Lisa Bohrer | Spaces

Located in downtown Bismarck, Spaces is an interior design studio that sells décor and furniture and offers interior remodeling services, light commercial and residential design services, flooring, wallpapering, and so much more. Lisa Bohrer, owner of Spaces, opened the interior design studio 11 years ago, after time in both the architecture world and the interior design world. “I knew I wanted to go into interior design when I was a little girl,” she says. “I love what I do.” Her passion and experience makes her one of the go-to interior designers in the area.

Recently, Lisa took on a commercial project for Dakota Eye Institute whose north location needed a large remodel that nearly doubled their capacity to keep up with their growing business. Originally, the owners of Dakota Eye came to her husband because at the time, Lisa still worked for his architectural firm. Lisa became the designer of the project and become involved as soon as the initial floor plan was developed.

Throughout the process of remodeling, Lisa helped with all aspects of the updated facility, from colors and visuals, to signage, to updating the exterior and their new entrance. While planning for the remodel, Lisa tried to reuse pre-remodel elements and tie them in with the new elements. For example, Lisa kept much of the existing woodwork and seamlessly blended it in with new additions, making the space feel more modern and bright, but keeping the warmth of the darker colors. “We wanted to modernize it but keep it very welcoming because [Dakota Eye’s] client base starts from infants to the elderly, so we wanted to be sure it was welcoming for the whole range,” explains Lisa.

Another important consideration for the remodel was functionality. As a medical facility, Dakota Eye cannot easily shut down, and it is hard to work through remodels. Lisa wanted to be sure that the materials they used for the project were easy upkeep and long lasting, so the facility does not have to worry about another remodel for a long time.

Apart from function, Lisa also did a masterful job considering the aesthetics of the facility. One of her favorite parts of the remodel was the ceiling and chandeliers in optical. “You can’t help but smile when you walk in there,” Lisa says. She drew inspiration from other optical areas she would visit on her travels. “We knew that spot had to be bright so the glasses would dance because the glasses are your jewelry.” Lisa’s incredible level of attention to detail makes not only the optical stand out, but is also what pulls the whole facility together into a beautiful, welcoming space.