Mind on Design
PHOTOS BY JORDAN RANDALL | FLATLAYS BY NICOLE ROE
Geometric Green
Rich brown leather wallpaper is the base of this dramatic combination. A metallic, geometric wallpaper against the moody forest mural serves a striking juxtaposition of styles. Dark wood, textured fabrics and painted brick tie the patterns together. Silver mop shell alongside a brass finger pull elevates the look.
Most of us can remember our childhood homes. We might not remember every detail, but certain can easily recall colors, rooms and pieces of furniture. From the time we’re born, spaces hold our most important memories — and interior designers like Nicole Roe help make those spaces memorable.
Although Nicole wasn’t always focused on interior design, it was always her calling.
“I was the child that would pick paint colors based on my current mood, paint and repaint as often as my parents would allow,” she remembers.
Nicole graduated from Georgia Tech with a major in Building Construction, but she couldn’t resist pursuing design once she moved to Lakeland.
“I briefly worked for my in-laws citrus packing house after I had my first child, and rather quickly turned my position into renovating their office,” Nicole recalls. “That was the sign I needed to know that I was still deeply drawn to interiors.”
“When you are a creative, it doesn’t matter the phase of life you are in: you must create. Add in entrepreneur blood, and you can’t stay still for long.”
Not Quite Nautical
French oak wood flooring provides a neutral base for this soothing design. Moody blue wallpaper and blue fabric add a pop of color against neutral fabrics, while medium chip terrazzo with a pink base allows the colorful variety of glass tiles to shine.
Renovating the office led to more small projects for friends and family — and now, Nicole provides professional residential, commercial and new-build design services.
“I like to push clients beyond their comfort zone to help give them a space that represents their best self,” she says. “The best compliment is when a client throws a party after we have finished their project — [when] they want to share it with their friends.”
For those looking to upgrade their space in a simple way, Nicole has a few suggestions.
“If you were going to do one thing to your space, I would say update your light fixtures,” she recommends. “This simple swap can change the vibe of the entire room. Paint is the obvious second choice, followed by art. Our first choice is always something handmade, but getting [any] art on the walls will make a space feel elevated.”
It’s clear that Nicole has a passion for many aspects of her job — but more than anything, she loves the process of working with her clients.
“I love working with the contractors and the trades, troubleshooting issues, agreeing on creative solutions and seeing our designs evolve into a completed project,” she says. “We love seeing the impact our projects have on our clients’ lives.”
“Interior Design affects all the senses when done well. It gives the owner of the space a sense of purpose and something to be proud of.”
Tropical Cat
Wallpaper from Jungalow serves as the base of this bright, fun design. Walnut wood and deep turquoise grasscloth are layered with dyed fabric and yarn from Four Purls in Winter Haven. Bold trims, metallic accents and an original painting from local artist Blair Updike pull this adventurous look together.
Tiger Splatter
Wallpaper from Jungalow serves as the base of this bright, fun design. Walnut wood and deep turquoise grasscloth are layered with dyed fabric and yarn from Four Purls in Winter Haven. Bold trims, metallic accents and an original painting from local artist Blair Updike pull this adventurous look together.
