DESIGNED TO INSPIRE

Laura Kaufmann created her Lake Forest-based LBK Design Group in 2018 with a specialty in kitchen and bath design. This busy mother of two boys brings her degree from University of Alabama along with more than 20 years in the custom kitchen design and renovation industry to her business. Kaufmann’s diverse background allows her to expand beyond kitchen and bath design and take on such projects as mudrooms, home offices, playrooms, and basements. One of her niches is doing kitchen refinishes that refresh rather than remodel, which she says can be just as much work as a full renovation. Kaufmann’s vision is to inspire her clients and help bring their dream projects to fruition.

In your opinion, what qualities make an outstanding interior designer?
The ability to take the ultimate wish list from a client and make it become a reality within their budget and timeline. Also, being able to manage people’s expectations is key.

How do you decide which projects are a good fit for you and your firm?
It all comes down to trust. Does my client have enough trust in me and in the process to allow me to lead us into a successful project? I can usually tell right off the bat if it is going to be a good fit.

Do you have a dream design project?
To acquire and renovate a home on Siasconset Beach on Nantucket Island.

If you hadn’t been a designer, you’d have been?
I have always wanted to open a boutique that has a southern flair to it!

How do you use social media in your business?
I love social media and find it so helpful. I use it to catalog all my projects and it’s my go-to when I need a visual example to share. I can interact with my clients as I encourage them to send me DMs with posts that inspire them. Clients also love it when their own projects pop up on my reels or posts. My Instagram handle is @lbkdesigngroup.

LBK Design Group is located at 297 E. Illinois Road in Lake Forest. For more information, call 901-301-1099 or visit lbkdesigngroup.com.