Interview With Laurie March

Closing escrow and getting the keys to your new home is one of the most exciting moments of your life, but the duties of home-ownership that come next is where the real work begins. Laurie March started Laurie March Design to help her clients balance this crazy world of designers, contractors and construction and to help them achieve the main goal: creating a home that truly feels like home.

I was able to get the busy project manager to take some time out of her schedule and answer a few questions about her projects, design, and Los Angeles,  as well as advice for first-time homeowners:

Take Sunset: What do you like most about what you do?

Laurie March: I’m a problem solver. I love the challenge of a home, the hidden history, the unreached potential, and the things you can do to make your surroundings support your life better. The busier we get as people, the more expectations we have of our home and how we want to feel in it at the end of the day. Contrarily, we become less able to do much of the maintenance necessary to upkeep a condo or home ourselves, regardless of what HGTV shows would tell you. I love helping homeowners feel like they are taking great care of their biggest investment, and that they are living to its full potential.

TS: What are the biggest challenges you face on a daily basis?

LM: One of the biggest challenges my company faces is working through the negative feelings homeowners have about contractors. Often people have been burned in the past by a disastrous working experience in a remodel, and they bring these emotions and expectations into working with the next guy. We work to educate homeowners every day about the process of a remodel, the costs, the steps, and expectations. Everything goes smoother when both sides have clear goals, know the milestones and language, and can get excited together about the progress.

TS: What is your favorite part of L.A.?

LM: I live in Hollywood, Miracle Mile area. I love where I live because the streets are lined with trees, the homes are built well (1920′s) and you can walk to hundreds of restaurants, shops, malls, conveniences. It feels good to support local businesses, and have people remember you and know your name. I’m also really fond of the Hollywood Hills, the canyons, and communities like Larchmont and Los Feliz. I like to be where you can feel the energy of the people and the history. It makes working on the homes there a true joy.

TS: What interior design advice would you give to first-time homeowners?

LM: Nothing fills up a space like great paint colors. It’s worth the time to find a few colors you really like, that go with the style of the home, reflect the rooms’ purposes, and make you feel good in them. This is a great time to be a first time home buyer – stressful, exciting – it’s truly an adventure!

After buying a new home, closing costs, and moving, many homeowners can’t imagine spending another dollar on their new home. While understandable, there are some remodel and design issues that are best addressed before you set foot (or box!) into your new pad. I wrote a post detailing ten of my favorite things to do before move-in-day. It’s also a great time to buy furniture and artwork. Many retailers are feeling the effects of the economy slowing down, and are more than happy to do business with you. Don’t be afraid to ask if the ticket price is the best they can do. We work with many furniture showrooms that extend big discounts to our customers. As always, fire me an email or give me a call. I’m happy to point people in the right direction.

TS: Do you have a favorite project you’ve worked on?

LM: 808 Broomway was a lot of fun, and a lot of work. The home hadn’t been touched since the original owner had lived in it…and it showed. After pulling some boardgames and random artifacts out from the 60′s, we got down to work. We updated floors, walls, lighting, cabinetry, appliances, closets, counter tops, and completely redid the bathrooms. We also did invisible stuff like raised the hallway ceiling, added AC, retrofitted new appliances into vintage sized holes, restored steel windows and fireplace, pushed out a retaining wall, and updated doors and hardware. Whew. And so much more…keeping the mid-century feeling and updating for a modern family’s way of life.

Be sure to check out Laurie’s wonderful blog for more great tips and info and be sure to follow her on Twitter as well.

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