My journey to interior design wasn't exactly a straight line! I spent my college years immersed in the world of fine art. After graduation, I dabbled in different creative fields, from photography to graphic design. It was during a stint designing for musicians at a major record label that I was introduced to UX design. The idea of creating solutions based on observing user needs and interactions completely changed the way I approached design.

While UX design was exciting, there was a disconnect. The digital realm didn't quite resonate with me the way I'd imagined. Truth be told, interior design had always held a certain interest. Seeing the parallels between UX principles and spatial design sparked a lightbulb moment. After relocating to Austin, I gained invaluable experience working with a local designer and took the plunge by pursuing a second degree in interior design (and horticulture!). Fast forward to 2018, and Emily Lauren Interiors was born!

Creating a connection between people and their surroundings is at the heart of everything I do. To achieve this with new clients, I take a multi-layered approach that goes beyond just aesthetics.

First, it's all about understanding their story. We talk about their lifestyle, special memories, how they use their space, and any challenges they face. This includes traffic flow, storage needs, and the desired feeling they want to experience in each room. Similar to user experience (UX) design, I focus on the usability of the space, considering how people will move through it and interact with each other. Sight lines, planned activities, and the number of occupants all come into play. This allows us to optimize traffic flow, consider sound control, and maximize natural light. By prioritizing these functional and sensory aspects from the start before focusing on how it will look, we can design a space that feels truly comfortable and creates a connection.

Inspiration truly strikes me everywhere! From art and music to nature and travel adventures, I find myself constantly collecting ideas. The key lies in translating those diverse influences into a cohesive vision for each client. I like to listen carefully to their stories and blend their inspirations with our design perspective to create a space that's uniquely theirs.

For my home, I’m taking a different approach and I think our guests are a bit surprised when they come over. Our little old bungalow's architecture sets the stage for our design decisions. It's a fun contrast to the projects I work on! I'm embracing classic elements and bringing in even more charm like oversized trim and cabinetry, inspired by traditional British design. I love adding modern elements to the mix with furniture and materials. Most of our furniture is vintage pieces we find throughout Scandinavia or Europe, and handmade (courtesy of me and my husband, David!) which adds a layer of sentimentality. We don't have any can lights, only soft, layered light fixtures throughout, which creates a warm and inviting experience. It's a work in progress, but it’s finally coming together and reflecting our personalities and shared experiences!

It's hard to pick just one! Sentimentality runs deep in my home. I have a framed handwritten letter from my grandpa that he gave me on my wedding day, filled with his wisdom, love, and memories of us together. There's also a porcelain figurine my grandmother gifted me then too–she bought it when I was born and waited to give it to me on that special day. My parents also surprised me with a beautiful art piece that adds a special touch to our home, and any piece of furniture David and I build together becomes a cherished treasure! I guess you could say I find happiness in the stories these objects hold.

The rug selections for the Jinx project's bedrooms were all about creating a balance between comfort, functionality, and ambiance.

Creating a cozy, warm, and inviting atmosphere was key in the primary bedroom. The homeowners have young children, so durability and easy cleaning were also essential. The textural pile of the Cellia offered the perfect solution. It provides a soft landing for their feet in the mornings and adds a beautiful layer of warmth, texture, and depth to the space.

In the guest bedroom, we aimed for a more sophisticated feel while maintaining a casual vibe. Since this room sees less traffic, we leaned into a moodier atmosphere. Naeve with its rich color and natural sheen from the New Zealand wool creates a truly luxurious experience for guests. The natural wool also makes it durable and easy to clean, perfect for occasional use!

Living with a giant Great Pyrenees/German Shepherd mix (we call him Koda!) has definitely shaped our design choices. He sheds like crazy and, as a puppy, loves to track mud and snack on our furniture. Here's what's working for us:

• Washable Covers: Invest in a washable cover for your sofa! We use a linen one that protects the furniture and gets tossed in the wash weekly. Lifesaver!

• Performance Fabrics: When choosing furniture, opt for performance fabrics. Tight weaves make it harder for fur and dirt to stick, and a neutral color with some texture hides stains and fur for a while. We vacuum weekly and use soapy water for paw prints.

• Lint Rollers and Patterned Fabrics: Lint rollers are a lifesaver for quick pre-guest cleanups! If your dog sheds heavily, consider furniture with patterns or textures that hide fur even better.

• Odor Control is Key: Combat doggy smells with candles, incense, fabric sprays, and air purifiers. Don't forget to change HVAC filters regularly! Embrace Natural Materials: Leather, mohair, or linen furniture can age well with pet wear and tear, becoming part of the story your home tells.

I'm incredibly honored and grateful to receive this award from Austin Home. It means a lot to be recognized by such a respected publication and talented design community!

One of the most interesting trends I see is a convergence between modern minimalism and traditional maximalism. I think we’ll start to see people mixing modern and traditional elements like limewash walls with decorative wainscoting or adding fringe to the base of a clean-lined sofa. I think design is injecting more personality and richness into minimalism, which I find really exciting!

We're seeing a shift in finishes too. Oxidized bronze and nickel are becoming more popular, with a move away from bright brass. Glass is becoming more textural and interesting, and I think historical elements such as stained glass is going to make a huge comeback in a cool way. In terms of color, jewel tones like reds, blues, yellows, and deep purples will gain traction alongside our beloved neutral earth tones.

Lastly, with the rise of AI, I think we’ll see more seamless technology integrations into our homes, almost forgetting that it’s there. For example, lighting systems that adjust automatically based on the time of day and your presence, voice assistance anticipating our needs like when you're running low on groceries or starting the coffee pot when you wake up, refrigerators automatically generating grocery lists, and so on. I think AI will begin to learn our routines and therefore start anticipating our needs, which is wild to think about!