Designer Spotlight: Lauren Feurich
Good design should tell your story — not just follow trends. That’s the philosophy driving Lauren Feurich’s work at Drury Design. Whether she’s helping a client recreate coastal memories in a Wheaton bathroom or blending French country charm into a Tudor revival kitchen, Lauren brings equal parts technical expertise and creative fearlessness to every project.
What makes her approach special? It starts with listening — really listening — to how you live. Then comes the magic: transforming those everyday needs into spaces that are as functional as they are full of character.
Q: Tell us about some of the projects you are working on right now…
A: I’m currently working on a 1950s home remodel in Wheaton, which has been a lot of fun. The client bought an older home and is keen on preserving its original character. She’s not afraid of color, and we’re creating a primary bathroom with a “beach spa” feel, incorporating blues and light colors to evoke her time living on the West Coast. I’m really looking forward to seeing it completed.
I also have an upcoming project with a client in the city who is also aiming for a blue, beach-inspired primary bathroom, but this client wants to incorporate funky shapes and a mix of textures.
Additionally, I’m designing a French country kitchen for a Tudor-style home. The client wants the kitchen to align with the home’s character and is drawn to textures, distressed finishes, and the look of natural stone. She envisions a kitchen that feels as though it has aged gracefully with the home, rather than looking brand new. Her enthusiasm for the project is truly inspiring.
One of Lauren’s recent designs incorporates a hidden pantry – blending practical storage with a sleek, upscale touch.
Q: What’s a common question or concern that clients bring to the process, and how do you address it?
A: A very common question concerns the project timeline. I see this as an opportunity to explain our proactive approach: we prepare extensively upfront so that the installation phase runs smoothly. Our design process typically takes about three months, after which all materials are ordered. This ensures that once installation begins, we can maintain a consistent schedule without significant delays waiting for materials or tradespeople. Clients appreciate knowing their home won’t be in disarray for an extended period.
Another frequent concern is, “How do I figure out what I want if I only know what I don’t like?” Whether it’s about aesthetics or functionality, we address this through our detailed questionnaires and by thoroughly reviewing inspiration photos to help clients articulate their vision.
Q: The design process can seem daunting. How do you make it enjoyable for clients?
A: My goal is for clients to find the process fun, even though it can be inherently stressful. It should be an exciting journey for them to personalize their space. My role is to curate the design — both the floor plan and material selections — to perfectly suit their needs and style, thereby alleviating stress. I also manage the project. Drury Design clients aren’t left trying to figure out how to GC their remodels. We call it ‘white glove service!
I believe I’m doing my job right if the client is enjoying the experience. They come to us for our expertise and to ease their stress. While they do need to make decisions, narrowing their options to a manageable two or three, instead of the countless possibilities available, is very helpful. I also advise against rushing the process if it induces stress. It’s better to take the necessary time to feel comfortable with decisions, ensuring no regrets later.
Q: What’s your favorite part about working in the Chicago/Glen Ellyn area?
A: I love seeing all the old historic homes and buildings. Glen Ellyn has so much character, and it has been beautifully maintained. On a practical note, I also enjoy being just a two-minute walk from the downtown clothing stores!
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in kitchen and bath design?
A: I’ve always been fascinated by buildings — not just their aesthetic beauty, but how they function and impact the people who use them. While kitchen and bath design wasn’t my initial primary focus, I’m truly enjoying the depth of knowledge and experience gained from specializing in this vital part of residential design. There’s profound truth in the saying, “the kitchen is the heart of the home.” Kitchens and bathrooms are used daily, and it’s incredibly rewarding to help homeowners infuse their character into these essential spaces.
Q: What drew you to Drury Design?
A: Drury Design is renowned for its well-developed processes. Remodeling and construction inevitably come with potential challenges during installation. In design school, my instructors highlighted that Drury runs like a well-oiled machine, which was a significant draw. I value the security of knowing that established procedures are in place to ensure a seamless process as I design and grow. As someone who appreciates organization and thoughtfulness, I’m confident in the support of my team to prepare for and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
Q: How would you describe your design style in three words?
A: Fun, thoughtful and precise.
Q: How do you approach blending aesthetics with functionality in a space?
A: Design isn’t a simple formula; every client and space is unique, so a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. It’s crucial to understand that functionality doesn’t have to be compromised for aesthetics. I make it a priority to discuss a client’s functional challenges right from our initial consultation to ensure these are addressed from the outset.
Our initial questionnaires are very helpful in pinpointing functional needs. When developing rough plans, I often start by applying principles of maximum efficiency. Then, walking the client through these initial plans allows us to tailor the design to their specific daily routines, like ensuring their soup spoons are conveniently located next to their bowls, for example. This collaborative process helps refine the functional aspects of the design.
Q: What’s a design trend you’re loving right now? And is there one you’re hesitant about?
A: I’m thrilled that color is being embraced again! While a classic white kitchen is timeless, people are increasingly moving beyond whites and greys to incorporate more interest and personality with color.
I am cautious about porcelain countertops. While porcelain is an excellent material for floor and wall applications due to its thinness, using it for countertops requires careful consideration. It’s my responsibility as a designer to educate clients on potential risks. For instance, I wouldn’t recommend mitering porcelain edges, as they can be very weak and prone to chipping. Porcelain is super strong, but mitered edges involve two very sharp points coming together in the same collective point, which can certainly chip with impact. If a client chooses a porcelain top, I advise keeping it at its slab thickness to minimize these issues.
Q: How do you personalize a design to fit a client’s lifestyle? Where do you look for design inspiration?
A: Personalizing a design hinges on attentive listening during consultations and a collaborative exploration of inspirational images. I draw inspiration from various sources, including travel, art, and even social media, to spark creative ideas.
When a client is uncertain about their style, the most effective approach is to explore a wide range of inspiration photos. This helps us uncover their personality and preferences. By discussing specific aspects of images they like — be it the layout, materials, or overall feel — their design preferences gradually become clearer. This process also helps them feel more confident as we move forward.
Q: What’s your go-to trick for making a small space feel larger?
Using bright materials can significantly help to enlarge a room. Additionally, incorporating tile with linear details can elongate the space, either vertically or horizontally.
A: If you could design a dream kitchen with no limits, what would it include?
My dream kitchen would definitely feature natural stone countertops. While I understand the maintenance involved, their inherent beauty makes it worthwhile. A large island is also a must, especially since I’ve recently taken up baking sourdough bread. Having ample counter space to work on multiple loaves is incredibly helpful.
Inspired by Lauren’s fun and thoughtful approach to design? Lauren is eager to help you create a space that perfectly reflects your style and needs. Connect with her to discuss your upcoming project at lauren@drurydesigns.com or 630.446.7650.