Cliff Notes from a Designer’s Life: Beautiful Places, New Projects, Old Friends, and What’s Lighting Me Up
I have a personal agreement with myself not to force things simply because I think I should. The old me would say I should send a newsletter every month to stay in touch with my people. This version of me says: write when you feel inspired!
If you really know me, you know I can’t fake excitement. When there’s nothing alive in me that wants to be shared, I’d rather send you nothing than sit down and manufacture something out of obligation.
So this is a newsletter from my heart about the rich energy life is rewarding me with as I step into this new season of my life. One where I move toward what makes me feel lighter, and when there is something alive in me to share.
Fortunately, you are a diverse group of followers, and those of you who love interior design, travel, relationships, personal growth, and humor are the sweet spot for me. I miss you. I miss feeling excited to write. And so when the muse showed up this morning, I got on board, and well, here’s the outcome: a summer update! I am so excited about everything that’s been going on, and I’ve been engaged with projects in a way I haven’t been in a long time.
Many of you may know that our very reliable and talented Tiara left to start her own thing, which for me has been like having a bird leave the nest. We grew so much together, taught each other a lot, and she will always and forever be one of the jewels in the crown of LMB Interiors.
Another thing I’ve been wanting to share with you is my trip to England in May. I felt my mother, whose ancestors hailed from England, with me the whole time. She would have fainted at the beauty: the gardens, the architecture, the refinement, and the incredible work of so many talented artists and craftspeople.
I’m not one to gush over the people and titles of those who could afford to fill castles with gold leaf and oil paintings. And don’t get me started on the politics of those forced to create for the wealthy in those days, but I am deeply enamored by the talent and craftsmanship that went into creating these places, the humans who made things. Even months after returning home, I still find myself scrolling through those photos and marveling at what I saw. Here are a few highlights from the trip.
And now a few updates on projects…
We are scurrying to wrap up our very sexy project, the adult playroom you’ve likely heard me mention which we have been working on with Blue Zone Builders and Sidell Pakravan Architects. It is spectacular, and our own Starla will be photographing it soon. Here are a few behind-the-scenes sneak peeks.
Meanwhile, excavation mode has begun on our spiritual community living project in Orinda: three structures on nine acres that will ultimately house people who desire to live in more alignment with Mother Earth, share meals, and dance in a water temple. You know this is so up my alley. LMBI is also leading the aesthetic direction for a sister project in Costa Rica, which could not be lighting up my neural pathways more for me if it tried. I absolutely love the challenge, the team we’re working with in Nosara, and the collective process of bringing these visions to life.
Here in the Bay, we’re about to get permits for renovations in Moraga and Berkeley, while a project in Upper Lakeshore is far enough along that we’ve started placing furniture orders. We’re also deep in the design phase for a darling Craftsman bungalow in Berkeley, and have just completed another round of upgrades for two other bungalow owners in Rockridge. It seems that we’ve become quite the expert in Craftsman, Tudors, and Mediterraneans and can now add Modern Condo to the mix as well.
I can’t say enough about how much I love it when old clients come back. There’s something particularly special about returning to a home, hearing what’s changed, catching up on the homeowners’ lives, and finding new ways to make the space support who they’ve most recently become.
We also had the joy of installing three empty nesters into their third-stage homes, and let me tell you, that has been very clarifying for me. I love serving that demographic. They know what they love, they are wise enough to trust it, and they have the resources to invest in authentically-crafted furniture. Please send us all your empty nesters; I’ve got their backs.
Our recently completed Craftsman Kitchen in Rockridge, constructed by Ryan Stone of Stone Home Building. Cabinetry by Wilson & Sons; Photos by Mo Saito, and styling by Jason Jackson.
Finally, I just want to say how grateful I am that I still get to do what I love, in the way I love to do it, with a team I adore. I’m posting this while in Tuscany spending precious time with my daughter Jett before she begins her semester abroad. Scott is now working full-time at Welte Construction, so you might see him on one of our projects soon, and Dane just got back from hopping a train to Portland. He’s got his mother’s love for travel and his father’s risk-taking, adventurous spirit.
Here are the kids at dinner for a recent family night out at Pizzaiolo.
If you’re ready to create a home that reflects the evolution of your family, we’d love to be part of that process. Get in touch with us here, and tell us a bit about your project.
Written by Laura Martin Bovard. Photos by Laura Martin Bovard unless otherwise noted.
