South Florida-based interior designer, Laetitia Laurent of Laure Nell takes a “cross-pollination” approach to interior design, blending European sensibilities with modern American aesthetics to create her original style, which she calls “Modern with a Soul” interior design.
Laurent grew up in Paris and studied at the Sorbonne which lends a unique perspective to her work in Florida’s luxury market. Today on Disruptive Design, Laetitia Laurent sits down with DNN Editor in Chief Courtney Porter to discuss her favorite furniture vendors and mixing old-world elements with contemporary designs to create spaces with “a sense of history and that feeling of collection and curation.”
Click play on the video below to watch the discussion:
Paris Meets Palm Beach
Laurent soaked up centuries of European design like a sponge. But when she landed in sunny Florida, she didn’t ditch her Parisian roots. Instead, she created a fusion inspired by ornate, gilded details and sleek coastal penthouses.
Her philosophy is all about creating spaces that tell a story. She’s not into cookie-cutter design or following trends blindly. Instead, she aims to craft interiors that feel both cutting-edge and cozy.
To successfully blend styles, Laurent has some tricks up her sleeve:
- Color for drama: Soft Parisian neutrals get a punch of South Florida vibrancy. Think cream walls with pops of coral or turquoise.
- Focus on comfort: No matter how chic, every space should feel livable.
- Tell a story: Each piece should have a purpose, whether it’s functional or purely to bring joy to the inhabitants.
- Have your reliable workhorse lines: Laurent likes to pair sleek Vanguard upholstery with vintage pieces. It’s all about balance. (Editor’s note: Vanguard is doing something right. So far this year, they have been the #1 line designer’s name when asked what their reliable line is that makes an appearance in nearly every project)
- Play with contrasts in texture: Laurent likes her buttery-soft Pierre Frey fabrics and contrasting them with cool stones and other luxurious hard finishes.
Laurent’s “Modern with a Soul” isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about creating spaces that feel authentic and personal. By blending old and new, she crafts interiors that are as unique (and well-traveled) as their owners.
Modern with a soul and quiet luxury
While Laurent, naturally, has always been designing her interiors to be modern with a soul, her style is particularly in vogue at the moment. It is related to the “old luxury” or “quiet luxury” trend in fashion, which has inevitably trickled down to interiors as well.
Quiet luxury reflects a broader societal shift towards timeless elegance and sustainability. It emphasizes quality, craftsmanship, and understated sophistication in home decor. While Laurent’s work has a little more flash and glamour, full of color and chrome, there are certain core tenants and key factors driving the ‘quiet’ movement, which her work exemplifies perfectly:
- Economic considerations: Post-pandemic, there’s a focus on value and longevity in design choices.
- Environmental awareness: Vintage and antique pieces offer sustainable alternatives to mass-produced furnishings.
- Desire for uniqueness: One-of-a-kind historical items add character and individuality to living spaces.
- Appreciation for craftsmanship: High-quality, durable pieces are favored over disposable trends.
This approach to interior design aligns with a growing preference for curated, meaningful spaces that reflect personal style while embracing sustainability and timeless beauty.
Want more design inspiration? See more of Laetitia Laurent’s projects at LaureNell.com. And don’t forget to subscribe to the Design News Now newsletter for weekly doses of design delivered straight to your inbox.
