Are you ready to meet another fabulous designer in the Interview With The Designer series?!
When I found out my friend was working with Lauren Riddiough Clement of Lauren Nicole Designs, I was totally jealous. This North Carolina designer brings a fun flare to traditional interiors with her pops of color and eye for detail. I believe Lauren said it best: “Whether you are looking for a redesigned space within your home or office, or a brand new concept for your custom built home, my attention to detail and personal consideration of your style, budget and needs all come together in a beautiful representation of your unique personality.”
When and why did you decide to become a designer?
I grew up watching my mom, who has been in the interior design world since I was two. So this business has always been in my blood. However, I was going to grad school for clinical psychology when I had a change of heart and realized what my true passion was. So at 23 I started my own business and learned from the best mentor in the world, my mom, Linda Riddiough.
What has been your greatest challenge as a designer?
My greatest challenge has been balancing the growth of my business in correlation with the growth of my family. With two young daughters, ages 3 and 4, we have quite the busy household! And while my business has been on a steady path for growth it can be quite challenging to keep up with both worlds. But I love the work that I am so fortunate to be able to do with my clients and it is all truly for my baby girls. Even though the balance is tough, I love every minute of the life that I am living.
How would you characterize your style?
My personal style is approachable elegance. I like my rooms to feel rich and warm and inviting, as well as sophisticated and luxurious, while remaining easy to live in and inviting to all who enter the space. I design a space for that particular client’s needs and desires; it is truly not about me! It is about them! But personally I am a rustic luxe girl. I love bright pops of color and snazzy geometric prints on pieces like pillows but I am really a farm girl at heart. I love anything that looks like it has lived out on a farm, whether that is a reclaimed dining table, farm animal art work or a large oval tin tray that currently sits on my reclaimed fir oversized cocktail table.
Does your personal home fit your design style?
Because I have two young daughters, two cats, three dogs, and a husband, I need to live in a durable and comfortable home that we can actually live in. And that does not mean that I have to sacrifice style. Nope! I just select the right fabrics and furniture styles that will be stain resistant, durable from a structural standpoint, and inviting to sit on and live in. I love to walk in a room in my home and just smile. This is my sanctuary and I try to make it reflect as such.
How does living in North Carolina influence the way you decorate?
To be honest I am not sure that it does all that much, except that clients here appreciate a monogrammed pillow more so than they did in Virginia! Charlotte is such a great area, and while there are the traditional Southern families, there are plenty of families from all over the country so there are definitely diverse tastes. And that is truly what it is all about: the client’s personal style. I will say that the furniture and design industry is so prominent here that it makes for an abundance of resources.
What was the focus of your first paid design project?
Ha! I remember that her name was Andrea and I really think she wanted a friend in addition to some draperies. I started my business in Charleston and she was a typical beach goer, looking for a palm flavored pattern (this was also 10 years ago) so we selected a black background fabric with palm trees and a woven wood shade. I remember the day like it was yesterday….everything from the hardware, to the installer, to how happy she was when we were finished. Making her happy and giving her what she asked for, and needed, put me on a design high that I will never forget. I have continued to strive for that happy client that I had on my first project for every project since then.
Where do you find your inspiration?
From a few places. First of all, I think a lot about things that I would like as a mom, from a functional standpoint. I am a homeowner and consumer and a mom so I have some basic needs that are along the same lines as my clients. I figure if it is something that I could use, then so could someone else. Style wise, I love to look through every shelter magazine, I read a ton of design blogs, and I try to keep up with social media as much as possible. When I scroll or glance through images I challenge myself to learn one thing or glean one take away from each one and to look longer at the designs that I do not fully understand or identify with. Our industry is so visual, so studying all sorts of images is a great learning tool, in my opinion.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
To stay inspired. Our industry is ever changing and to be ‘in the know’ and completely up to speed on how to satisfy the needs of my clients will keep me current and set apart from other designers.
Who has been your greatest professional influence?
My mother of course! She has been a decorator since I was 2 and I have watched her ever since. She has taught me so much about the business and how to push myself to be the best that I can be. Most importantly, she has taught me how to listen and to work with my clients and not just for them. I am incredibly grateful for having the absolute best mentor in the biz.
What is your go-to hostess gift?
Right now I am loving a Rewined candle and a flour sack tea towel with a cute saying, or a set of Caldrea kitchen sink hand soap and lotion.
What is your dream design project?
I am currently on it! A second project with clients who have a great sense of style, are open to new ideas, want the envelope pushed, and who totally trust my professional opinion. Not to mention they are an absolute blast to work for. A close second would be any kind of equestrian estate as I am a horse girl at heart.
What do you have coming up next?
My mom, Linda Riddiough, and I filmed a 4-episode web-based series called Design 101, which will air on The Design Network on May 8th. Check our site for more details! And check the blog for updates on all of my current projects, which there are many of! There is never a dull moment at Lauren Nicole Designs!
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