ELEMENTS OF STYLE

Designer Laura Chappetto founded her Element Design Network atelier on the belief that our homes are an extension of ourselves. “To me, a home is a representation of those who live in it,” she says. “It is my mission to help my clients have a sense of pride and ownership in the aesthetic of their home. I want my clients to feel their home perfectly reflects their personality and works seamlessly with their lifestyle.” Chappetto’s mission is to help clients create a space that makes them take a deep breath and say, “I’m home.” Her curated designs ensure that clients can experience an even deeper connection to their living spaces and take pride in their home.

How do you ensure your designs or products are both functional and aesthetically pleasing?
Design is half art and half science. For me, functionality must come first in design. A home can be perfectly curated but if it doesn’t work for the people living there, it truly isn’t well designed. Inherently, a well-designed space is one that best reflects its intended use and then is done so beautifully. Any room can be beautiful, but when it functions efficiently, that’s when design is actualized.

How do you maintain consistency and quality across different projects, while still ensuring that each project feels unique?
I don’t worry so much about consistency. To me, it’s a compliment if no one knows who has designed a space. I feel strongly that what is important is my ability to bring out my clients’ personal aesthetic and curate spaces that function well and also beautifully speak to them. When a client is proud of their home and feels like it reflects their own personal style, that’s when I have done well.

How do you see the relationship between art and design in a home? How can art elevate a space?
Art is one of the most important design elements in a home. Often, artwork evokes a memory or a specific feeling. It is so extremely personal and that is what makes it so important in design. You could have two fairly similar homes but the artwork hanging on the wall will be able to tell you a story of who lives in the home, what they love, and the tone they have set for the room.

For more information about Laura Chappetto and Element Design Network, visit elementdesignnetwork.com. You may also follow the company on Instagram @elementdesignnetwork.