Designer Laura Thurman’s Home: Colorful, Cozy & Collected
From modern art and exotic lanterns to moody statement walls, interior designer Laura Thurman's home is the epitome of "collected." Each room boasts a unique personality, but the design remains beautifully cohesive. Take the tour!
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.”
PinStarting 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
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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.”
PinFrom textured throw pillows to a smattering of art, this living room embraces creativity and tranquility. Image: Leslie Brown Photography
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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.”
PinExotic pendants and an eggplant-hued backsplash offer a focal point behind the couch. Image: Leslie Brown PhotographyPinA 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.”
PinAdjacent 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 PhotographyPinThis 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.”
PinLarge windows let ample light into the primary bedroom, illuminating Laura and Josh’s sleep sanctuary. Image: Leslie Brown PhotographyPinGreen 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 PhotographyPinWallpaper 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.”
PinBoth handsome and practical, Josh’s first-floor in-home office has just the right warmth and masculinity. Image: Leslie Brown PhotographyPinWindow treatments from The Shade Store provide interest in the form of fabrics, including these whimsical curtains with a bird motif. “I’ve always had a large home office, so it was critical that this new build accommodate a large design studio equipped with work and meeting space, along with a separate area for my resource library,” Laura tells us. Image: Leslie Brown Photography
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PinA close-up of the patterned wallpaper in Laura’s office offers a glimpse into some of the daily inspiration she enjoys in her creative space. Image: Leslie Brown PhotographyPinBillowing light fixtures bring a bohemian vibe. “Unique handmade Moroccan lighting sets the stage, and color and beautiful wallpaper make a statement,” says Laura. “I especially love passing by my vintage kimono hanging on the stairwell wall.” Image: Leslie Brown Photography
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Jenna von Oy Bratcher is StyleBlueprint's Editorial Operations Manager and Lead Content Editor. The East Coast native moved to Nashville almost two decades ago, by way of Los Angeles. She is a lover of dogs, strong coffee, traveling, and exploring the local restaurant scene bite by bite.
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