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Creating Interior Jewels on the Emerald Coast

HOME AT EASE Incorporates Design Indoors & Outdoors

Article by Savannah Vasquez

Photography by Robert Young, Forever Young Images

Originally published in Destin City Lifestyle

If you have ever watched HGTV and thought it would be fun to have a home remodel and redesign like they do in the home improvement shows, Laura Bommarito of HOME AT EASE is your girl. 

“I have solid relationships with long-term local trades providing concierge level service to my clients in the area,” Laura said. “I’m different from other designers in that I execute the whole thing from start to finish. Right through from placing personal items in storage to renovating the house and setting it all back up for them. Importantly, I act as their local advocate as most live out of town.”

Laura has an extensive background in commercial design that stems from her work as a producer and creative director for brands like Ford, Cadillac and Lincoln. During her time in the automotive industry, Laura worked to create luxury experiences for customers in product launches and experience centers. 

“I have a unique style myself, but I design for my clients,” Laura said. “My approach is different because I think about all the types of guests that will be utilizing the space. People want a beautiful place to stay in a vacation home, and I want to WOW them when they walk in the door because it's about the experience of living here.”

One of Laura’s most notable designs was for a client who wanted a space with dramatic color highlights reminiscent of a jewel box. Laura took that idea and incorporated a bold dark blue island with an exquisite stained-glass backsplash in the kitchen. She also incorporated gold and brass tones throughout the home to give the space a luxurious, jewelry box feel. 

“The Jewel Box project is really reflective of what a client would ask for,” Laura said. “I get very deeply involved with my clients and what they are looking for; I really try to listen to my clients and give them a beautiful execution of what they envision. It’s their home and not mine at the end of the day.”

Design and utilization of every square foot of real estate is Laura’s goal. With ideas such as creating hidden storage under the island or building out unused spaces in a hallway, Laura has really made an impact in the area with her out-of-the-box designs. Since moving to the Emerald Coast full time in 2020, Laura has been studying the area in order to offer the best use of space both indoors and outdoors.

Laura’s first question when tackling outdoor space, is how the space will be best utilized and what the clients are looking for. Typical responses have included low maintenance outdoor kitchens, water features, putting greens, covered structures to escape the sun, or even a place to throw the ball with the grandkids.

"What I try to do is really leverage the outdoor space and make it an extension of the inside," Laura said. "My clients are used to larger spaces where they come from, and having a beach home in our area sometimes requires compromises on space. With my expertise, I can take their space and transform it into a beautiful, functional and enjoyable home for my clients for years to come."