My Honest DesignShop Review

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Welcome back to the Before You Build podcast! I’m your host, Carrie Barker – aka Caroline On Design – and I am SO excited about today’s episode because I’m sharing my honest DesignShop review with you.  I’ve been wanting to do this episode for a while because these products will be an absolute game-changer for […]

Oct

01

Podcast

3 Mindset Shifts to Make Before You Build Your Home

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If you’re planning to build a custom home, you’re probably already feeling it… that mix of excitement and “oh-my-gosh-there-are-so-many-decisions” anxiety before you build your home. Let me reassure you …  You’re not behind.  You’re not doing it wrong.  And you don’t need to have all the answers yet. But before you dive into floor plans, […]

Mar

26

Podcast

15 Common Custom Home Oversights (and How to Avoid Them!)

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Building a custom home is one of the most exciting (and overwhelming) projects you’ll ever take on. You’ll make hundreds (and hundreds) of decisions … selecting flooring, counters, paint colors, exterior materials, and SO. MUCH. MORE. But what about the small details that often get overlooked? That’s what we’re talking about in this episode. I’m […]

Mar

12

Podcast

Where to Splurge and Save when Building a Custom Home

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One of the biggest concerns when building a custom home is going over budget. However, YOU don’t have to fear this because I know it’s possible to build within (or very close to) budget … you just need to know where to splurge and save when building your home. In this episode, I’ll walk you […]

Feb

26

Podcast

Trending Exterior Paint Colors for Lake Houses 2025

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This episode is for anyone out there who is building a lake house and, more specifically, looking for trending exterior paint colors for lake houses in 2025. I decided to record this episode because, ironically, a significant number of my clients inside BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ are planning to build a lake house.  For some, it’s […]

Feb

12

Podcast

Shop My Curated Design Fixtures + Decor Boutiques

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In this episode, we’ll cover what the heck a ‘design fixture’ is (because this can be a confusing term) and I’ll share a list of curated design fixtures boutiques that I offer on my website and how YOU can easily shop these curated boutiques to design your own dream home.  Believe me … this is […]

Nov

15

Podcast

hey there,

I designed my own custom home from the ground up, inside and out. A home that is cozy, comfy, laid out perfectly for the way my family lives, and makes us happy every single day. Oh, and did I mention I did this all without going over budget?! 

Yep, it’s true. I’ve been there, done that, and actually lived through it … and you will too. Pinkie promise!

a.k.a. Caroline on Design

I’m Carrie Barker.

DREAMING OF BUILDING A                   HOME BUT AREN’T SURE WHERE TO START?

Get My free  
Home Build Prep Guide

yes! I need this!

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