about laura
krey design
Established in 2008, Laura Krey Design is a boutique interior design firm that specializes in creating residential spaces that feel like livable art. We take what feels like an overwhelming renovation and turn it into a delightful design process. With clients at the helm, backed by art and design experts, each space becomes a seamless mix of sustainability, functionality, and whimsical beauty.
From art historian to designer, Laura Krey blends classical with contemporary, structured with whimsical to create exceptional, livable spaces.
My style and expertise are products of a lifetime rooted in the arts, though my design journey initially began with a dollhouse. My father shares my love of design and built a beautiful kit dollhouse for me as a child after he saw that my smaller, plastic one wasn’t cutting it. The kit allowed for flexibility in flooring and wallcovering choices, of which my dad took charge. I remember thinking, “I would have loved to pick out all those materials.” After completing the kit, I decorated and redecorated that dollhouse, arranging miniatures and swapping color schemes for hours. Little did I know I was laying the foundation for my future career.
That early passion led me to Florence, Italy, where my aesthetic and eye for detail were honed while studying art among centuries of masterpieces. After earning my MA in art history from George Washington University, I moved to New York City to work in a contemporary art gallery. But I longed to create art again, which led me to pursue a design degree from the New York School of Interior Design.
My work with acclaimed firms, including Tom Scheerer Inc., LB Architects, and Kathleen Walsh Interiors, helped to spark a passion for sustainable design and what I like to call "functional whimsy" – a signature approach I bring to every project at Laura Krey Design.
A LIFETIME IN THE ARTS
01. A LIFETIME IN THE ARTS
The most compelling designs emerge where opposing elements meet. At Laura Krey Design, exceptional spaces emerge when we embrace the unexpected and celebrate the tension between classical and contemporary, structured and whimsical, sophisticated and livable. I love exploring the juncture where explosive maximalist English style meets architectural strength and precision. This intersection manifests in the layering of patterns and subtle, calm colorways balanced with strong forms and thoughtful details. I used to think this was a contradictory approach and would fight against it – until I finally relaxed into embracing these beautiful tensions.
My design inspiration flows from a rich tapestry of sources: from Louise Bourgeois's sculptural forms to Donald Judd's architectural precision, from Charlotte Perriand's innovations to Jean Royère's playful elegance. I'm equally moved by contemporary artists pushing boundaries at MoMA as I am by the timeless principles of English garden design. This blend of urban energy, classical sensibility, contemporary art and traditional craft informs every space we create.
Our deep dive into research, close collaboration with artisans, and unwavering commitment to wellness and sustainable design practices set our work apart. Every project begins with understanding how our clients want their homes to look and how they live within them. I believe a well-designed home must achieve three essential elements:
Reflect your personality and style through thoughtfully curated spaces. Serve as a functional, practical, and deeply comfortable environment for daily life. Honor both the health and wellness of its inhabitants and our planet through mindful design choices.
Design Philosophy
02. Design Philosophy
Today, I split my time between Manhattan and our family retreat in Manasquan, NJ. This dual perspective has profoundly influenced my approach to design. I'm constantly inspired by visits to galleries like Salon 94 and Venus Over Manhattan, immersing myself in the vibrant art scene that drew me to New York. Meanwhile, weekends on the NJ shore remind me that luxury can – and should – feel completely livable, teaching me valuable lessons about the balance between sophistication and comfort.
A Tale of Two Homes
While I'm proud of how far Laura Krey Design has come since 2008, I'm most excited about where we're heading. My goal isn't to build the biggest design studio in New York – it's to be known for doing great work, creating spaces that feel collected rather than decorated, and being easy to work with.
Whether designing a Manhattan pied-à-terre or a coastal family home, our mission remains the same: to create spaces that feel like livable art, where every detail has meaning and every room tells a story.
looking forward
