Meet Ashley Clark of Skout

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Clark.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
THE SKOUT STORY 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.
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Our style is the Southern California Coast lifestyle, elevated. 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.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Is there such a thing as a smooth road?! There have been lots of struggles and just good old-fashioned learning lessons – but what a fun and wild ride with lots of pivots and turns. We started out making pillows, which somehow led to full-service interior design?! With each project, we learn and grow and push just a little bit more creatively. I think finding our place – finding our niche and honestly just learning to do what we do best.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Make room for fun — this is our mantra and something we really try to bring into each and every project. We love beautiful spaces – but we love them even more when there is a bit of whimsy – a bit of something unexpected. We do not like to take things too seriously, and we think your home should be a place for fun – a place to relax and a place where you feel your very best! After all, perfect is boring.

We like to get to know our clients and really help them to create a home that is a reflection of them. Our projects are fresh and unique, and we are known for our out-of-the-box aesthetic. We love vintage and one-of-a-kind and try to bring something old or crunchy into each and every project — it tells a story and gives a home a soul.
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Our style is the Southern California Coast lifestyle, elevated. 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.

What were you like growing up?
I grew up in Utah so a little bit different than Orange County CA! I am number 3 of 4 children and was sort of the black sheep of the family. Always questioning – wondering – trying – pushing, and just not able to “stay in the lines” like my siblings. I have always been creative, whether that was with fashion or jewelry or painting or just crafting – I was always a “maker.” I was a happy kid with huge dreams that brought me to California. I had an incredible childhood and loved growing up in Utah.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shopskout.com
• Instagram: @shopskout

Image Credits
Ryan Garvin Val Vogt Bauer