Beyond the Designs

Welcome to Beyond the Designs - a lifestyle blog by CRD&CO. I look to share some moments beyond the projects including lifestyle, fashion, food, and all the things I love! I hope you enjoy this fresh and new content. And, please, reach out with any and all feedback or ideas. I’d love to hear from you! xx

Holiday Moments Alison Melnick Holiday Moments Alison Melnick

In the Kitchen: Christmas Cookies

Holiday baking is more than cookies in the oven—it’s nostalgia, family traditions, and sweet moments made together. From classic Christmas cookies to a treasured great-grandmother’s crumb cake recipe, this season in the kitchen is all about memories that last long after the last bite.

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Project Spotlight Alison Melnick Project Spotlight Alison Melnick

A Dreamy Design for a Milestone Birthday

This primary bedroom remodel was designed as the ultimate birthday gift — a serene, light-filled retreat that blends luxury and comfort. From soft textures and calming tones to personalized details that reflect the client’s story, this space captures the essence of restful living. Discover how thoughtful interior design can transform a bedroom into a tranquil sanctuary that feels both timeless and deeply personal.

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Sourcing Corner Alison Melnick Sourcing Corner Alison Melnick

A Cozy Home

Fall has a way of inviting us to slow down, gather close, and savor the comforts of home. As the crisp air rolls in and the days grow shorter, it’s the perfect time to refresh your spaces with thoughtful fall decorating ideas that feel both elevated and timeless.

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Personal Journal Alison Melnick Personal Journal Alison Melnick

Celebrating Three Years of CRD&CO.

Three years. It feels impossible to sum up everything that has happened since I launched CRD&CO., but this anniversary feels especially meaningful. The late nights that turned into early mornings, the stress and the tears, the wins both big and small—all of it has shaped not only this business, but me too.

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Everything I Loved Alison Melnick Everything I Loved Alison Melnick

Everything I Loved: September Edition

September is moving at the speed of light! It was a month that I thought I was really going to embrace my morning routine - you know, the 5:00 AM wake, hydrate, meditate, and  tackle the days workout routine, all before B and the girls wake up - but little did I know, September would come in on fire and make me BEYOND exhausted! Despite the new school year and activity schedule whipping me out, there are endless moments that made me smile and cry just a bit!

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Sourcing Corner Alison Melnick Sourcing Corner Alison Melnick

Back to School & a New Routine

As both a mom and an interior designer, I know how quickly the first week of school can fly by. The rush of new routines, school supplies, and the excitement (and nerves!) of a fresh start often leaves our homes buzzing with activity. Now that we’ve made it through week one, it’s the perfect time to pause, catch our breath, and create spaces that support calm, focus, and a little inspiration for the year ahead.

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Personal Journal Alison Melnick Personal Journal Alison Melnick

From Chaos to Calm

Every year, back to school feels like turning a page — exciting, a little chaotic, and always bittersweet. As a mom, I’m juggling the usual: new shoes, lunchbox ideas, earlier bedtimes… all while trying not to cry over how fast they’re growing.

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Everything I Loved Alison Melnick Everything I Loved Alison Melnick

Everything I Loved: July Edition

I feel like every time I sit down to write my monthly recap, I say the same thing, “How is it the end of the month already?” July was a fast one full of design moments, major project progress on our (2!) full home remodels, styled moments that I can’t wait to share, and softball - lots and lots of softball.

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Personal Journal Alison Melnick Personal Journal Alison Melnick

Behind The Name

“Hey Catherine! It’s so nice to meet you.” is the phrase I hear on a daily basis. In the past two-and-a-half years, my name has gone from Alison to Catherine and back to Alison in the matter of minutes of meeting vendors, potential clients, and everyone in between.

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