At Home with Laura Arledge of State Studio
State is a design studio founded by Laura Arledge, an NCIDQ-certified interior designer known for pairing concept-driven thinking with technical precision. Grounded in the belief that design should reflect both identity and emotion, State creates spaces that are thoughtful, functional, and distinctly personal.
BL: What path did you take for your education in design?
LA: I went to Colorado State University and received my Bachelor of Science in Interior Design. After school, I continued my education as a Teacher’s Assistant and then an Instructor at Front Range Community College in 3DS Max (3D visualization).
BL: At what age or moment in your life did you realize you wanted to pursue a career in interiors?
LA: I chose interior design for college because it engaged both the analytical and creative sides of my brain. That said, I didn’t fully understand the profession until I interned at a local firm. It’s much more technical and architectural than people assume—there’s a lot more to it than pillows and decor. Today, platforms like Pinterest and Instagram have helped redefine design as a form of self and brand expression.
BL: Was there an early experience that shaped your design style?
LA: Before starting State, I worked in the industry for 10 years on everything from hotels to corporate campuses to custom residential work. That gave me a solid foundation. But it wasn’t until I designed my own home that I started to find my voice. That personal creative journey gave me insight into how to guide clients in discovering their own.
BL: What inspired you to start your own firm?
LA: I’ve had an entrepreneurial spirit since I was a kid. When I was ten, I set up a fake store in my room complete with a check reader and a barcode scanner made from an old beeper. I think I always knew I’d run something of my own. Once I gained enough experience, I wanted the freedom to make decisions that aligned with my values and impact the world through design.
BL: Where did the name “State” come from?
LA: It’s two-fold. There’s the idea of having something to “state”—your message—and your internal “state” or mood. Our goal is to help clients express their values and create environments that support their best state of being.
BL: How do you balance function and aesthetics?
LA: From the beginning, we treat them equally. Our client surveys ask about both. Design needs to be problem-solving and beautiful. If it doesn’t solve a problem, we’ve failed.
BL: Beyond architecture, how do furnishings and objects contribute to the story of a home?
LA: They carry meaning—especially if tied to memory—and help people connect with themselves and others. I think good design brings people together, and those elements are part of that.
BL: Do you have a favorite city or place you visit for inspiration?
LA: New York and Austin.
BL: Is there a design element you won’t compromise on?
LA: Quality. Our motto is quality over quantity. You can be cost-effective and still deliver excellence. We don’t believe in including anything disposable.
BL: Lazy Sunday morning—what’s playing?
LA: Chill, soulful music. Wild Rivers, Johnnyswim, and Allen Stone are always on rotation.