~A Q&A with Cape Girardeau designer Laurie Schneider

Name: Laurie Schneider

Job: Owner of Laurie Schneider Interior Design

Hometown: Cape Girardeau

Family: Joe, her husband of 23 years, farms in Southern Illinois. Their son, Sam, is a 2010 graduate of Cape Girardeau's Central High School

Her design philosophy: Don't throw everything out and start from scratch -- think of the things that are important to you and start with those.

How did you get into interior design?

I have had a lifelong love of interior design. Encouraged by my mother at the age of 12, I remodeled my bedroom with a very mod chrome and glass contemporary feel. At the age of 46, my design taste may have matured, but my passion for the field has never wavered. I studied interior design at Southeast Missouri State University and went on to work for several local designers. After two years at home with my son Sam, I founded my own firm, known simply as Laurie Schneider Interior Design.

How would you describe your style?

I have always considered my business client-driven and work in a variety of styles depending on the wants and wishes of the current client. My personal style is an eclectic mixture of what has occurred in my life and what works with the architecture of my home and my family's needs at the time. I would consider it traditional with a twist. I don't like anything to look to "designed." However, I'm not afraid to have white kitchen upholstered chairs with a large black lab in the family. Sometimes a girl has to do what a girl has to do!

Where do you find your ideas and inspiration?

I find inspiration all around me. I love nature and the outdoors and love the current trends toward green and recycled products. Reclaimed lumber has such character, and a nature-inspired palette works wonderfully with it. But inspiration can also come in the form of a family heirloom or client's collection or simply their passion for a certain color, and suddenly it's all around you.

What are your best tips for sprucing up a room?

I would say most people could spruce up a room at no cost by simply editing what they have. We have a tendency to collect clutter over time with no real rhyme or reason to it. And then perhaps adding just a bold accessory to the space -- if you have neutral upholstery throw out the cabbage rose toss pillows and liven things up with a bold graphic print. It will just make the room feel fresher and more updated.