It’s been pretty hard to contain my excitement over the past week in preparation to show off my newly designed living room. I finally had to commit and move forward on decorating the house despite all of our house problems not quite solved. I’m a creative, but all of my work is digital. When it comes to decorating my own spaces, I’m pretty much clueless. Thankfully, Lauren King of Refresh made the process simple and beautiful. I first met Lauren when she attended one of my workshops for entrepreneurs early in 2018. Lauren is a working mom pursuing what she loves most – creating beautiful spaces for people to love and learn in. I jumped at the opportunity to work with Lauren to turn my old house into something modern and vibrant. Read further to hear about my experiences with her business.
How It Works
Lauren and I had an initial consultation in my home where we discussed all things design. I gave her a list of words, colors, textures, and more that inspire me and I feel suit my style. I also created a Pinterest board of interior spaces I love from which she could pull inspiration. I’m amazed by the sheer fact that she was able to capture my style from the all over the place description I provided of things I like. In this initial meeting, Lauren took measurements throughout my space and we discussed a budget comfortable for me. While we chatted, I was able to give my input on larger pieces I wanted to see in the space as well as hear her loose vision upon first seeing my space.
For the provided budget, I asked Lauren to tackle my formal living room, entryway, as well as a transition area between the living room and kitchen. She not only provided me with additional seating and all of my functional requests such as a mail solution by the front door and a makeshift mudroom because our hall closet is full of my clothes, she was able to integrate pieces I already had into the design to save money. In her design, Lauren’s work reflected all of my requests and personal style, but also challenged my vision for the space by appropriately pushing me out of my comfort zone to consider nontraditional patterns, textures, and functions for re-purposed items. Lauren handled all the ordering and purchasing of items with the provided budget, and had some of the bigger pieces shipped to my house. It took all I had not to peek!
The hands-down most impressive part of working with Lauren was the installation. We let Lauren in just before leaving for work with nothing but a couch and a TV stand in the space. When we got home that evening, I found a meticulously decorated space all done by Lauren herself. She’s crafty and handy and I was proud to have her in my home. Above all, Lauren is kind and inspirational, and simply being around her brought good energy into my home that now feels like the perfect space to share with my family and friends.
In Her Words
I asked Lauren a few questions to help you get to know her better. Read her response below:
10 words or less to describe yourself? “Energetic, Disciplined, Empathetic, Humorous.”
“I got the idea for my business one night when I was sitting on my couch with my friend Courtney. My teaching career was ending since my daughter Gwen was born and I wanted to stay home with her. But I also knew I wanted to do something that was meaningful and that I was passionate about. Courtney looked around my living room as we sat on the couch and she said, “Why don’t you decorate and design people’s homes?” I looked at her in astonishment because I didn’t have as much faith in myself as she did. But once she asked that question, I could not get the idea out of my head. I knew I had to go for it. I have never thought of myself as a business woman, but I have learned so much since starting Refresh and am forever grateful for that conversation on my couch.
I think what makes Refresh unique is that I want to make every room I design for the homeowner feel special and like them. I am always trying to create a space that feels like the homeowner. I don’t just want the room to be beautiful, I want it to be home for whoever I am designing for. I think another thing that makes Refresh unique is that I am a one woman show. I do all the shopping and on installation day, I hang every picture, build all the furniture, and style every accessory!”
To what do you attribute your success? “I think my success is because I will do whatever it takes to make the space perfect for the homeowner.”
What advice would you give a new entrepreneur? “Something Christy Wright, author of Business Boutique says is “Do it scared.” I love this [quote] because it’s true. When I was first starting out, I was scared to do anything! You name it! Consultations, Facebook posts, Instagram stories, making the right design choices, and the list could go on forever. The thing is, you don’t get over fear by not doing something, you get over fear by doing it! Now, I am so much more comfortable with all of those things! Do it scared! You can do it!”
What do you do to grow as a business owner? “I read books about small business and marketing and listen to podcasts. I also try to give myself dreaming room so that I have time to just think about new possibilities.”
Visit Lauren’s website to see her portfolio of work www.refreshbylaurenking.com and connect with her on Instagram here.
Interested in booking Lauren’s services in Central Kentucky? Mention my blog name, Space, Place & Southern Grace, to receive a complimentary design consultation and one hour of services waived!
This post is sponsored by Refresh by Lauren King. All opinions are my own.
