Guest Blogger: Lauren Branch
It’s All in the Details
Written by Lauren Branch, Kéfi Home Interiors
Lauren Branch of Kéfi Home Interiors here! I’ve been at this interior design game for the past year and WHEW. What a year, right?
Equipped with a BFA in textile design and a minor in metal sculpture; three years in graphic sourcing at the Abercrombie & Fitch Home office; and 12 years in the world of visual merchandising and design for Philosophy, Laura Geller Beauty and RéVive Skincare (which has spanned globally) — I moved into this industry eager, excited and with a handful of design knowledge that I couldn’t wait to put to the test towards an ever-growing passion.
This past year has been one for learning and leaning.
A constant learning of how the many intricate gears of this industry work, and also leaning on what I know to propel me through moments of difficulty. I’ve used this time to grow further into my style, the way I approach a space and fine-tune the ways I take the client’s needs and execute them in a way that beautifully and equally satisfies both form and function.
Lauren with “Saguaro Forms and Cactus Flowers,” designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, 1927, and executed by Nino Greco, 1959.
As I wrap up a living room project and reflect on all the beautiful and hard work that has been done to date, I am staring at the last 5% and am reminded that It’s all in the Details. Sure, we have the big stuff — chairs, couches, rugs and lights — but that’s just the base layer.
It’s the pillows, accessories and art on the walls that bring a room to life and give it a personality, a glimpse into who lives inside — the finishing details.
A room, like a canvas, is really built on the details. It’s those special little unassuming areas that strike emotion and connection to the room or the piece. The emotional connection that I strive to accomplish in a space as an interior designer is much like an artist seeks to achieve in each piece they create.
“You’re a Peach” by Sarah Jane Tart, available at The Scouted Studio.
As an art major myself, I have learned to truly appreciate the under painting peeking out from behind the top layers, the unexpected color palette, the textures of a brush stroke with too little paint and the small drip off in the bottom right-hand corner. It’s the slightest touch of green hinting at a tree or the juxtaposition of light and shadow to remind the viewer of an early morning sunrise with a loved one. These details give a painting life and a unique element all its own. This is what draws us in and creates an emotional connection.
I spent a lot of all-nighters in the art building trying to perfect those details just before a big critique. I later spent a lot of early mornings emailing overseas vendors that there needed to be more distress in the “e” or more fray on the “F” to make it look more “lived-in. I’ve spent countless hours on the phone explaining that I wanted the half-inch acrylic for the tester unit templates and not the quarter-inch because it looks more high-end.
I’m now spending weekends scouring bolts of fabric, hoping to strike just the right balance of colors, textures and sizes for throw pillows; keeping my eyes peeled for a special trinket, which reminds my client of a special vacation; or searching for a painting that flows with the mood of the space.
It’s all in the details and it’s those details that make the difference.
Thank you so much Lauren for sharing your story, and reminding us to keep our eyes peeled for just the right details!
Lauren Branch is an interior designer based in Raleigh, NC.
Interested in seeing more of Lauren’s work, or want to get in touch with her about an upcoming project? You can connect with her via email at laurenhbranch@gmail.com, as well as on Instagram at @Kefi_Home!