Whether she is designing pillows or rugs, Atlanta-based textile designer Beth Lacefield is inspired by the world around her. The “Lacefield look” includes a fresh combination of textures, patterns and colors that is both modern and vintage, comfortable yet sophisticated.
Background: Grew up in Decatur and graduated from UGA with a degree in interiors. I first worked in commercial interior design and later for Atlanta-based accessories designer Carolyn Tanner before starting my company.
The company: Founded in 1996, Atlanta-based Lacefield manufactures printed textiles and decorative throw pillows, including a new line of outdoor pillows and drapery panels.
What's popular: The indoor/outdoor pillow line, launched in January. The outdoor styles with added details – like tassels in the corners — have done very well.
Claim to fame: Being recognized as "product designer of the year" by the ART (Accessories Resource Team), a trade group. Also developing a licensed product line of rugs, poufs and pillows for SURYA, a Calhoun-based manufacturer of trend-setting area rugs and home accessories.
As seen in: Better Homes and Gardens, Coastal Living, Flower, HGTV and InStyle magazines.
Any pillow rules or tricks: The more, the merrier! Pillows are the perfect way to add color, texture and visual interest to a room without breaking the bank. The best pillows look plump. Always use down/feather inserts that are a few inches larger than the pillow cover. I am not a fan of the pillow chop.
Any rug rules: No undersized rugs. I would rather see a bare floor than a tiny, odd-sized rug that doesn't fit the proportions of a room and its furniture.
New or re-emerging design looks I like: Updated classics. I never tire of geometric patterns. I love to put a new spin on classic block and tribal prints.
Most unusual design request: Slipcovers for palm trees (yes, real trees) for a Nike corporate party in the Bahamas — in Lacefield's early days.
Best design advice: Travel. There is inspiration everywhere.
Biggest design mistake: Designing for "trends" rather than following my own instincts.
Favorite design:
- Blogs: Waiting on Martha, Elements of Style, Lauren Liess and Glitter Guide.
- Instagram: ohfoxcreative; pencilandpaperco; tappancollective; mcalpinetankersley; and bpatrickflynn.
- Magazines: Veranda, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, World of Interiors, Traditional Home and Elle Décor.
Favorite Atlanta home/design stores: Bungalow Classic, South of Market, Pieces, Peridot and Stanton Home Furnishings.
Places for great finds: Antique stores on Cheshire Bridge Road, Scott's Antique Market and Paris flea markets.
My personal style: Classic with a modern sensibility.
Favorite accessories in my house: A wire and wood altar candle chandelier I bought at Clingnacourt market in Paris in 2001. It hangs in my living room. African beads that I brought back from trips to Africa. The beads are displayed in a hutch in my foyer and in bowls in the living room.
I collect: Dishes – white ironstone. My collection covers an entire wall of my dining room.
Household issues I am fussy about: Lots of daylight. My living room has a wall of windows with no window treatments. I love rooms flooded with natural light during the day. Also clutter. It distracts from the beauty of a space.
Dream project: Design products for an exclusive resort with a tropical vibe.
What's new: Incorporating hints of metallic shine in the pillow and textile collections.
Find Beth & Lacefield at:
- Facebook: Lacefield
- Pinterest: Lacefield
- Instagram: Lacefielddesigns
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