Meet Your Designer:
Teri Larsen, ASID
Photographs Courtesy of Teri Larsen
Above top left: Designer Teri Larsen, ASID; Above top right: A dining room designed with a contemporary twist on a lodge-style home
designed by Teri Larsen
"I have been a designer for over 12 years, after earning a BFA in
Interior Design from UW-Stout. My specialties include new construction projects and remodeling, and I am able to work with any budget to create a look that reflects your personal style. I guide my clients through their selections, for both the interior and the exterior of their homes, and work to keep the project on track. I am also a busy working mom of 2 small children. I enjoy biking,
camping, art, crafts (basically anything creative), reading and
spending time with my family. In my spare time, I enjoy volunteering
with my local library, church and school."
Above: A New Construction Project - This home combines traditional wood elements with contemporary flair designed by Teri Larsen, ASID
Designer Teri Larsen, ASID speaks with Ava Living:
What is your company platform?
I
offer affordable interior design services for both home and office. My focus is on great service, objective
advice and creating the best solution for my clients. While I can supply the products necessary to
complete a project, my clients are welcome to shop for their own products; my primary focus is on service – not sales.
How did you get into the field of interior design?
For
as long as I can remember, I have always been fascinated by historic homes,
décor, art and color; I guess that design found me! I took every art course I could manage,
earned my degree in design, and have never looked back.
What is your design philosophy?
I
believe that good interior design should be accessible to everyone, regardless
of budget. Good design affects our mood,
our productivity, our health and our safety, and should not be reserved just for
the wealthy. I try to create the best
solution for my clients, keeping their needs and budget at the forefront.
Above: A Luxury Model Home Kitchen designed by Teri Larsen, ASID
What are your creative inspirations?
I
love to use nature to inspire my color schemes – a beautiful garden, the sun
glinting off the snow or a field of golden wheat offer gorgeous tones to bring
into a home or office.
What are your best design references?
When
I work on a project, I tend to browse design magazines and books to draw inspiration
from other designers and design styles.
I also work closely with my clients to ensure that I am creating a
solution that meets their needs – they are my ultimate reference! They often have a focal piece they wish to
incorporate into the room, and it becomes a reference point from which to
create the entire space.
Above: A Great Room with dramatic window treatment designed by Teri Larsen In your experience, what are the most most common design misconceptions/mistakes that people have about interior design?
Most
people assume that they cannot afford to hire a designer. However, using a designer can often save them
time and money. A good designer will
work within their budget and often has sources to find great items for less,
helping them stretch their design dollars.
And, a designer will keep them from making mistakes that take more of
their budget to correct later.
What is the one favorite thing that will make a room better?
Of
all the great things that add punch to a room, I believe that a great paint
color can make all the difference in a space.
The tone you put on the walls can create drama or brightness; it can add
a punch of color or become a subdued backdrop for amazing artwork. The options are endless! The wrong paint color can truly bring the
entire room down.
What is the design trend that you love right now?
Glass
tiles! There is a tile for every space;
they range from rustic to contemporary in style. Available in dozens of shapes and sizes, they
are endlessly versatile, and I have used them on kitchen backsplashes, showers,
fireplaces and floors. They are like little
glittering jewels in a room.
What is your top bit of advice for those in pursuit of good design?
Don’t
follow the trends unless you love them.
Surround yourself with colors and objects that make you happy,
regardless of the latest trends, and you will always love your space.
For help with your room, check out Teri's Online Design Services