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THE CLEVER NEST
what goes on around here
Artisanally
HANDCRAFTED BUILDS
Designer-Grade
HOME RENOVATIONS
High-End
DIY TRANSFORMATIONS
WELCOME
I'm Arzo, Founder of The Clever Nest
I'm a DC-based Politico (see my work in VOGUE!), living a double life as a DIY Home Renovator, Events & Home Designer, and Artisan Woodworker/Builder :). Currently, I'm remodeling my townhome in Alexandria, Virginia. And I'm DIYing it all the way through.
My DIY journey began as a way to lighten the cognitive load from work. When I wasn't politicking, campaigning, advocating or planning the next event, I was building and honing my craft(wo)manship in my workshop - aka my garage. Oftentimes with two dogs in tow.
love,
Arzo
Now after years of trials and errors - er - discoveries (as I like to call 'em), I am putting what I learned on its feet to help others in their own nesting journey. So stick around and make yourself at home. I'm really happy you're here.
the
WOODWORKS
Recreating spaces with high-end quality craftsmanship.
A total makeover for your furniture
RESTORATIONS & REFINISHING
DID YOU KNOW? You can transition from modern to traditional, or from traditional to mid-century, without replacing furniture?
You can transform and revive any existing piece of furniture, cabinetry, vanities, fireplaces - you name it - to meet your current functional needs that also reflects your personal style. Want some help? I've done it all. Subscribe to my blog for upcoming tutorials, including one on how I refinished my Restoration Hardware Martens coffee table to match my current design.
Do you have a piece you'd like refinished for you? If you reside in the Greater Washington, DC/Maryland/Northern VA area, please send an initial inquiry.
CUSTOM BUILDS
Building your masterpiece from scratch
Did you see the table of your dreams on Pinterest? Or do you have a challenging layout or space in your home for which you can find no suitable piece of furniture, vanity or the like? As both the visionary and creator, I can likely build it. And with a far more personal touch.
I spent years exploring and working with different wood species and designing finishes, hardware and other high-end details for a completely custom build. Existing furniture pieces that are not suitable for restorations but have elements you'd like to preserve, can also be incorporated into a new build, giving your masterpiece a new lease on, well, furniture life.
INTERESTED IN A POTENTIAL PROJECT?
I accept a very limited number of Design Clients each quarter.
Both the visionary and creator, everything is designed and built in-house (by me, Arzo) - nothing is contracted out. This way, high-end quality craftsmanship can be guaranteed in every step of the design and building process, ensuring not only a personal experience but also a completely bespoke result. If you have a project in mind, please submit an initial inquiry. Don't worry if you don't have it all figured out. We'll start with a call (or video call) first to go over your project idea and then decide if we're the right fit for each other.
OFFICIAL BLOG
THE CLEVER PLACE
The best of DIY.
IN THE WORKS: Thoughtfully prepared tell-all of cost-friendly DIY transformations, useful how-to's and tutorials for the DIY-beginners to the most DIY-savvy in woodworking, renovating, designing and everything in between.
It's years of research, compiling the most clever and useful hacks, perfecting flawless finishes, and solving complex design challenges. I'll also be sharing all the ways you can increase the utility of your tools and even leftover materials (i.e., fun fact: I used leftover scrap wood to build this custom pantry ladder).
This is also where you can follow my own house renovations, including a dramatic remodel of my kitchen and master bathroom. Design is a continuum at The Clever Nest. So no room or project is ever really “done” around here. It is constantly evolving, just as I am constantly evolving. Hope you stick around for the fun.