meet the designer: Tessarae Mclane

My lifelong passion for homes, architecture, and art naturally led me to a career in interior design in time. Before this, I had a whole career in sustainability and my love for the earth deeply impacts my work now. Transitioning into interior design was a very intentional choice, not something I fell into — I thought long and hard about what I wanted to do, went back to school for Master’s of Interior Design, worked with an established designer, absorbed as much as I could about the industry, and fell in love with the act of transforming a space. I launched Midafternoon Studios in December 2024 and can’t wait to see what happens next.

A little about me — I love pretty things. Nature views, art, old buildings, movies, sad songs, cats, flowers, tile. I’m inspired by the beauty of the outside world and love weaving organic elements into my work to create spaces that feel grounded and alive. My style is timeless and authentic, designed to reflect both the space and the people who live in it. Every project I take on is a thoughtful balance of intentionality and creativity — curated with care, but never overdone.

Based in Oregon and currently accepting project inquiries for anywhere in the US.

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OUR PROCESS

Designing a home is both creative and deeply personal — and it works best when there’s a clear structure guiding the experience. Our process is designed to keep things thoughtful, collaborative, and well-paced, while allowing room for your home to evolve naturally as we move through it. Whether we’re working on a full renovation or a single room, every project follows the same framework.

01
DISCOVERY

Every project begins with a conversation. We take the time to understand how you live, what you’re drawn to, and what you hope your home will feel like when it’s finished.

This phase includes an initial consultation and a deeper design questionnaire that helps us gather both the practical details and the more intangible elements — your lifestyle, preferences, and priorities — that shape the direction of the design.

02
CoNCEPT

From there, we develop the overall creative direction for your space. This is where the story of your home begins to take shape.

We create a visual concept that establishes the mood, palette, and design language for the project. This becomes our north star — guiding every material, finish, and furnishing choice that follows.

03
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

Once the concept is approved, we translate that vision into a working design.

Layouts, key selections, and spatial decisions are refined so everything feels cohesive and intentional. This is where we think through how each space connects to the next, ensuring the home works beautifully as a whole — not just room by room.

04
selections + Specifications

With the design framework in place, we finalize the materials, finishes, lighting, and furnishings that will bring it to life.

Every selection is made with durability, function, and long-term appeal in mind. We prepare detailed specifications so your contractor and trades have a clear, consistent set of directions to follow.

05
IMPLEMENTATION

For full-service projects, we remain involved as your project moves into construction or installation.

We coordinate with your contractor, answer design-related questions, and make any necessary adjustments as real-world conditions arise — helping the design translate smoothly from paper to reality.

06
STYLING + FINAL DETAILS

The final layer is where everything comes together.

We place furniture, art, and accessories, refining the space until it feels complete and effortless. This is when the home starts to feel truly yours — lived-in, balanced, and ready to be enjoyed.

our DESIGN philosophy

WE DESIGN SPACES THAT ARE BUILT TO LAST — VISUALLY, EMOTIONALLY, AND PHYSICALLY.

Midafternoon Studios creates timeless, artful homes that honor beauty, the natural world, and the well-lived life. Rooted in sustainable principles and elevated design, we craft interiors that are thoughtful, enduring, and deeply connected to place and person.

For us, sustainability isn’t a marketing angle — it’s a quiet, guiding principle behind the way we create. With a background in environmental studies and corporate sustainability, we bring a deep understanding of how thoughtful choices can shape not just a home, but the world around it. Intentional design means fewer renovations down the line, smarter space planning, and homes that evolve with you. We don’t believe in “fast interiors.” We believe in homes that grow more beautiful with time.

Our approach to sustainability is less about minimalism or rules, and more about respect: for materials, for craftsmanship, for history, and for the people who will live in these spaces for years to come.

WHAT SUSTAINABILITY MEANS TO US.

  • We design with longevity in mind — styles that age gracefully and materials that wear beautifully over time. We draw inspiration from old-world charm, utilizing materials and building techniques that have stood the test of time for centuries and continue to be a source of beauty and history today.

  • We love vintage, antique, and heritage pieces that bring character, soul, and story. Reclaiming what already exists is one of the most sustainable choices we can make — and also one of the most beautiful. Whenever possible, we source responsibly — from natural fibers and finishes to reclaimed wood and low-toxicity paints. We also seek out local makers and artisans whose work supports small-scale production and reduces environmental impact.

  • We believe in investing in fewer, better things. From handmade tile to heirloom furniture, we prioritize items that are well-crafted, repairable, and designed to endure both life and time. The best part? These kinds of pieces tend to patina and just keeping getting better with age.

  • Nature is one of our greatest design collaborators. We look for ways to blur the line between indoors and out — through organic materials, natural light, greenery, and textures that connect you to the earth. Being based in Oregon, we’re constantly surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors and are always collecting bits of inspiration from the world around us.