Smarty Mom: Laura Casey

Well Smarties, I’m overjoyed to introduce Smarty Mom Laura Casey. Laura is the fabulous mom of two rowdy boys named Coleman and Brooks. She not only keeps herself busy with two tykes, but also runs her own Interior Design studio, Laura Casey Interiors! Laura is your “go to” gal for creating a chic home with budget friendly tips and child proof style. Her flawless taste is unmatched and her easygoing spirit a joy.

Laura exudes timeless class with her gentle personality and top notch eye. Haven’t heard of Laura yet? You will . . . she has not only been featured in The Washington Post, but also Family Circle.

Smarty Stats
Mom Of: Coleman (2), Brooks (4)
Married to: Tim for 7 years
Lived in Charlotte: 3 years

Grace and style = Laura Casey. Enjoy!

You own a FAB-U-LOUS Interior Design Firm (Laura Casey Interiors) and manage two boys under four! How do you balance it all and with such grace?!
I try to keep everything in perspective, family first and work after that. The most important thing I can do is keep myself organized and know what I can handle.

What is your favorite room in a house?
My favorite room to work on usually is the Master Bedroom. You should love being in your bedroom, even if it means no kids jumping on your bed.

Can you give some design advice for women who want something lovely, but child friendly?
Durable, darker fabrics that clean well and last a long time make life easier. ex. cushion covers that have zippers on them and can go into the wash. Eggshell finishes on the paint is easiest to wipe clean (hand prints and scuffs). A few rules at our house make life a little easier- food and drinks stay at the table & their shoes off in the house. Keep breakables out of reach until they are old enough to really understand, don’t make it unnecessarily hard on yourself. An extra set of “guest” throw pillows are a good way to not let nice ones get too messed up.

What is your favorite thing about working with families to design their homes?
The relationships that I develop and the process we go through. I am so lucky that I love what I do, and I get to meet great people along the way.

What are your favorite budget friendly places to shop for household items in Charlotte?
Mary Jo’s for well priced fabrics, Sleepy Poet, a few of the consignment stores have some great finds- South End Exchange and Recycle Boutique are my favorites. Post & Grey has a great mix of price points and usually has some awesome finds. If I had to do a design challenge I could probably do a few rooms with some paint, curtain rods and what I can find in theses spots.

What has been your favorite design project?!
A bungalow I recently completed in Elizabeth. The couple was great and fun to work with.

How do you come up with fresh design ideas for your Blog?
Luckily I am easily inspired, sometimes I get an idea from a project or something I see while I am out shopping for clients. I write down ideas and keep a list of them. I want to be helpful and resourceful so I try to mix it up. It is also an outlet for me. If I am working on something and need to think it out visually sometimes I do it on the blog.
www.lauracaseyinteriors.com/blog

You moved from NYC, how has life changed since being in Charlotte?
For the better- we now have another son, wonderful neighbors and we have a front yard. I do miss the concept of anytime delivery though.

Favorite “mommy time” activity?
Going out to lunch or dinner with my friends and shopping by myself.

Favorite girls night out spot?
Crepe Cellar in NoDa and Nolen Kitchen.

Best place to eat out with the whole family?
California Pizza Kitchen, we seem to do well there.

Favorite park?
Princeton Road. It’s great for different ages. Plus there are covered picnic tables and I love that it has a fence. My kids have a good sense of adventure.

Mini-van or SUV?
SUV. At any time I have kids and a few bolts of fabric, rugs, lamps and lampshades in the way back.

Best book you’ve read lately?
Half Broke Horses by Jeanette Walls. I also love her book The Glass Castle.

Favorite CSP blog to date?
I love all the blog posts, but some of the recipe and childproofing ones have been really helpful. I always love the kids activities, park suggestions and weekend activities.

I could not live without my (mom or kids related…)
For work my i-phone, for my kids probably Dick’s sports store, for me an occasional pack of twizzlers.

Best thing about raising a family in Charlotte?
Being in a city but feeling like I live in the suburbs, it’s great to have it all at once with very little traffic. My husband has a short commute which I love.

Best kept secret in Charlotte?
My hair-dresser Sheila Brody. She works by herself in a little spot on Selwyn and is fast, well-priced and is fun to talk to. 704-519-7682

Laura Casey Interiors, LLC
www.lauracaseyinteriors.com
www.lauracaseyinteriors.com/blog