In the BOH series What I Love, we’re asking designers to build us a mood board of what’s inspiring them right now.
Laura Ramirez creates spaces that promote togetherness. Born in Colombia, the Hoboken, New Jersey–based designer behind Casalau Design seeks out tactile handmade pieces that encourage conversation and congregation. “We prioritize moments of connection,” she tells Business of Home. “Rooms oriented around storytelling that honor everyday rituals.”
Inspired by a current project—the kitchen of a young family’s suburban home—she employed the same ethos when crafting her flat lay. “The house once belonged to our client’s grandmother, so we wanted to honor the past while writing a new beginning,” says Ramirez. “Elements such as built-in seating, window perches and curved banquettes allow for both quiet moments and gathering.”
A sumptuous range of organic materials, including wool, honed marble and mushrooms, ultimately draws the palette together, while the occasional bolt of a bold modern motif counterbalances the softness of the scheme. “All of these pieces are heirlooms that can be passed down, just as this home has been,” she says.
Here, Ramirez breaks down the details, from antique tiles to a crystal-clad side table.
1. ANTIQUE PORTUGUESE TILES FROM D’OREY TILES
“The homes and buildings of Lisbon are adorned in these historical tiles that have stood the test of time. There is a resiliency that I love so much about them. They inspired many of our fabric selections in the flat lay—I love how they tie everything together and truly merge the old with the new.”
2. VAGABOND FABRIC IN 07 BY ZAK+FOX
“[This project’s] story began with this fabric—it was a mutual favorite of mine and our client’s. I love how the stripe and woven patterns are layered on top of each other, and yet it remains subtle.”
3. MUSHLUME TRUMPET PENDANT SAMPLE BY MUSHLUME LIGHTING
“I fell in love with these sustainable mushroom lighting fixtures years ago when I saw them at 1 Hotel in Brooklyn, and had to get one for myself. This past NYC Design Week at ICFF, I met MushLume artist and founder Danielle Trofe, and it reaffirmed my love for this pendant. It’s a conversation piece over a dining table, with guests often reaching out to feel it.”
4. ARIETTA PAISLEY FABRIC IN HOPSACK BY RALPH LAUREN AT DESIGNERS GUILD
“A quiet yet spirited printed textile adds visual interest to window treatments. This one is durable enough for the splashes of a kitchen, while giving the appearance of vintage worn silk. I love how it breaks up the rest of the geometric patterns without feeling loud.”
5. BALL GREEN PAINT BY FARROW & BALL
“This muted green is the perfect match to create a monochrome island for our green-toned stone. It feels zen, comforting and neutral enough to use just about anywhere.”
6. GLASS VESSEL WITH TOPPER BY MICHAEL ANCHIN GLASS COMPANY
“This one-of-a-kind blown-glass piece was discovered while strolling down Warren Street in Hudson, New York. Every vase that Michael Anchin had displayed in his storefront’s window reflected a different colored light, and I was captivated. No two pieces are the same, and choosing the perfect topper to your vase is part of the magic.”
7. AU BORD DU LAC WALLPAPER BY PIERRE FREY
“Anchoring our entire palette is this exquisite tapestry wallcovering, which brings moodiness and narrative to our space. The faint silhouettes of trees echo our green island backdrop and envelop you in harmony and a peaceful feeling throughout.”
8. DRAWING XVI (B) 1974 FABRIC IN TOBACCO BY ANNI ALBERS AT DEDAR
“This is one of my favorite textiles for how visually and tactually pleasing it is—and for how durable! The soft velvet geo motif appearing to pop out of the tight cotton woven backdrop adds to the layered feel we’re going for, while keeping it fun and vibrant.”
9. SAVILE ROW WINDSOR TWEED FABRIC IN AGNES BY HOLLAND & SHERRY
“This wool tweed is extremely soft, while the quiet herringbone pattern makes it a sophisticated addition to any palette.”
10. THE TABLE TOP LIGHTER BY THOMAS HAYES STUDIO
“The Redondo stools are the perfect blend of modern and timeless. The plush top (that swivels), with a rich walnut base and a warm bronze bearing cover in between, make these so easy to have in any style kitchen. This handsome lighter, which represents the stools in our flat lay, was made by Thomas himself, out of wood scraps from his shop.”
11. ORO VECCHIO AND QUATTRO STAGIONI HONED MARBLE BY ARTISTIC TILE
“Using two different stones in a kitchen can be a bold move, but we found these two, which play so beautifully together, and couldn’t resist. Oro Vecchio brings warmth and brightness to the perimeter, while Quattro Stagioni gives the otherwise classic kitchen island a gentle statement.”
12. MOD CABINET PULL AND KNOB IN POLISHED CHROME & SATIN BRASS BY HAPNY HOME
“We introduced this sleek, geometrically minimal metal pull and knob to punctuate the walnut cabinetry, offering a contemporary accent without competing with stone or wood grains. The two-tone brass-and-chrome detail, that you can only see up close, is the chef’s kiss.”
13. OMBRÉ GAIA FABRIC IN GOLD BY ROSEMARY HALLGARTEN
“This gently flowing ombre textile continues my love for visual and tactile comfort. I love how the gold that saturates toward the bottom and the loose weaves that filter in light evoke and invite the sun.”
14. PIPA DINING CHAIR IN NATURAL AND PANELITOS CIPOLLA XL LAMP IN OAK BY PIEGATTO
“The refined wood curves of the Pipa chair bring sculpture and modernness to our kitchen, and the Panelitos pendants reflect the perfect golden light off the interior gilded finish onto our island. I especially love that all of Piegatto’s lamps are woven by hand in their workroom of 10 artisan women.”
15. CRISALIDE FABRIC IN TERRACOTTA BY MARIAFLORA
“I am so impressed by this fabric, which feels like a linen-cotton blend, but is actually an extremely durable, high-performance solution-dyed acrylic textile. It’s perfect for the custom banquette in our hardworking breakfast nook.”
16. CORCA TABLE IN POLISHED CAST BRONZE & IRISH CRYSTAL SAMPLE BY ORIOR
“This small but impactful side table is just the right balance of opulence and patina. It feels like a piece of art that you want to gather around with close friends, or enjoy yourself on a dim-lit evening with a cup of tea.”
