Outline Interiors VF

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January 3, 2025 By ASPIRE DESIGN AND HOME

Best known for her modern, comfortable, and distinct aesthetic, Laura Tribbett has over 16 years of luxury residential interior design expertise and has worked on projects of all scales across the world. Prior to founding Outline Interiors in 2015, Laura honed her design sensibility at several AD Top 100 interior design firms in New York including renowned designers Thom Filicia, David Easton, William T. Georgis, Shawn Henderson, and Thomas Juul-Hansen. Laura holds a degree in interior design from TCU where she graduated cum laude and resides in the Fulton Market Neighborhood of Chicago with her husband Charles, and daughters Natalie and Jasper. Learn more about Laura Tribbett’s design aesthetic in today’s Designer Friday.

With floor-to-ceiling windows, this living space seamlessly blends the city skyline into the design, with a soft neutral palette that complements the urban hues outside.

Andrew Joseph: What would your dream project or dream client be right now?

Laura Tribbett: Anything for the Obamas. I got to meet President Obama in 2018 and seized the moment – I offered my services for their home here in Chicago. My whole angle was that the designer that did the White House isn’t local to Chicago, and from a carbon emissions standpoint, it’s not a great look blah blah blah… but before I was able to get all of that out, I said “[Michael Smith] is great and all, but – “ and President Obama cut me off and said “but he’s old! And you’re young and fresh and cool!” I think I blacked out after that. Best moment of my life.

AJ: What is the most important element in a successful interior design?

LT: The word that comes to mind here is “connection”. The most successful interiors and the most enjoyable client interactions we create come about when there’s a strong connection. My team and I work really hard on the front end to create a strong bond with our clients – we take inventory of their likes and dislikes, their goals for the space, and we also get a feel for where we can maybe push creative boundaries in a way that makes them feel empowered. (We also learn their snack and drink preferences – no one wants a hangry client… but I digress.)

Once we have truly earned their trust, presenting design elements that they will feel excited and connected to is really the name of the game. They start to anticipate the arrival of their pieces and they’re telling their friends and family about the design on the horizon… it’s really fun to see the client’s connection to the design grow throughout the process.

Deep blue tones and cozy textures make this bedroom the perfect spot to unwind and relax in style.

AJ: Can you tell us about a specific moment in your career that made you feel accomplished?

LT: Two pivotal moments come to mind – one instance from my time as a designer working in a firm, and another as the principal designer of Outline Interiors.

I was truly blessed to work for a slew of top designers during my time in New York, but one moment stands out for me when I was at David Easton’s office. I was working on a 180’ luxury sailboat project. This was in 2009-ish, so the office had some personnel cuts due to the recession, but I survived and was the only person who was continuous on this particular project. The boat was being built in Amsterdam, so we got to travel there to meet with all of the parties and the clients, and at the end of all of the meetings, David gave me a big hug and said “I respect you so much.” As a junior designer, hearing those words from the big boss (and an icon in the industry) was so major! I felt really validated in what I brought to the table – regardless of my junior designer title at the time.

Once I was out on my own, a huge accomplishment for me was my first national publication. My husband and I purchased a beautiful (but blank) loft in Fulton Market, Chicago in 2017 and through a 9-month gut renovation in 2019, created our magical family home. We welcomed our older daughter in the middle of this renovation – so a lot of blood, sweat, tears, and hormones went into it! I was so honored to have not only my work, but my own personal residence, featured in the Wall Street Journal in early 2022. Later that year, HGTV Magazine also captured our home for their 2022 holiday issue as the cover story. Both of these features were so special as they also included stories and photos of our whole family. (if you look closely at the WSJ family photo, you’ll notice 2-year-old Natalie happily snacking on a large wedge of parmesan – we had to use a leftover photo prop for some toddler cooperation)

AJ: What is your favorite design trend from the past?

LT: Upholstered walls for sure. It’s the next best thing to being in an actual cocoon, and it is so easy to make this modern or traditional depending on your fabric and trim choices!

Bold botanical wallpaper transforms this powder room into a lively and refreshing space.

AJ: What is your favorite aspect of your job?

LT: I can’t say that I have one favorite aspect because what I love about my job is that no two days are the same. Maybe it’s the Gemini in me, but I thrive when I have variety in my day-to-day life. One day we’re sourcing and scheming, another day we’re drafting and working mainly on the computer, the next day we’re bopping around to the various showrooms to see pieces IRL… or maybe we’re walking through construction sites or picking out stone slabs. I love that I get to use my technical background, design knowledge, people skills, problem-solving penchant, sometimes algebra, and be a social butterfly all in one role.

AJ: What is the most important skill for a successful designer?

LT: Creativity is paramount. That sounds cliche because creativity is pretty baseline for being good at designing beautiful spaces, but you also need to be creative in troubleshooting an issue, communicating with tradespeople, crafting a schedule to hit all of your deadlines, and even meeting a budget without sacrificing the aesthetic. There are so many things to manage as a designer/project manager, and many things are going to be out of your control. Having an open mind to being creative and pivoting as needed will take you far.