Spotlight: Baker Design Co.

By Kate Riley March 29, 2018

Whenever I discover a great designer, I dive right into their porfolio, noticing the beauty of the spaces and the attention to detail. I stumbled across Baker Design Co. a month ago and loved the spaces created by Libby, the owner and chief interior designer. I emailed her to tell her how impressed I was with her work and asked if she’d be willing to answer a few questions.

Today I’m delighted to share our interview and a few glimpses of her portfolio.

Libby, I love how you create “visual tension and balance” by pairing antiques with modern decor. Why is this medley important?

I feel like the balance of old and new is a very important element in a space for a magnitude of reasons. The first being the tension of textures. Typically, something of age will have more of a natural patina or wear and tear to it that can not be manufactured. These elements add soul to the space. They have a way of making the space uniquely yours.

I have a very natural gravitation to clean lines on furniture. Very classic lines as well. I think this is where the modern element comes in. My preference to clear the visual palette in preparation for something wonderful as a focal point  {Cue the vintage and antique vibe}. Second, I think it’s important to have a mix of items in a space because at the risk of sounding boring, it just flows better that way. If you wanted everything to look alike or similar, there are stores for that :)

 

 

 

What questions do you ask new clients and why is it important to analyze their lifestyle? How does that influence your approach to design? Examples please.

I ask them if they are neat freaks or if they are very organized individuals. I ask them if they entertain a lot. It’s funny how just these three little questions can unravel some pretty important traits that will dictate how I design. For example, if someone is a neat freak I will not suggest big slouchy linen sofas or ruffled bed linens because it would probably drive them nuts to straighten those items up day in and day out.

The same goes for the organized folks. Everything should have its place and every place have its thing. I wouldn’t over accessorize their house if they prefer things neat and tidy. A few statement pieces would do the trick! Also, if they entertain a lot then I know that I need to use performance fabrics where it counts on sofas, barstools, dining chairs, etc.

 

 

 

 

You layer a lot of neutrals and aren’t afraid of mixing patterns. What’s a tip you can share to pull off the look?

Typically, I start with a neutral base somewhere whether it be the wall color or the sofa fabric and then I build from there. One great thing to always keep in mind is, the scale is key in mixing patterns and colors. I love pairing a great abstract pattern with something more tailored like a stripe because they contradict themselves. It’s kind of like J. Crew and Anthropologie living in the same space.

So my tip would be to decide whose the “bigger” personality in the room for you -J. Crew or Anthropologie? Do you want more preppy or more bohemian? Once you decide which one will take more focus than you can stagger the other elements down in scale to lift up the more prominent element.

 

 

 

 

Comfort and serenity rank high in bedroom design. Do you agree? What else is important?

Totally agree! Great sheets and bedding would be next for me! I am a sucker for amazing sheets. My retreat is my bed so making sure every client has a comfy bed {to their level of comfort} with great cozy bedding is important.

We spend more time in our beds than we think and rest is so vital. Next, I would say light control :) Being able to have at least two different layers of light or more depending on your space also makes for a great comfort and serenity. Having reading lamps or bedside lamps at night instead of the overhead, and window treatments that allow you to block out all the light at night but in the morning when you rise be able to let it all in and energize you to get the day started, those are awesome!

 

 

 

 

  

Why is tile just as essential to design as paint or fabric? Should one go bold or play it safe?

I definitely play limbo on this one :) I like to go bold in areas that demand attention like a kitchen or a Master bathroom or a mud room. By bold sometimes that doesn’t mean I’m doing a bold color or a bold pattern but possibly the installation and scale are bold and the tile is simple.

For example, in one of our kitchen design projects we tiled the entire wall of both walls in the kitchen from the counter to the ceiling. While the tile itself had color and was not too crazy, it packs a punch because of where we intentionally installed it. So to answer the question, I think I do both. :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What’s the best (or random) compliment a client ever gave you? Why did you love hearing it?

This is my favorite question! We have had a few of our favorites tell us that we have changed the way they live. This is the highest of compliments to me because I want client’s lives to be improved by simple changes we can help them make in their homes. Sometimes they don’t have a clue that something in their house is bugging them or causing them disruption until it’s a sound peaceful place with little maintenance. I love hearing it because it means I have done my job to the fullest.

 

A huge thank you to Libby for taking the time from her busy design and install schedule to answer my questions. Gorgeous spaces, right? And doesn’t she have great insight? Such great takeaways in her answers!

Find much more inspiration by Baker Design Co. by visiting Libby’s amazing portfolio, and also by following along on Instagram. Thanks again Libby!

5 comments

  1. I adore her style. I am so inspired and i immediately checked out her website! thanks for introducing this company and always keeping me inspired!

  2. Beautiful rooms! I, too, love the look of the old with the new. But I don’t see many, if any, pieces that would be considered antiques or ones that look very old, that would demonstrate the concept, other than the stool in the bathroom. Lovely photos, though. And yes, the kitchen is my dream, too.

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