Category: Design Education
-
16 Popular Design Elements I Do NOT Recommend
Why They Stink, the Worst Case Scenario, Exceptions to the Rule, and My Go-To Alternatives. Having worked in the field of interior design for over a decade, I’ve got some opinions. There are some general things that are bad and there are some things that are just done poorly 90% of the time. Here’s a…
-
You like that?! Designing a Home for Opposing Tastes
The most common thing we see come up with our residential clients is opposing tastes or style preferences. The wife will love a classic, traditional vibe, while the husband is drawn to clean, mid-century lines. Their house is a dueling collection of pieces from both their styles, that doesn’t real vibe together. That’s where we…
-
Making a House Feel Like Home: How to Add a Ton of Personality to Your New Build House
Assuming you bought your new build complete, you probably weren’t involved in the design process. Your home was designed to be suitable to the masses, it was not designed for you. But it doesn’t have to stay that way! You can add personality to your new build easily, so when you’re all settled into your…
-
Modern Spaces for Old Souls: Updating Old Houses for Life Today
Most of us do not live in a newly built home. Most of us live in an older house. Whether the house was built in 1990 or 1900, old houses need to be updated for modern life today. A great floor plan in 1900 might not have even included a bathroom! A great floor plan…
-
What to Know Before Working With an Interior Designer
Hiring an interior designer is an exciting process. This is a luxury service and you’ve chosen to invest in your home or business, naturally you want to get the most out of it. Before you sign a contract there’s several things to keep in mind when working with an interior designer. Weighing Investments and Priorities…
-
Who Comes First: Designer, Contractor, Builder, Architect, Engineer? How to Coordinate the Consultants You Need for Building a House
It can be overwhelming to start working on a building a new house. There is a lot to coordinate and it can be difficult to understand who fills what rolls. At Laurel Design Collective, we love working on new home builds in Oregon and throughout the West Coast. We work in conjunction with large teams…
-
Collected & Eclectic: How Maximalism Infuses Personality into Your Space
As a design studio that celebrates creativity and individuality in every space we design, we have a tendency to attract clients who love collected & eclectic design that embraces maximalism. At Laurel Design Collective we love love unique interiors and a bold, vibrant approach that embraces personality, diversity, and the art of collection is just…
-
Luxury Bathrooms: Designing a Spa-Like Retreat in Your Home
After a long day at work or carting around the kids, what could be better than a spa-night at home? Laurel Design Collective is based in the vibrant city of Portland, Oregon surrounded by all of the natural beauty, creative energy, and innovating companies. We’re all about crafting unique and luxurious spaces that elevate your…
-
Reimagining Corporate Headquarters: Design Strategies for a Modern, Collaborative Office
As a premier interior design studio based in Portland, Oregon, Laurel Design Collective specializes in crafting luxurious spaces that inspire productivity and foster collaboration. In today’s fast-paced business environment, the office design of a company headquarters plays a crucial role in shaping culture, enhancing employee well-being, and making a lasting impression on clients. Gone are…
-
Gourmet Kitchens: Designing High-End Culinary Spaces for Home Chefs
As a Portland-based interior design firm, we take great pride in creating exceptional spaces that elevate the culinary experience. When we start a kitchen design, we’re considering that a gourmet kitchen is more than just a place to cook; it’s a hub of creativity, flavor, and social interaction. It’s where you craft new recipes and…