Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Brophy.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I never expected to become an interior designer. I went to school for fashion design because I’ve always been captivated by creativity, the interplay of color, fabric, and styling, and by how those elements influence the way people live and express who they are. Eventually my path shifted into personal training and later into working at a kitchen and bath showroom. At the time it felt like I was moving in different directions, but each experience taught me something about people, lifestyle, and transformation.
In time, I realized that design was the place where everything came together. Fashion, wellness, and interiors all influence how a person feels in their day-to-day life, and I wanted to be part of that. I began working in the design industry with a friend and continued learning and building from there. The more I worked with clients, the more certain I became that this was the right path for me.
As the studio has grown, it’s been shaped by dedication, creativity, and a genuine commitment to helping people create homes that feel personal and supportive. My background in fashion gives me an eye for detail, and my experience in wellness helps me understand the importance of flow and comfort. These elements shape the way I design and the way I approach every project.
A meaningful part of this journey has also been opening Brophy Market in Costa Mesa. It’s our design studio and showroom, but also a space for connection. We host dinner gatherings, creative events, and collaborations with other makers. I wanted it to feel like stepping into a warm, lived-in home where people can experience design in a natural and inviting way. It has become a place where our team creates and where the community can gather, find inspiration, and enjoy discovering thoughtful, unique pieces that feel like home.
Looking back, my path hasn’t been linear, but every step brought me closer to the work I was meant to do. Interior design lets me combine everything I’ve learned with everything I value. I’m grateful to help people create homes that feel true to them and nurturing to their lives.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it hasn’t been a perfectly smooth road—like any growing business, there’s been a lot of trial and error along the way. Every stage has brought opportunities to learn, adapt, and refine how I work. In design, unexpected scenarios are almost guaranteed. Client timelines shift, products go out of stock, construction schedules change, and things rarely unfold in a straight line. Staying flexible, solution-oriented, and proactive has been essential.
Over time, I’ve developed stronger communication systems and built trusted vendor relationships, which help projects stay on track even when the unexpected happens.
Another challenge, and often the most meaningful one, has been guiding clients through the emotional side of creating a home. Design touches people’s lives in very personal ways. Budgets are real, decisions stack up, and it can feel overwhelming. Supporting clients through those moments and helping them feel grounded, confident, and excited in the process has become a core part of my work.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are a full-service design studio based in Orange County, specializing in thoughtful, elevated residential and commercial projects. Our work spans ground-up construction, comprehensive remodels, and select smaller projects for long-term clients whose needs align with our philosophy.
We’re known for creating warm, refined, deeply personal homes. Every design begins with a close study of the property’s architecture and surrounding environment, allowing the natural characteristics of the space to shape the direction of the project. This approach results in layered, inviting spaces that balance modern clarity with organic comfort. We never rely on trends or templates.
While our roots are in Orange County, we also work throughout Los Angeles and select regions across the country when the partnership is a strong fit.
What I am most proud of, and what truly sets our studio apart, is our kickass team. They are truly the heartbeat of our business. Each team member brings a distinct point of view, exceptional skill, and a genuine dedication to the craft. Their commitment to collaboration, problem-solving, and cultivating a positive client experience is at the center of everything we do.
We also collaborate with some of the most talented architects, builders, and artisans around, and their work genuinely elevates everything we do. My husband runs the operational side as our Managing Director, which keeps the creative side focused and supported. Together, we’ve built a studio that’s organized, high-quality, and honestly just a great place to do what we love.
In addition to full-service design, we also offer 1:1 video consultations for clients seeking expert guidance, direction, or clarity on their projects.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about Orange County is the sense of calm and balance it offers. There’s something grounding about being so close to the ocean and surrounded by natural beauty. The light and landscape play such a big role in how people live and in how I design. There’s an ease here that feels really special, and we’re still close enough to Los Angeles to tap into its incredible creative energy, unique resources, art, and inspiration. Working between both places truly gives me the best of both worlds!
If I had to choose something I like least, it would simply be the amount of time spent driving between projects. Because our work spans multiple cities, there are days when the distance adds up. But even that feels like a small trade-off for being able to work in such beautiful and diverse places.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://brophyinteriors.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurabrophyinteriors/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@laurabrophyinteriors
- Other: https://brophymarket.com/
Image Credits
Hugo Garcia
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