Staring our vendor spotlight is Emily with Emily Lauren Interiors, an interior designer located in Austin, Texas. I’ve worked with Emily Lauren Interiors both personally and professionally for the past three years. Currently, we finalized construction and design for a wonderful house in the Cherry Creek neighborhood of South Austin. The feedback from potential buyers was amazing, the design touches throughout the home really made it standout!

Thank you to Emily for starting our vendor series, and if you have any questions for Emily or myself please reach out. Enjoy!

America: Hey Emily, thanks for meeting with me today, let’s get started by getting to learn about your design journey, style and business?

Emily: In 2011 I was living in New York working as a UI/UX Designer at Atlantic Records. I really gravitated towards the user experience side of my job, which included analyzing human behavior in a digital space. When I moved to Austin, I started exploring interior design and architecture where I could put my UX skills to use in a more tangible way. I began working for an interior designer and fell in love with the field. I went back to school for a second degree in Interior Design and Horticulture; in 2018 I opened my own studio Emily Lauren Interiors. My expertise lies in full-scale renovations, new builds, and boutique commercial projects with an emphasis on sustainability.

A: Since you mentioned sustainability, can you explain what sustainability means in design? With trends or personal tastes changing so often how do you keep sustainability at the forefront?

E: Sustainable design isn’t about aesthetics or style, so in my mind, it should always be at the forefront. Sustainability is about designing mindfully to minimize the negative environmental impact of buildings, inside and out. It’s about using less waste, smart alternative energy, and designing with a long term goal in mind. The simplest way is to use non-toxic, recycled, or responsibly sourced natural materials that will age beautifully over time. Another small way to implement sustainability into your space is to shop vintage so the VOCs (volatile organic compounds) have already off-gassed, which is better for your health! Energy efficient light bulbs and water efficient appliances can also go a long way in lowering your energy and water consumption. There are even technologies available that can recycle your waste water or reuse stored energy in your home. If you want to dive in more, I highly suggest reading Cradle to Cradle by William McDonough and Michael Braungart.

A: What’s the difference between interior designer and interior decorator?

E: Great question! In Texas, there is a legal and technical difference. Interior designers have a 4 year degree from a CIDA accredited university and typically focus on renovations and new construction, but some prefer furnishings, or a mix of both! We work in residential, hospitality, and commercial spaces. We are trained in ADA law, safety and fire code, lighting, construction documentation, sustainability and more. Only designers with a 4 year CIDA accredited degree and professional experience can take a state certification exam which allows them to officially stamp construction documents, just like architects. Once a designer passes the exam, they are called a Registered Interior Designer and must have the certification in order to legally hold that title in Texas.

Interior Decorators usually don’t have the same technical or academic background as designers, however there is definitely a need for decorators and stylists! Decorators are great at color selection, furnishings and accessories, and usually work in residential spaces, however there are always exceptions.

The line blends often between the two but if you’re needing someone with more technical knowledge with experience in construction documents or permitting, an interior designer is more along the lines of who you’re looking for.

A: When looking for a designer, should you hire someone with a similar style?

E: It’s a great place to start but it’s not always necessary. A great designer should be able to design your space based on your lifestyle, goals, and style preferences. When you find a designer, there is probably a reason you are attracted. It could be their style, their services, or their mission. I recommend asking your designer if they are comfortable designing in the direction you would like executed.

Emily Lauren Interiors, photo by Molly Culver Photography

A: How do you help someone find their style?

E: Most people usually have a vision by the time they come to me, but oftentimes, that vision evolves! Before I begin any of the fun stuff like sourcing materials, I always start with a questionnaire to dig deeper into the client’s lifestyle, goals, and aesthetic goals. I figure out what colors and textures they like, and just as importantly, which ones they don't like. I ask them to think of a destination around the world or an era that encapsulates the vibe they’re going for. And of course, there’s always a Pinterest board (or many!!). Once I get to know the client better, I create a creative direction to make sure we’re on the same page aesthetically. This includes a moodboard, color and materials palette, and inspiration to create a clear vision for the project.

When creating a vision for a client, it’s important to look for patterns in the design elements to narrow down what the client is actually drawn to. This could include the color palette, specific textures, or a repetition of shapes and lines. The creative direction sets the visual goal for the entire project. We always end up referring back to it to help with decisions later in the design process.

A: What should homeowners know when choosing to work with a designer?

E: Everything is going to take longer than you want and cost more than you expected, especially now with the pandemic. There are many unknowns, including shipping times, item availability, and costs of materials are changing on a weekly basis. As we all know, slow and steady always wins the race. Communication and collaboration are key to a successful project! Hire a designer you trust and remind yourself that they have your best interest at heart. Living through a renovation is tough, but if you can, try to enjoy the process!

A: What is your goal when working with clients?

E: At the end of the day, my goal is to make my clients happy and to create a space better than they could find on Pinterest! Anyone can make a space look beautiful, but does it function well? Did it lower their energy bill? Are they now in a healthier environment than they were before? Understanding and achieving the client’s goals while making it more functional and efficient is the hard part.

A: How do you get inspired?

E: I am always inspired by travel, art, and music. The fact that I can’t travel due to COVID, I am finding myself pulling inspiration from artists such as Donald Judd or Isamu Noguchi. Or sometimes I can listen to an album and all of a sudden I’m full of creative energy! My first degree is in fine art, and music has always been a passion, so it makes sense this is where my inspiration has naturally been coming from.

Marfa Trip 2019, inspired by this Donald Judd sculpture

A: It’s October 2020, what are your current favorite design trends?

E: I’ve been seeing more curved and soft edges in spaces and more connection to the outdoors, which I love! I’m wondering if quarantine and the slowness of life right now has allowed people to take a bit more time to consider what they can do to better their environment, and if being inside has made us all crave the outdoors more. Almost everyone has been requesting pools and skylights to maximize natural lighting. But if you’re not in the market for a new build or massive renovation, try incorporating indoor plants and keep your windows and doors open during the day to let a breeze in! The human-nature connection is incredibly important and can positively impact your energy and mood!

Website: emilylaureninteriors.com
Best way to get in touch with me? At the link below or by email at emily@emilylaureninteriors.com

Contact Emily Lauren Interiors