Hi there, SideDoor designers!
Today we’re excited to launch a new email series featuring SideDoor users just like you!
Each month, we’ll highlight a different SideDoor designer so you can get to know our community of users, hear how they’ve found success using SideDoor, and find inspiration for your own design business.
We’ll end each month with a conversational Q&A format SideDoor University hosted by our featured SideDoor superstars.
Kicking off the series, we’re excited to introduce Michigan based interior designer, Lauren Figueroa, the creative force behind Lauren Figueroa Interior Design & Decor.
Let's get to know her, shall we?
CONVERSATION
SideDoor: Hi Lauren! We’re thrilled to introduce you to our SideDoor community! First up, we want to know who you are. Tell us a little about yourself, your design business, and where you call home.
Lauren: Absolutely! Well, I’m Lauren. I’m based in the metro Detroit area, however I started my business in Grand Rapids just under a decade ago. Currently, I work with clients in both west and southeast Michigan, AND—some exciting news—I’ll soon be branching out to the east coast! More on that to come…
SideDoor: That’s exciting news, and a great introduction! So, we’re curious, how would you describe the clientele you work with, and what kinds of services do you offer to them?
Lauren: For sure. I have a three tiered service model, which includes 1-hour virtual sessions, a designer for a day option, and full-service interior design. That said, 90% of my clients choose to work with me via the day session model.
Client wise, I’d say the folks I work with are those who value design and want to have a plan, but might not need a designer to hold their hand through an entire project. They’re not exactly DIYers, but they’re capable of executing once they know what to do.
SideDoor: Very cool! So, when it comes to design, style, or some other aspect of your business—what makes you and your work unique?
Lauren: HMMmm what a great question!
I think it’s common in design to begin to cultivate a signature style and hone that over time, and some of my favorite designers are those who’ve done that. Funny enough, I’d say a unique element of my business is that I’m not overly precious about my designs or making sure I have a cohesive portfolio.
I get most excited about discovering with my clients what they personally are excited about when it comes to home, and providing an experience where they feel understood, empowered, and ultimately, have a space they are happy with—even if it’s not something I personally would choose design wise.
My clients generally aren’t looking for “high design”. They just want their houses to function for their lifestyles while also looking really good. I’m really competent at helping them achieve that!
SideDoor: We love that! There’s so much variety when it comes to design, and it’s great that you’ve made it accessible for everyday folks.
It’s been so fun talking with you, Lauren, and we can't wait to share more of your story and experience with our community and showcase your interior design journey. Thanks for being a valuable member of the SideDoor community!
Next week we’ll be taking a look at a client project Lauren designed using SideDoor, so stay tuned for that!
If you want to follow along with Lauren’s design work, you can find her website here, as well as her social media profiles on instagram, linkedin, and facebook.
And watch out for our schedule announcement of the SideDoor University episode to be hosted by our very own featured designer for this month, Lauren Figueroa. We can’t wait to learn together!
