Laura Hamburg is the creator and owner of Willow Street Interiors. She loves creating grand yet grounded spaces for her clients to thrive in. No matter what project she’s working on, Laura’s method is always the same: take a fresh perspective and create a stylish and comfortable space that inspires.We had the privilege of talking with Laura about her journey as a designer, and we’re excited to share it with you!
What is your favorite part about being a designer?
There are so many things I love about being a designer! I love the creative element, of course, and the opportunity I have to recreate beautiful spaces over and over again. I crave change, especially when it comes to pattern and color and designing allows me to express that. I’m also always honored to be a part of such a personal process. I love to help my clients translate the intangible aspects of their lives into something that’s visible and beautiful. The joy and excitement of reveal day makes the hard work well worth it.
Who or what would you cite as your most important influence?
There are so many designers who have work that I admire, but I think my first and most important influence was my parents. Decorating wasn’t their thing, and they always let me have free reign when it came to decorating our house as a child. I remember standing back, admiring my banister that I’d decorated for Christmas one year. I had wound colored lights and tucked stuffed animals into the faux greens all the way up the stairs. My mom came in and told me that it was beautiful! She made me feel like I was a decorator even as an 8 year old. Secondly, HGTV! I started watching their annual dream home reveals when I was 16, and I fell completely in love with every aspect of home design from watching those shows – from millwork to upholstery to styling.
If you could travel back, what advice would you give yourself as you start this career?
I would tell myself to be fearless and go for it! Interior design is a second career for me. At 18, the thought of running my own business, or working for someone who did, was intimidating. It wasn’t until my girls were born that I realized this was something that I needed to do. Being a mother gave me the confidence that I needed to follow my real passion.
What is your favorite current resource?
Trade showrooms and DesignerInc.! I love how you’ve made it so much easier to source products from a variety of vendors!
Fun fact about yourself…
I have four daughters, ranging in age from 1 to 10 years old, and my husband is a German native with a farming background. He introduced me to gardening when we were still teenagers, and the two of us have been wannabe homesteaders since we got married 15 years ago! We have chickens and a veggie garden and try to be as self sufficient as we can.