Renovating and designing a home can be a fulfilling yet challenging endeavor. Aubrey, a passionate interior designer and co-founder of Love Living Here Design Co., shares her journey of transforming her 1970s colonial house into a beautiful and functional space and her insights on design and remodeling. She recently upgraded the door hardware in areas of her home to incorporate Vintage Brass pieces from Grandeur Hardware. Learn more about Love Living Here and see how our hardware perfectly fits in her lovely home.
Aubrey and her friend, Laura, started Love Living Here as a platform to share their home improvement projects. Over time, they transitioned into a full-service interior design company, leveraging their combined perspectives to offer unique and personalized design solutions.
One of the most significant remodeling projects in Aubrey's home was the kitchen, the heart of their house. Despite the space limitations, Aubrey and her family successfully updated the kitchen, focusing on intentional finishes and functionality. The addition of Grandeur Hardware's vintage brass door knobs and levers seamlessly integrated with the design, adding a timeless and classic touch to the space.
Aubrey emphasizes the importance of attention to detail in design, particularly regarding door hardware. She recommends choosing hardware that complements the overall aesthetic of the space and experimenting with combinations of knobs and levers to create visual interest. According to Aubrey, “Because design truly is all about the little details, door hardware significantly impacts a space! Choose a larger backplate for a statement on a larger door, use a lever for a more dainty feminine look, and don’t be afraid to mix and match knobs and levers throughout your home.”
With this in mind, Aubrey chose stunning oval-shaped knobs and long backplates in Vintage Brass for her two kitchen exterior doors because of their timeless and classic design. She also added a brass lever to the laundry room door that is visible in the kitchen area. She mentioned, “Beautiful and intentional door hardware makes such an impact in a space. These truly are the finishing touches in our kitchen remodel and fit in seamlessly with the other hardware finishes.” She also loves that Grandeur uses solid brass construction, and said, “the quality is simply unmatched.”
When asked about her design style, Aubrey describes it as organic, European-inspired, and traditional. She prefers minimalism and intentional selections and draws inspiration from nature, textures, and the work of other designers. This ties together and is reflected in her thoughtful approach to decorating decisions. She told us, “I always gravitate toward layers of texture, mostly neutral tones, and vintage items or pieces that feel naturally aged. The aged look of the Vintage Brass hardware fits my design style perfectly.”
For those considering embarking on a remodeling project, Aubrey advises prioritizing good bones when selecting a house to renovate. She mentioned, “If you want to stretch your budget as far as possible, choose a home with a desirable floor plan, quality workmanship, and unique features that offer character.” She encourages aspiring remodelers to focus on creating cohesive and functional spaces while highlighting the finer details. Aubrey also recommends seeking inspiration and carefully evaluating the functionality of designs before diving into home transformations.
As far as what is next, Aubrey and Laura continue to refresh and update the spaces in their own homes while also work with a handful of clients of Love Living Here Design Co. They just finished a European-inspired kitchen remodel and are currently working on a remodel and update of the first floor of a client home. Their dedication to creating a harmonious and intentional living space shines through their design philosophy and practical advice for fellow design enthusiasts. Aubrey’s journey with Love Living Here Design Co. and her personal home renovations serve as a testament to the transformative power of thoughtful design and meticulous attention to detail.