laurie leboeuf of castle design
What are you excited about in design right now?
We are seeing a lot of style that almost feels like a blend of veranda, southern living and traditional home. I am really happy to see this upward trend in traditional design. Our vendors are showing us beautiful new textile collections with pretty floral patterns, Chinoiserie wallcovering and artwork, scalloped edges in drapery and furniture, natural woven textiles, and beautiful trim collections.
How do you like to incorporate the style into design?
Interior design is about understanding how people live and creating a beautiful space that complements that lifestyle. I love mixing traditional elements with more transitional or modern pieces. I find it incredibly important to pay attention to the architectural features of a space. The resurgence in more traditional patterns really plays well with much of the architecture in St. Louis and is a welcome change from previous trends. I have been implementing more painted cabinetry in kitchens, laundry rooms and home offices with colors that warm up spaces, and I also use traditional gold accents, particularly unlacquered brass hardware for interior doors and cabinet hardware. Lighting is another wildly important aspect to the design. It can truly make a statement, and I love all of the warm gold tones we’re seeing. Soft greens have made a comeback. We are seeing a lot of beautiful shades in the textile industry, as well as in furniture finishes and cabinetry color selections. Other timeless classic elements include lacquered walls and painted furniture and hand-painted wallcovering.
Are there other styles or trends that complement this one?
Classic blue and white decor seems to never go out of style. We are seeing more and more collections come out with the color palette. These patterns are timeless, and that’s what I love so much about grandmillennial design. While the trend may come and go, the design elements can truly stand the test of time.
Do you have suggestions for ways to experiment with the style?
Many clients have a home that they already love, but they want to update it periodically. If you have a strong architectural foundation, you can make small tweaks without having to do a major renovation. Sometimes, a few key updates can re-energize a room you’ve grown tired of. Taking existing pieces of furniture and refinishing or repurposing them in other rooms of your home and updating your soft goods (drapery, pillows, linens) or artwork and accessories are all great ways to transform a space.
Are there any trends that are on the way out?
While modern farmhouse has its place, the look has been widely overdone in spaces where it isn’t organic. Shiplap wall treatments, barn doors and other hallmarks of the style are beautiful, but they can look out of place in certain suburban and urban homes. Open floor plans are not quite as desirable as they once were. While most clients still want an open layout and great flow from room-to-room, it is important to maintain some architectural interest so these spaces don’t just become one big cavernous room. Cased openings and slightly more defined rooms with wider transitions are great ways to keep your line of sight open while creating sections that have character.
