Interior Design in 2024: Growth, Gratitude, and Goals for the Future
Can you believe 2024 is wrapping up already? What a year it has been! Between raising three busy boys and managing incredible new projects, this year has been filled with growth, learning, and plenty of memorable moments. I wouldn’t change a thing!
As the year comes to a close, I love taking a moment to reflect on everything we’ve accomplished and the lessons we’ve learned along the way. Today, I’m inviting you to join me as I highlight the joys and challenges of 2024, along with what’s on the horizon for Laura Engine Interior Design in 2025.
Highlights of 2024
This year has been nothing short of amazing, and I’m so grateful for the experiences and opportunities that came my way. Here are a few moments that stand out:
Joining ASID MN Board of Directors: This year, I had the honor of being asked to join the board as the Director of Membership . I’ve been a member of ASID since I was a student at Alexandria Technical College in 2004, and since then, I’ve been an active Allied member. Over the years, I’ve served on many committees, and accepting this leadership role feels like such a rewarding next step!
The Pillsbury Project: I placed a bid on a room in this ASID Design Home, and was delighted to be awarded Guest Suite #2 on the 3rd floor. Alongside dozens of talented designers, we updated this stunning 1903 English Tudor Gothic home to shine once again. For my part, I created a moody, sophisticated, and cozy guest retreat. Over 8,000 people toured the home, and I feel so proud to have contributed to its transformation.
The Guest Suite we designed for the Pillsbury Project
Working with Returning & New Clients: One of the greatest joys of my job is the relationships I build with my clients. Did you know our project load is 50% new clients and 50% returning clients? I love the balance! Meeting new people and learning about their needs and dreams is so inspiring, but there’s also something deeply special about being trusted to work with returning clients again and again. It’s the ultimate compliment, and I don’t take it for granted.
A Variety of Project Types: From kitchen and bathroom remodels to furnishing and decorating projects like this St. Paul Living and Dining Room, 2024 has brought an exciting range of work to our studio. The variety is one of my favorite aspects of what I do — it keeps every day fresh and interesting!
Attending High Point Market: HPM is always a fun and worthwhile trip! It had been a while since my last visit to this furniture market featuring hundreds of vendors and their entire lines of furnishings, so spring felt like the right time. I returned home feeling inspired, even more confident in my favorite vendors, and clear on the direction of current furniture trends.
At a High Point Market showroom with some designer friends
Challenges We’ve Overcome
While the good definitely outweighed the bad this year, we did face some tough challenges. I firmly believe that we grow through what we go through, so I’m proud to have been able to overcome these obstacles:
The Pillsbury Project: Yes, designing this project was on my highlights list, but I also served as a committee member, which was equal parts rewarding and challenging. We had just one year to renovate this historic home, which included coordinating 30 designers and 8 remodeling companies. Yikes! Tight timelines and a long client wishlist required a ton of planning and communication to stay on track. In the end, it came together for a spectacular home tour thanks to our committee. What a whirlwind!
Project Costs: With project costs remaining high, many clients scaled back their plans this year, focusing on one or two rooms rather than tackling their entire homes. While this can feel limiting, designing in phases is always a smart option and allows homeowners to achieve beautiful results, even with a smaller scope. It’s all about finding the right balance!
Goals and Vision for 2025
Now for my favorite part — looking ahead. Making plans for the next year always makes me feel optimistic. I’m excited to see how my business continues to evolve and am putting plans in place to ensure we’re ready to take on whatever 2025 has in store:
Improve Systems & Processes: I’m always evaluating where we can make improvements, whether through new software or additional support. Ultimately, my goal is to make our client experiences as easy as possible, and making tweaks here and there is a move in the right direction.
Upgrading Our Onboarding Process: New clients don’t always know what to expect in terms of the value we bring to a project and what things cost. I plan to upgrade our process to educate clients on these factors in order to be completely transparent and upfront and to help them make their most informed decisions.
Incorporate the Latest Technology: Technology is making leaps and bounds in every industry. Have you seen what AI can do for design? It’s incredible! I hope to learn more about these latest advancements in tech and to stay up to date with trends so I can provide a cutting edge experience for my clients.
Develop Leadership Skills: After learning so much from more than a decade of entrepreneurship, I’m ready to continue advancing my leadership skills through volunteerism in the design community. I can’t wait to share updates and insights with you along the way—be sure to subscribe to my newsletter so you don’t miss a thing!
Ending the Year Grateful & Optimistic
On a personal note, I’ve been so grateful for the return to a more balanced pace at work this year. It’s given me more time to dedicate to my family, from enjoying summer’s shorter workweeks to volunteering at my kids’ school. Daily lunchtime walks with my husband (we share an office!) have been such a gift, too.
So much to be grateful for, so much growth to celebrate, and so much to look forward to in 2025. The truth is, I couldn’t do it without you, my clients and friends. Every project we take on is an opportunity to help improve living well at home. That’s what this big dream of mine is all about!
If you’ve been considering a home project and feel that 2025 is your year, I’d love to chat. Reach out to me here, and let’s start the conversation.
