Unlocking the Magic of Bespoke Furnishings
Imagine stepping into a room that instantly captivates your senses – the warm embrace of rich wood tones, the subtle allure of natural textures, and the seamless flow of meticulously designed elements. This is the world of bespoke furniture, where imagination and craftsmanship converge to create spaces that truly reflect the essence of those who inhabit them.
As the proprietress of Unfinished Furniture, I’m on a perpetual quest to uncover kindred spirits who share my passion for curating environments that inspire and delight. And recently, I had the pleasure of crossing paths with the immensely talented Lauren Browne, founder of Grace & Nell Homes. From the moment we met, I knew that her unique vision and unwavering commitment to excellence were exactly what we were seeking in a partner.
Discovering the Grace & Nell Difference
What sets Lauren and her team apart is not just their impeccable taste and keen eye for detail – it’s their genuine warmth and infectious enthusiasm for bringing beauty into the world. As a firm believer in the power of women supporting women, I am thrilled to announce our exciting partnership with Grace & Nell Homes. Together, we are embarking on an enchanting journey that promises to delight and inspire all who come along for the ride.
Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with Lauren and explore her personal home, which also serves as a stunning showhouse for her design-build firm. From elegant interiors to thoughtful details, Lauren’s home is a true testament to her expertise and commitment to creating spaces that truly reflect the essence of her clients.
Crafting the Perfect Canvas
As Lauren shared, “As a boutique custom home builder, I wanted to be sure to have a space that future clients could visit and see the level of finishes when working with me. It’s also an excellent way to showcase how I mix materials and finishes when working with a budget.” This approach not only showcases Lauren’s design prowess but also underscores her dedication to creating functional, yet visually stunning, environments.
Lauren’s passion for home building is rooted in a love for timeless design and natural finishes. “Equally, I think of the three dimensions in every room – walls, floors, and ceilings,” she explains. “Each room should tell its own story that connects with the whole home and uniquely reflects the clients’ personal style.”
Designing for Modern Living
In crafting her own home, Lauren was mindful of how the spaces would be utilized by her family. “Every home I build is designed around how the spaces will be utilized by the homeowners,” she says. “In this instance, it’s also my personal home, so we centered spaces for how our family lives day-to-day and for how we love to entertain.”
For example, the kitchen and dining room can accommodate up to 12 guests, as the family loves to host friends and extended family. “When we host friends or gather with our extended families, we all love to be in the same space near the kitchen,” Lauren shares. “A separate formal dining room was never used in our previous homes.”
The Importance of Functional Design
Functional design is a hallmark of Lauren’s approach, as evidenced by the thoughtful details throughout her home. The mudroom, for instance, is more than just a bench or open cubbies. “Having closed-in lockers is a must for me,” Lauren explains. “The mudroom is easy to keep tidy, and the craziness is all hidden behind the doors and drawers.” The powder bath, strategically placed off the mudroom, adds a sense of privacy and separation from the main entertaining areas.
Lauren’s commitment to timeless design is also evident in her material choices. “I personally love spaces that are constructed with timeless elements and anchored by a neutral color palette that allow the furnishings and accents to bring in pops of color,” she shares. “I usually steer away from trendy finishes that are costly to replace. It’s why I love natural elements like wood floors, natural stone, brick, and marble – they’re always beautiful.”
Crafting Personalized Retreats
As a mother of two, Lauren also thoughtfully designed her children’s spaces to reflect their unique personalities and interests. “For my kids’ rooms, they definitely influenced the design,” she explains. “My son asked me while we were on vacation if his room could feel like a boutique store we were in at the time. It had a nautical and masculine vibe to it – almost like an antique sail boat – and a huge swordfish hanging from the ceiling, which of course he really wanted.”
Lauren’s daughter, on the other hand, gravitated towards a more coastal-inspired aesthetic. “Candidly, I was really wanting her to choose a really soft pink for her walls and vanity, but she loved blue tones. Her room has more of a coastal feel as well, based on things she loved.” The collaborative process of designing their spaces allowed Lauren to infuse her children’s individual personalities while maintaining the cohesive style throughout the home.
The Beauty of Collaboration
One of the most valuable aspects of Lauren’s partnership with Unfinished Furniture is the seamless integration of design expertise. “Working with a designer was also so helpful to give ideas or recommendations when I felt stuck in a certain area,” she shares. “Carlie is wonderfully collaborative and is always willing to help source the style of pieces in my mind’s eye. In addition, she also has a great eye for design herself.”
This collaborative approach not only enhances the design process but also ensures that the final product truly reflects the client’s vision. “As we bring this journey through the enchanting world of Lauren Browne’s beautiful home to a close,” I reflect, “I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude and inspiration. It has been an absolute joy to collaborate with Lauren and witness firsthand the magic she brings to every space she touches.”
Together, we have crafted a partnership that celebrates the art of design, the power of collaboration, and the beauty of creating spaces that truly reflect the essence of those who inhabit them. As we look to the future, I am excited to see where our journey with Grace & Nell Homes will take us next. Stay tuned, for there are many more adventures in design, friendship, and inspiration to come.
