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Meet Laurie Smith - A Modern Classic PDF Print E-mail
Written by Kristy Ensor   
Saturday, 06 February 2010 06:00

 

Laurie SmithYou probably recognize Laurie Smith as one of the interior design stars from the successful hit TV series, Trading Spaces, which aired on TLC.  She was often referred to as the “southern-belle” and grande dame of design.  Her primary goal on the show was to create rooms that could be lived in.  Laurie’s room designs were also permeated with her self-described modern-classic approach which infused sophistication and Old World elegance.  Combining classic & contemporary elements along with great furniture and beautiful fabrics, Laurie’s rooms were always a big hit.

Laurie was born on May 23, 1971 and was raised in Houston, Texas.  Smith told SC that she had studied dance and thought she'd become a professioal dancer, but that later she became very interested in architecture and design.  She graduated from Southern Methodist University where she majored in broadcast journalism.  Later she attended the prestigious New York school of Interior Design where she graduated in 1999.  In the Spring of 2000, she was working at an interior design firm when the call came from Trading Spaces.  Smith said, "This was just an exciting opportunity for me to do what I love."  Since Trading Spaces, she has added an impressive list of credentials to her resume.  In 2004, Smith became a spokesperson for Lane Home Furnishings through commercials and in-store appearances.  She also partnered with Hancock Fabrics to launch a nationally successful designer fabric line.

By 2005, fans were able to purchase Laurie’s first book, Discovering Home – Find Your Personal Style, which takes the reader through her personal journey of the renovation and design of her mid-century home. Upon its release, Discovering Home was honored at The National Book Festival sponsored by The Library of Congress, where Laurie was featured as a guest reader.

Laurie resides in Jackson, Mississippi with her husband Brad and their son, Gibson and daughter India.  She continues to be passionate about design and enjoys spending time with family, friends and loves to travel.  She has appeared on several television shows and has also been featured in a variety of magazines.  As for her latest project, she partnered with Quoizel Lighting and designed their “Illuminations” collection. 

A busy wife, mother and designer, Laurie remains faithful to her roots and is true southern lady who lives life with an abundance of style and grace. 

 

 

Last Updated on Wednesday, 03 March 2010 00:24
 

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