ABOUT me
I’m a homeowner, real estate investor, renovator, and designer who’s lived through it all. I’ve worn all the hats so you don’t have to.
meet KRISTY
Strategy-driven design for professionals who don’t have time to second-guess every detail.
I’m Kristy Orchard — the founder of Nest & Notion, and the designer clients call when their home project is starting to feel like a second full-time job.
Before I launched this business, I spent two decades in engineering and project management, solving complex problems and managing big projects. Along the way, I also renovated three builder-basic homes (and several rental properties), acted as my own general contractor, and lived through all the chaos that comes with construction. So I know what works, what’s worth it, and what tends to go off the rails.
These days, I work with professionals who are renovating or furnishing their homes. They’re short on time, high on standards, and want a home that feels beautiful and functions intelligently. They want to make smart decisions early, so they’re not stuck second-guessing finishes or dealing with surprises mid-project.
That’s where I come in.
How I Work
Every project starts with a paid initial consultation. This is how we assess what you need, outline what’s realistic, and map out a plan of action. Whether it’s a full renovation or design support for a new build, the consult is the entry point to everything I offer.
From there, I lead the process, offering clear recommendations, smart systems, and grounded design guidance. You won’t get a laundry list of links or 30 options to sift through. I keep things moving and make sure your home works for the way you actually live.
Ready to Get Started?
Book your paid consultation below. It’s the first step toward a home that looks sharp, works hard, and feels like you.
Not ready to book yet?
Start by learning how you make design decisions.
Take the Picker Personality Quiz — a quick, clever little tool that helps you figure out your style of decision-making (and where things tend to go off the rails). Whether you’re a confident decider or a chronic second-guesser, it’ll give you insights you didn’t even know you needed.
Don’t need full service help?
Not every project needs a full designer—but every project needs smart decisions. My Selection Made Simple tools were built to help you move forward with clarity even without a full design package.
Building my NEST
The official Nest & Notion blog — equal parts strategy, stories, and straight talk from the renovation trenches. Real insights to help you make smart, confident decisions at home.