind pieces that pull together a look or add the personal touch to a space.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
As a mother of four, I know what it means to create a home where everyone wants to hang out. Home should be a haven of relaxation and fun—a place to play and grow, and a place to escape to and not from.
When I’m not designing, you’ll find me at the beach with the family, at a local sporting event, or scouring flea markets along the California coast for the perfect vintage textiles and furniture finds.
Skout Interior Design began with pillows and throws, handmade from vintage textiles I dug through at flea markets. My friends sought after my keen eye for design, and by total accident, I became an interior designer. In 2010, I opened Skout and made it official. Still today, those early days come through in my work and the items we sell at Shop Skout—clean, modern designs interwoven with elements that are textural, nostalgic, and often handcrafted.
Our style is the Southern California Coast lifestyle. It’s laid-back, lived-in, and timeless. We call it low-key luxury. Our designs are easy to live in and look at—stuff is minimal, art is fun, and everything is meant to be enjoyed.
You will find Skout Interior Design projects featured in Domino, Luxe Magazine, HGTV Magazine, Country Living, Rue, Reveal Magazine and Interiors CA, as well as multiple homes showcased on the Newport Harbor Home Tour.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
I am so inspired by my clients. I truly believe in designing spaces that represent the people who live in them, so i am driven to create and scout for items that have personal significance or tug at memories of the family. My goal is to create spaces that feel good– spaces that are comfortable and fun. Home is a feeling and nothing feels better than being in a home that feels like a hug!
Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.
Skout started with pillows! I have always been obsessed with textiles and so when I started I was just sourcing vintage or unique fabrics for pillows. I sold pillows to friends/stores/local designers and then people just started asking me for help with other things. I have no formal training in interior design and just feel so dang lucky that I get to help people create beautiful homes. We are now a full service interior design firm and reflecting on how this all began is so mind blowing!
Contact Info:
- Website: skoutinteriordesign.com
- Instagram: @shopskout
- Facebook: @shopskout
Image Credits
Ryan Garvin Photography