Laura recently contributed to a feature in dsm Magazine

“Freshening up a home’s look is no problem for those with a hefty decorating budget. But top designers know that a lot of small, relatively inexpensive changes can transform a tired, dated space into an attractive and inviting environment that renews your enthusiasm for your home.”

here’s the full article:  Small Changes, Big Impact

On a recent visit to Key West, it became evident to me why nature-inspired color schemes make sense.  Our emotions are effected by the landscape around us.  As I look at the brilliant turquoise blue-tones of the ocean, I am calmed.

I have always liked to decorate in shades of blue in my own home.  Since I consider my home…”my retreat”, these colors feel especially comfortable around me.  Whether it is purpley blues combined with the warm tones of a sunset or a bright sky blue with the silhouette of spring green buds… all are reminiscent of a calm, beautiful surrounding.

Couldn’t we all use a little more “calm” in our lives?  I know with a husband and three busy kids….I could!

Laura

I’ve been working on a fun, new project that I’d love to share with you:

My job as Senior Designer at by Design is best when I develop a close connection with my clients, and I really did this time.  A couple recently came into the store together and I was lucky enough to speak to them.  They were in the process of building a new home.  We talked and began to get to know each other.  (Much of design really is a conversation).  Both of them gave me valuable input, and I appreciate that so much.  From then on it was just Shelly & me.

Comfort and Style

Shelly has an active family of four (plus a dog) — and comfort and function are paramount.  Yet, sacrificing style was unacceptable.  In fact, Shelly had a strong sense of what look she wanted.  And what she wanted was the casual elegance of a Candice Olson design.  You know… the glitz, the glamor and the opulence that Candice uses for her TV show clients.  I understand.  We love Candice at by Design too.

The living room is the first room visitors see when they enter the house.  We wanted it to be a WOW experience and set the tone for the whole house.  The room also hosts the TV and fireplace making it the prime gathering place in the house.  Okay, we can do that.  Elegant… yet comfortable for TV and fireplace viewing.

Click on any of the images below, then page through them.

Cohesive Look

One great advantage I had was getting in on the building process early.  As a result, we were able to achieve a cohesive look by choosing the furnishings first and then the paint.  (I’d recommend this order for anyone working on a room project.  It is sooo much easier to match the paint perfectly to the fabric than vice-versa).  And we shared the excitement of discovering every perfect fabric, paint color, etc.

Shelly’s home has a lot of hard surfaces, so we created textural interest and added visual softness with the sectional fabrics, pillows & area rugs.  We also accented her neutral colors with spa blue to create a serene look  throughout the house.

The Bedroom

I love the living room, but I’m especially pleased with the master bedroom.  It became an inviting,  luxurious sanctuary — and certainly became my favorite spot in the house.

Here’s what I’ll remember from this great project:

• Shelly had a good sense of style that made her an easy and rewarding partner.
• A good relationship between designer and client is crucial
• Having fun is a must!

Thanks for reading!

Laura

Projects by Laura Beeler featured in Welcome Home Magazine

A Sunny Disposition

Is it possible to transfer an aura of welcome and warmth from one home to another?

A Creative Collaboration

Bringing the outdoors inside doesn’t always mean decorating with rustic pine, wagon wheels, and cabin furniture.  Especially not in Sandi Cook’s home.