We’re a leader in sustainable furnishings. Laura is a leader in sustainable interior design. We’ve worked with her on the sustainability-focused podcast Once Upon a Project and on the Southern Living Idea House. So it just made sense to ask her to curate her Room & Board favorites for cohesive style with the planet in mind. Keep reading to learn how Laura, owner and principal interior designer of Baltimore-based Laura Hodges Studio. weaves sustainable design into her process.

Why is sustainability important in your design process?

I care deeply about sustainability because I feel that it’s our duty to take care of this planet in any way we can. Even small changes in our collective habits (like composting or reducing water usage) can make a big impact for years to come. In an industry where we are creating newly built environments for our clients, I feel obliged to make sure that we’re doing so responsibly. This includes everything from prioritizing American-made products made from responsibly sourced, renewable materials to protecting indoor air quality and minimizing waste through recycling and donations to avoid landfills.

How do you talk with your clients about sustainable furniture?

When we’re designing for our private clients, we always include our ethos about sustainability in our initial conversations. While it’s not always a high priority for every client, we believe that good design is sustainable, so we are dedicated to designing spaces that are beautiful, functional and enjoyable while being considerate of our environment. It’s often the icing on the cake of a thoughtful and narrative design that our clients can feel good about creating.

What should people look for in sustainable furniture?

I would consider rapidly renewable, reclaimed and responsibly forested wood for your furniture. This simple but very meaningful consideration will go a long way to making sure that exotic and slow-growing woods have a chance to thrive. High quality, durable furniture is innately sustainable because it will last longer (also retaining your initial investment) and not need to be replaced as quickly.

Why did you choose these Room & Board products? What was your vision for the curated group?

My vision for this curated group was to highlight pieces that we frequently select for our design projects and that showcase the aesthetic we have created within our studio. If you love our style, you’ll love this curated capsule of our favorite pieces because they represent the high quality, thoughtful design we bring to all of our work. Many of these pieces can be integrated into a cohesive design plan throughout your home for a design that feels unique to you.

What colors or materials inspire you right now?

I always love handwoven textures and neutrals, but recently I’ve been very drawn to a wide range of colors that immediately bring personality and character to a space. I love soft sage and muddy greens, hazy blues and navy, warm burgundy and even muted mustard, as well as antique brass accents.

How would you describe your design style?

I would describe my aesthetic as narrative, layered, classically tailored and modern, with lots of unique vintage finds and curated art. We love to create spaces that are as unique as our clients, so every project is catered to our clients’ taste, style and life story.

What do you love about your home?

I love that our home is a true reflection of our family. We love to entertain so our home is designed to feel welcoming, with space for larger gatherings as well as smaller, more intimate moments. Built in 1939, we love the classic feel of an older home while layering a mix of vintage and new furniture and decor, curated artwork we have collected over the years (including my own) and lots of natural light and plants.