Never Too Late

Author:Lindsey Shook

Laura Brophy Interiors infuses a Newport Beach home with classic charm

“My design philosophy is rooted in the belief that spaces should tell a story and evoke a sense of home,” says designer Laura Brophy, who thrives on curating spaces that tell a story. “My approach is to seamlessly integrate traditional charm with modern conveniences, making each space both timeless and unique.” When hired by clients to design a new home on their existing lot in Newport Beach where their family felt welcome to build lasting memories, she and her team quickly got to work to deliver their dream. “The property has been significant to our clients, serving as the backdrop where they raised their family, however, as their children grew up and started their own families, the original home began to feel too small, especially during holiday gatherings and special events,” Brophy notes. “They realized it wasn’t just about adding more space but making the home fit their family’s current needs.”

Upon decided to embark on the journey of building a new home, the clients enlisted Richart Design bring a larger home to life. “The property was discovered by our wonderful clients, who dreamed of creating their perfect home from scratch,” she recalls. “They were captivated by the idea of designing a space that would perfectly meet their needs and desires, and the location was ideal for bringing their vision to life.” The overall vision was to blend traditional elements with modern day conveniences and functionality. “They wanted a space that balanced comfort and elegance, offering areas for family gatherings as well as intimate corners for relaxation.”

The clients’ had two essential requests that would guide the design. To start, both the architecture and interiors needed to embrace the natural light ever-present in Southern California. However, they also wanted a high level of privacy. Storage was also a key consideration. “They wanted ample storage solutions that wouldn’t compromise the open and airy feel of the spaces,” says Brophy. “For instance, in the flex space, they envisioned a comfortable area with a pretty sofa, rug, side tables and storage, incorporating nautical touches with accessories they already had. Each room was carefully planned to meet these needs, from the master bedroom with its serene design to the functional yet stylish laundry room with patterned floors.”

When it came to the furnishings and fabrics, Brophy and her team had to consider several pieces of the clients’ existing collection of furniture and accessories, which only enhanced the desired level of warmth. “We reupholstered some of their furniture to give it a fresh look, refinished their family dining table and reframed cherished art pieces,” she remarks. “Using items they had collected since childhood added layers of meaning and story to the space. It was truly special to hear all the stories behind these pieces and to integrate them into the design.”

When the project came to an end and the clients stepped into their forever home, they were overwhelmed with joy and how pleased with how Brophy brought their vision to life. “The personalized elements, particularly the integration of their treasured pieces, resonated deeply with them, making the space feel truly their own,” Brophy remarks. “Their happiness and satisfaction were the ultimate rewards for our team, reaffirming the belief that a well-designed home is not just about aesthetics but also about creating a space where cherished memories are made.”