I’m an Arkansas native with over 30 years of design experience. My mother was an Interior Designer and my father almost always had a new construction or renovation project in process at one of our rental or personal properties; and he did the work himself- he never hired subcontractors (he even drew the plans himself), so construction and design has always been very much a part of my life! I married a builder, so along with my design business (I design for developers, other builders and individual clients), my husband and I build homes as well!
1. Go-to color for painting a kitchen?
I usually use a custom mixed, soft white for either the perimeter cabinets or uppers. I like to add an accent color either on the base cabinets or island. My favorite accent color of the moment is a custom gray/green/blue mix similar to Farrow and Ball Pigeon.
2. Favorite part about interior design?
As my professional focus is construction design (everything from home plan creation to final clean), I absolutely love the “finish out” phase. Construction Design requires tremendous vision (especially if you’re ‘old school’ like me and don’t use Photoshop or any design programs!), so seeing my vision literally become a reality never gets old!
3. How would you describe your style?
I love so many styles, it’s difficult to land on just one. But I do gravitate to lighter/softer palettes (with pops of color to add interest), with cozy textiles and natural wood elements. I would say Coastal Craftsman that leans toward Modern French is the best way to describe my personal style.
4. Favorite trend(s) of the year?
I’m loving the warmer interior tones that focus more on colors found in nature, rather than the cool grays that have dominated for so long. I love gray/green/blue allover cabinets with a white textured vent hood. I love satin brass metals. I love reeded wood accents on cabinets. And even though I was around for the stucco craze of the early 2000’s, I’m loving the resurgence of stucco in lighter colors with dark windows.
5. What inspires you at the moment?
Warmth. Clean, uncomplicated designs. Spaces designed for purpose as well as beauty. Fun pops of color. Coziness.
6. What kind of work do you usually prefer?
My focus is new construction. I love working with a new set of plans. Being onsite on a project is my favorite place to be! I enjoy the creative process- taking an idea or inspiration and breathing life into it! Every home I design has a personality; I believe the exterior personality of the home needs to flow into the home as well. Exterior selections such as windows, roofing, brick, siding- they all work together to create the home’s personality which should continue throughout the interior via color palette, metal finishes, tile, hardwood, etc. I love every single aspect of new construction.
7. What do you consider before designing?
I begin with a feeling (a ‘vibe’ for lack of a better word), an inspiration. It’s actually hard to articulate but I decide (with the client, if this is a custom project) what personality the home or space will have. If I’m working with an existing space, it’s important to consider all other elements of the space that will remain unchanged, so the new concept flows seamlessly into the existing. If I’m working with a client, I usually request an inspiration photo, which helps me to envision the client’s vision and then we hone and shape the design from there!
Check out her website or follow her on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/DesignbyCarolineLR
Justice Construction page