Meet the Des Moines designers making homes more cheerful, one colorful kitchen at a time
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Alicia Held-Morris (left) and Jillian Lare launched Morris Lare Interiors in 2021. Photo: Ivory House Photography
Des Moines-based designers Alicia Held-Morris and Jillian Lare were recently announced as members of House Beautiful's Next Wave Class of 2024.
Why it matters: The list highlights big up-and-coming names in interiors across the U.S. There are only 13 spots and Des Moines received a nod.
The intrigue: Morris Lare Interiors is a pandemic-era success story, launched by friends turned business partners.
Axios had the chance to ask them few questions about their work.
- Get to know the design duo you're about to see everywhere, in their own words.
Describe your design style in 3 words.
Natural, livable luxury.
What's one home design trend you're loving right now?
Color! It can be scary to some people, but it doesn't have to be. Subtle shades of blues, greens and even muted yellows can be really fun on cabinets.
- We believe that natural colors — hues that you see when you look outside your window — are actually neutrals. When you start to view color that way, it feels like less of a risky design decision.
What's one trend past its prime?
We've never really loved black plumbing fixture finishes and door hardware, and as time has gone on we've seen that those finishes don't really hold up well to wear.
Best local spot for home decor or furniture?
RJ Home in Earlham is a favorite for both home decor and furniture. We love sourcing vintage, and they always find gorgeous antique furniture and vintage accessories that add the perfect finishing touches to our projects.
Where do you find inspiration?
Fashion, fine art, architecture, travel, Pinterest, design books, Instagram, antiques shopping…the list goes on!
- Inspiration can be as simple as the carved detail on an antique piece of furniture or the interplay of colors in a painting. The world offers so many opportunities for creative exploration and expression.
Mind sharing a little about your offerings?
We have multiple design packages with flat fee and hourly options.