Your Back to School Cheatsheet '25

Back-to-school reflections on design and self-growth: an inspiring $473K kitchen makeover, a lighthearted college-life nod, and my favorite luxe quick-fix finds to help you prioritize yourself.

August 25, 2025

Hello Friends,

As the rhythm of late summer gives way to the structure of a new season, I’m reminded of how design, like life,is defined by transition. In this edition of the LGI Design Quarterly, we explore how spaces evolve alongside the people who live in them, from empty nesters reimagining their homes to individuals embracing environments that nurture joy, comfort, and possibility.

For me, design is not just about beauty, it is about creating spaces that honor who you are and support who you are becoming. As both a mother of five and a business owner, I’ve seen how understanding your own worth and surrounding yourself with intentional design can be truly life-changing.

Enjoy reading!

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WHEN THEY START TO FLY, WE SOAR

A $450,000 Kitchen Renovation Marked a New Beginning for Chicago Empty-Nesters

A Chicago couple celebrates their empty-nest era with a high-contrast, ultrachic kitchen makeover - think gleaming brass accents, Italian millwork, a dramatic black porcelain countertop, and smart storage that elevates everyday living.

WSJ

10 Design Tips To Turn Your Empty Nest Into A Whole New Space

Tips and inspiration for reshaping rooms after children move out - keeping the home welcoming while subtly adding features and décor to reflect parents’ evolving tastes and needs.

ELLE DECOR

49 Home Library Ideas to Inspire Study-Time Magic

From floor-to-ceiling shelves to cozy window nooks and color-popped built-ins, this roundup turns any corner into a focused, fun study zone - perfect for organizing textbooks, displaying school reads, and motivating A+ habits all year.

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

INDEPENDENCE, PRESENTATION, PRIDE & DESIGN

Everything You Need to Outfit Your College Dorm

A concise guide to dorm essentials that prioritizes comfort, function, and personal style during a pivotal stage of independence and self-discovery. Thoughtful decor supports growth and belonging, encouraging students to feel at home and express evolving identities in a supportive, stylish space.

NY MAGAZINE

Co-Eds Deck Out Dorms for Instagram-Worthy Style

Not Just driving them to campus, but a look at what’s driving their thinking. A look at budget-savvy, Instagram-worthy dorms, where students showcase creativity and personalize every inch.

NY POST

INSPIRATIONAL ACCOUNT

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Exquisite design starts with listening.

- Laura Gorman