Creating an Atmosphere that Supports Your Design Style
Creating With Light
Lighting is important in every space that Emily designs. It has the ability to completely shift the feeling of the space, changing the warmth, depth and atmosphere. Each project incorporates a mix of natural lighting, decorative fixtures, sconces and lamps that create a sense of warmth and dimension. We consider how each source of lighting will work throughout the day and how it compliments the character and history of the original architecture. Lighting also plays an important role in many of the decisions made throughout the design process, from how paint colors read in different lighting temperatures to how materials and textures are experienced within the space. Just as architecture and furnishings create the foundation of a space, lighting brings those elements together and helps create the feeling you experience when you walk in.
A Sense of Home
Creating a sense of atmosphere extends beyond what we see, and scent is another thoughtful layer that can make the space feel personal and memorable. It helps establish a feeling that is carried throughout the home. We like to think about fragrance as part of the overall experience, something that creates comfort and familiarity. In our own space, LAFCO New York’s Champagne has become a signature. Fresh, fruity and inviting, it creates a sense of comfort that allows creativity to spark.
An Organic Touch
Fresh flowers are one of the simplest ways to bring an organic element into the home while adding color, texture and movement to the overall design. Florals shouldn't be an afterthought, instead they should be used to complement the story of each space. Select blossoms that feel connected to the home's palette and character. Indoor plants can bring that same sense of life and connection to nature, while also offering practical benefits like improving air quality. From lush greenery to a simple arrangement, incorporating natural elements throughout the home allows a sense of warmth and keeps the design feeling fresh and alive.
The Art Of Collecting
The most meaningful spaces feel collected rather than selected. Thoughtfully curated objects bring a sense of personality and history into a home. By weaving these meaningful details throughout the space, each room feels lived in and uniquely reflective of their personal history. The final layer of a project comes to life when we bring together our clients existing pieces with objects we have discovered along the way. Pieces we know will feel personal and intentional to them. We take care not to overwhelm a space with art and objects, instead allowing each piece to have room to breathe and give space for their collection to grow organically over time.
Timeless Pieces
Family Heirlooms collected over the years bring depth and distinction. A vintage piece from a family trip or an heirloom passed down through generations can add contrast and dimension, creating a space that feels naturally collected. Quality pieces that have been well-loved over time can also be transformed for a new chapter. Refinishing a damaged wood piece or reupholstering a vintage chair in a fresh fabric can completely shift its appearance while preserving the character and history that make it meaningful. Thoughtful restorations allow these pieces to feel connected to the home’s palette while still celebrating their original story.
Designed To Be Felt
The spaces we remember the most are the ones that make us feel something. By balancing refined design with more collected and unpredictable pieces, each room feels considered without resembling a showroom. Thoughtful materials, unexpected details, and objects with a sense of history give the space character and create moments that feel personal rather than prescribed.