meet the designer: Tessarae Mclane

I’ve always been drawn to homes — how they feel, how they’re shaped, and how people live inside them. That curiosity naturally led me to interior design, though not right away. Before this chapter, I had a full career in sustainability and that love for the earth still shows up in my work today through thoughtful choices, materials, and a respect for place.

Transitioning into interior design was a very intentional choice, not something I fell into — I went back to school for my Master’s in Interior Design, worked alongside an established designer in Seattle, and soaked up everything I could about the industry. Somewhere along the way, I fell deeply in love with the process of transforming spaces — creating rooms that feel beautiful, grounded, and truly lived in. I launched Midafternoon Studios in December 2024, and I can’t wait to experience how it unfolds.

A little about me: I love pretty things. Nature views, art, old buildings, movies, sad songs, cats, flowers, tile. I’m endlessly inspired by the outside world and love bringing organic elements into my designs so spaces feel alive and connected. My style is timeless and honest, shaped by both the space itself and the people who live there. Every project is approached with care and intention — thoughtful and curated, 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.