Based in the Chicagoland area, Laura Chappetto is the owner and lead designer of Element Design Network. Approaching design with a goal of effortless luxury, Laura believes that good design should be lived in, not observed. A thoughtful curation of her spaces, from functional layouts to beautiful finishes, her design style is fundamentally approachable. With an emphasis on collaboration, Laura works with her clients to design spaces that truly feel uniquely theirs. Laura has been featured in the WSJ, Martha Stewart Living, House Beautiful, Mansion Global, The Spruce, LivingEtc., Rue Magazine, Homes & Gardens, Work Design Mag, and more. Explore Laura’s work in today’s Designer Friday.
The vertical wood paneling of the accent wall enhances this room’s sense of depth, bringing warmth and a natural texture that makes the space appear larger and more inviting.
Andrew Joseph: What is the most important element in a successful interior design?
Laura Chappetto: Balance. Regardless of your design style, striking a good balance is not only visually pleasing but it allows our senses to relax and encourages us to appreciate the atmosphere we are in. When your eye continuously moves throughout the space and doesn’t land on one particular object or area, you experience elements of the design in harmony with one another. This is just as important in the maximalist home as it is in minimalist designs.
AJ: What was the last book you read and how did it inspire you?
LC: I recently read a book that I can honestly now call my favorite book of all time. “The Gentleman in Moscow” is beautifully written by Amor Towles as he paints the backdrop of the story in the most graceful way. Set in a lush, grand hotel of the ‘20s, visions of opulence flood the pages. It inspires your imagination to see the beauty that you are reading. I have purchased this book for so many and recommend it to almost everyone else. Do yourself a favor and read this book.
Laura was tasked with updating this primary bedroom, but needed to seamlessly incorporate the homeowner’s cherished antiques. The result is a timeless blend of new and old.
AJ: How do you balance functionality and aesthetics in your designs?
LC: To me, functionality and aesthetics must coexist in design. There is not one without the other. We always start with function. What are the pain points? What is the desired use of the space? Then, how do we make the new functional plan as beautiful as possible while making it feel specific to the people who spend their lives living in this home.
AJ: What is your favorite thing about being a designer?
LC: I absolutely love the fact that our clients live in our work. We are hired to help transform someone’s home into a space that becomes the background to so many of their family’s memories. It’s like living artwork. Done well, design really can change the way you live and it is such an honor to be a part of that.
This living room marries comfort with classic charm, featuring crisp white sofas and a deep blue traditional cabinet, all under the modern touch of a geometric chandelier for an inviting and balanced space.
AJ: What’s your favorite cocktail?
LC: A Boulevardier with Aperol in place of the Campari. The Aperol is brighter and just a bit sweeter making this a perfectly balanced drink.
Photography by Erin Konrath.
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