Laura Pierce is the founder and principal designer behind the Boston and Maine-based design firm, Keeler and Co. Laura draws inspiration from her New England roots, designing interiors that are both beautiful and functional. Her recent redesign of the Claremont Hotel in Southwest Harbor, Maine is not to be missed! Follow along to learn more about Laura and see how she styled some of our latest prints from the Wildflower Waltz collection.
First off, tell us a little bit about yourself and Keeler and Co!
Keeler & Co. is an interior design firm based in Boston and Seal Harbor, Maine. We are lucky to have wonderful projects all over the country - both residences and boutique hotels. Our super powers are in creating functional and layered client-centric spaces, typically with a good dose of color. We have a top-notch team and a seasonal shop, Rusticator, on the edge of Acadia National Park.
How would you describe your style? Where do you find inspiration?
My style is classic and adaptable. Just like we dress for different climates and experiences, we approach our projects the same way - a client in Tennessee is going to have a totally different house than one in Back Bay, but each is intimately considered, comfortable, and timeless. Our inspiration comes from books, magazines, travel, fashion, textiles, architecture and nature.
Walk us through how you styled our Daphne Powder, Fern Velvet and Alice pillows! How did you choose which patterns and piping to use?
I can’t resist a floral in a great color palette, hence the Daphne. Or a texture, we are heading into fall, after all, and so the Fern Velvet provides that warmth. And because I love the pattern play and a classic blue and white print, the Alice had to be! Every pillow should have a great welt - it’s what allows us to use as many possible colors in a single space while remaining cohesive.
How do you approach styling with different sizes? What's your rule of thumb for how many pillows go on a sofa?
Probably controversial, I love a pillow-loaded sofa. For me, nestling into them is part of getting cozy. We tend to do at least four 20”x20" pillows for a standard sofa - two different pairs. I like to keep them the same size so I can switch up which order they sit in depending on the day.
Do you stick to any design "rules" when mixing and matching patterns?
It’s all about color and scale. I’m always trying to find a tiny pattern, a small pattern, a medium pattern and a large. Then I pull in the solids and natural textures - places where your eye gets to rest.
One of our mottos is "a little goes a long way". What are a few ways to refresh your space that don't require a full renovation or splurging on new furniture?
Pillows, throws, fabulous books, lampshades, fresh flowers… and proper window treatments. If there is a place to splurge, that’s the one.
Favorite design book?
There are so many to choose! I’m constantly pulling Gil Schafer’s books - A Place to Call Home and The Great American House.
Current color crush?
I can’t get enough green, especially Farrow & Ball Duck Green.
Wallpaper or paint?
Wallpaper!
What's your favorite project you’ve worked on?
We just finished The Claremont Hotel in Southwest Harbor, Maine. I like to think it’s the perfect blend of nostalgia and vibrancy. We had such fun collaborating with the client to create a charming, layered New England experience - in one of my favorite places in the world!