Reimagine what could be with Lauren O'Donnell Interiors

Luxury Service, Luxury Experience

Sometimes things just work out better than anticipated, which was exactly what happened for the local interior design studio, Lauren O’Donnell Interiors. Juggling upwards of 25 design projects at a time, working out of her home with her team had run its course. The garage was bursting at the seams with inventory used to put the final touches on clients’ homes, Lauren’s two young boys were running around playing frisbee with carpet samples, and her husband was (patiently) enduring the endless deliveries. During an unprecedented year, full of uncertainty amidst the pandemic while juggling quarantine with kids, school, work and everything in between, the downtime led Lauren O’Donnell to her new “home” at 1350 E. 9th Street in Chico. What happened next, although unplanned, was the start of Chico’s newest shopping experience.

Lauren quickly started doing what she does best—remodeling! The studio began to take shape, and two 40-foot trucks of inventory quickly filled the space. “I was instantly in love with the new studio,” Lauren said. “It was centrally located, full of floor-to-ceiling windows, had wonderful neighbors, and enough space to finally spread out.” Lauren envisioned the space being a place where clients would visit for presentations, a showcase for design and what she could do, and a place to put her skills on display. She also wanted it to offer visitors the opportunity to purchase on-hand inventory because, why not? People were always asking to purchase products they had seen through her Instagram profile (@lodesigns) or from one of her finished projects in someone’s home. “It was surprising how many people came in and bought a piece here and there,” she added. So with the help of her team, they quickly decided to go all-in with a full-time shop.

The shop officially opened its doors on the first day of spring, in March of 2021. “The grand opening was a blast,” said Lauren. The sun was shining, the

champagne was flowing, and the store was filled with friends, family, past and present clients, and tons of new faces. “I felt so grateful for everyone who came and shopped—and especially my team and friends who were there until 3am the night before to make it happen. We now have a loyal customer base who’ve been in at least four-or-five times since our opening,” she added. Although interior design is still the centerpiece of the business, the store has grown into a location where customers can walk in and purchase a gift, a vintage home accessory, or get help styling an entire sideboard or table they have been struggling to make “complete.”

It’s not just people walking in the door. Lauren O’Donnell Interiors has a client base that goes far beyond Chico and even the United States. “I am constantly traveling to clients outside of the area. It’s another challenge I enjoy, and we can meet, but I couldn’t do it without my team,” she said. Please notice the use of we. Lauren’s team of four is extremely important to her. “Kelly, Christina, and Amy make people feel welcome and at home. When a customer walks through the door, we are quick to get up and offer help and fresh coffee. On Saturdays, we even serve Prosecco!”

The team enjoys their work and sees days not necessarily as work, but doing something they love. As Kelly said, “It’s really fun to watch Lauren create. I love being part of the team.” Christina added, “It’s incredible what the store brings to Chico. It has so much to offer everyone and anyone who comes in.” Lauren really wanted it to be a place where her team loved to be and where customers could come in and find something they love at a price they could afford with unparalleled service. “Service is everything to me,” Lauren added, “and as I always tell my team, this is a luxury service that deserves a luxury experience. Whether you are in for a candle or an entire ground-up design, that service carries through to everyone.”

A home is so important to us all. It is where we live, where we love, where we find joy—it is a part of us and our existence. Lauren O’Donnell Interiors can help you achieve your dream home. Lauren and her excellent team can be reached at 530-965-5970 or at laurenointeriors.com. Better yet, drop by the store and check out their curated collection of home decor, furnishings, and more!