Designer Laura Thurman's Home: Colorful, Cozy & Collected

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Fondly referred to as “Maison Thurman,” the home of Laura Thurman, founder of Thurman Design Studio, is a comfy abode featuring designer touches like vivid area rugs, exotic light fixtures, and thoughtfully curated furniture that blend elegance and vintage flair. Located about 30 minutes from Nashville’s bustling downtown, her family home in Thompson Station, Tennessee, offers easy access to the city’s perks while also providing a peaceful retreat.

“We wanted something that was new and large enough to accommodate our family needs, with a little more space,” Laura tells us of her decision to move farther out of town. “Ultimately, we needed to be able to afford it. Moving a little further out gave us space, newness, and a doable budget.”

A bright, modern hallway with wooden double doors, elegant furnishings, and a colorful rug. — Starting with the entryway, every detail in this home is impeccably curated. A vintage table offsets modern art and lamps, while a vibrant runner from the Nashville Rug Gallery adds eye-catching color contrast. Image: Leslie Brown Photography

A spacious home was particularly important for Laura and her husband, Josh, given their remote work needs and family dynamic. “My mom has lived with us for three years now,” Laura explains. “We built a one-bedroom apartment attached to the house for her, equipped with a full kitchen and living room. It’s the biggest blessing to have her with us. Our son, Tristan — who will turn 3 years old in June — loves my mom. The multigenerational household is the way to go, in our opinion.”

As a designer, Laura possesses what she calls a “global aesthetic filtered through a modern lens,” which is evident from the moment you step into her home. “This house is a celebration of all the wonderful trade vendors we partner with and a reflection of the blessing that has come from hard work and doing what I love most!” she says. “The home displays bold color, a multitude of textures, unique wallpaper, and my passion for world travel and global design.”

A bright and elegantly decorated living room with a fireplace, contemporary furniture, and decorative accents. — From textured throw pillows to a smattering of art, this living room embraces creativity and tranquility. Image: Leslie Brown Photography

From Moroccan lanterns to modern art, each room offers standout features. “I need a home to have a soul,” Laura tells us. “I find the most impactful way to do this is by introducing artifacts, sculptures, or unique artwork from around the world. There’s nothing wrong with a brand-new vase. However, it will never top my oversized, handmade Moroccan clay pot filled with large bamboo shoots.”

Elegant and eclectic living room with a mix of patterns and textures, featuring a plush sofa with colorful pillows, moroccan-style pendant lamps, and tastefully assorted decor. — Exotic pendants and an eggplant-hued backsplash offer a focal point behind the couch. Image: Leslie Brown Photography

Elegant kitchen interior with bar stools, wooden cabinetry, and pendant lighting. — A closer look shows that the backsplash is actually part of the home’s kitchen, featuring an island with comfortable seating and open shelving. Image: Leslie Brown Photography

Encompassing much of the first-floor landscape, the kitchen, dining room, and butler’s pantry are devoted to functional family living. But that isn’t to say it’s all about practicality. Laura’s artistry and affinity for international flair shine through in a big way.

“They say kitchens are the heart of the home, and it’s true,” she says. “We love to entertain, so I wanted a large dining room that could easily fit 10 people. The beautiful, extremely comfy, custom pink tiger sofa bench is the hero of the space … Overall, I wanted the home to be comfortable, unique, layered, and memorable.”

Elegant dining room with a combination of modern and rustic decor elements, featuring a large table, patterned chairs, and pendant lighting. — Adjacent to the kitchen, the avant-garde dining room offers a layered collection of patterned fabrics (like the pink tiger bench!), greenery, and lanterns. Image: Leslie Brown Photography

Elegant interior featuring a plush gray sectional sofa with tartan pillows, a whimsical rug, and a wooden bookcase against a deep purple wall. — This gorgeous, moody study area is the ideal spot for lounging. Image: Leslie Brown Photography

Laura’s biggest design challenge was starting with a home that was not fully custom. “We didn’t spend a year working on the drawings with an architect and then designing it just the way I wanted,” she explains. “It’s a semi-custom home. I picked everything but had many restrictions. It was a great learning experience; when you have limited options or few changes permitted to a floorplan, you start to truly consider what is really important to you in a home and how your family will best experience it.”

Elegant bedroom with a large bed, two armchairs, and a muted color palette. — Large windows let ample light into the primary bedroom, illuminating Laura and Josh’s sleep sanctuary. Image: Leslie Brown Photography

Modern bathroom with dark tile backsplash, white marble flooring, wooden furniture, and a hanging plant by the window. — Green subway tile stands out in the master bath, offset by a hanging plant and a pretty vignette with an ornate chair and side table. Image: Leslie Brown Photography

Elegant home office with eclectic decor, featuring a round table with books, a desk with rolling chairs, open shelving, and a kitchenette. — Wallpaper installed by Harpeth Painting brings in an accent piece in the form of statement walls, while a conference table from Cambria allows plenty of room to meet with clients. Image: Leslie Brown Photography

Given that both Laura and Josh work from home, creating inviting, productive office spaces was essential. Josh’s office has thoughtfully displayed baseball memorabilia surrounded by rich, peacock-meets-indigo-colored walls. In contrast, Laura’s office brings in a softer feminine vibe — the perfect place to welcome clients.

“My office had to be inspired, functional, and beautiful,” she tells us. “It’s always a joy to see clients’ faces when they get to the top of the landing. I suspect they don’t anticipate seeing such a professional yet spacious home office. The world of professional interior design is very intense and rewarding but stressful. It’s important that I have an office space that feels special.”