Designed Smart

POV: You asked me a simple design question, and somehow we're now discussing tile layouts, lighting plans, cabinet construction, traffic flow, and the emotional impact of paint colors!

Behind every beautiful space is a lot of measuring, problem-solving, decision-making, and collaboration. The pretty pictures are the result—but the process is where the magic happens.

And honestly? That's my favorite part. ❤️

Sometimes when things seem a little quiet on my end, it's because all of this is happening behind the scenes.

A design project is so much more than pretty photos and paint colors.

- Design development and problem-solving
- Material selections
- Vendor and contractor collaboration
- Client presentations and revisions
- Technical details and construction planning

A lot happens before a single cabinet is installed or a tile is laid. The magic happens in all the work nobody sees!!

Open shelving, a love language and a commitment. I am a big fan, but I'll always be upfront with clients: what you put on them is just as much a design decision as the shelves themselves. Clutter doesn't hide here. But when it's done right? Nothing beats it.

People think interior design is all pretty mood boards (and yes, I love a good mood board ). But my favorite part is actually being on-site with the contractors, problem-solving in real time, and watching a space go from demo day to done. That's where the magic really happens.

A little bit of Madrid, right here in Washington. Just coming back from a design trip through Spain and Italy, I found myself completely drawn to the patterned tiles in Madrid—and this space feels like a little reflection of that inspiration.

Bold patterned floors, blush scalloped tile, natural light, and tree views through a transom window… all layered to create a bathroom that feels like an escape.

🏆 NKBA 2025 Award Winning Project

If you're new here, hi, I'm Laila! 👋 I founded Designed Smart in Everett, WA after years of working in architecture and design across Brazil and the U.S. My dad got me hooked on construction sites as a kid and I never really looked back. Today I work hands-on with clients and contractors to design spaces that actually feel like the people who live in them. Glad you found me!