Visual Thinker: Laura Hodges
Photo: Tara Hope
Laura Hodges ’09 (AAS) is the owner and principal of Laura Hodges Studio, a residential interior design firm based in the Baltimore area, and Domain, a design boutique. Hodges was named a House Beautiful Next Wave Designer for 2019, a Traditional Home New Trad Designer, and one of Sotheby’s Home 20 Designers for 2020. On May 3, at NYSID’s Gala 2022, she will be presented with the Rising Star, an award reserved for a designer who is garnering a reputation for excellence in the industry. For the fourth year in a row, The Shade Store proudly sponsors the Rising Star award.
The custom stairwell was designed by Hodges and crafted by Gutierrez Studios, a metalworking firm in Baltimore. The white oak treads match the floors. The stairwell, made of steel and frosted glass, gives the illusion of transparency, but since a bedroom is right at the top of the stairs, the frosted glass provides some privacy.
These sculptural light blocks from Vibia are sold with one light block and a number of reflectors. They can be positioned in any way. Hodges drew the almost botanical pattern here and had them installed to her specifications.
Hodges specified a double-layer window treatment with blackout shades and sheers. The sheer curtains allow for light and views while decreasing the energy it takes to cool the space. The blackout shades allow for privacy and light blocking since the bedroom opens up to the main living space.
This table, designed by Hodges and crafted by Baltimore woodworking studio Goodwood, has an ebonized oak base. The top of the table is cerused, open-grain oak with a starburst pattern one can see from the stairs. From the entryway, the table forms a graceful silhouette against the backlight.
The paint color is Benjamin Moore’s “Super White,” which Hodges says “is not too warm and not too cool, so it’s very complementary for art work.”
Photo: Jennifer Hughes