Laurie Smith was the one of the first designers to hit the airwaves on TLC’s breakout hit show Trading Spaces in 1999. For ten seasons, and multiple Emmy nominations, fans were able to see Laurie’s modern classic design each week as she remade a space in just 48 hours. While Laurie’s career has focused on television, her passion began with the performing arts, specifically theatre.
After receiving her Bachelors Degree in Broadcast Journalism from SMU in Dallas, she worked in Marketing at Turner Network Television (TNT) in Atlanta before moving to Manhattan to attend the New York School of Interior Design. After graduating, while working for an architecture firm, she attended classes at the New York School of Film and Television.
From the exposure that Trading Spaces has afforded her, Laurie has branched her style and eye for design into various lines of products.
Launching in 2005, the Laurie Smith fabric line was unveiled selling exclusively through Hancock Fabrics. The line, which includes 40 different patterns, allowed consumers to use quality, vibrant material in various home decoration projects. A successful national commercial campaign awarded Laurie a secondary line of fabrics for juveniles that proved to be a popular addition the successful collection.
Additionally, in 2004 Laurie began a relationship with Lane Home Furnishings appearing as their spokesperson through national commercials and in-store appearances to launch Lane’s independent furniture stores across the country. Other commercial work involves Zaxby’s in 2007.
In November of 2005, fans were able to purchase Laurie’s first book, Discovering Home – Find Your Personal Style, which takes the reader through her personal, documented journey of renovation and design of her mid-century home. The book was recognized by The Library of Congress in 2006 with a National Book Award, making it a “how to” manual for anyone wanting to plan, shape and redefine a space in their house.
January 2009 marked the release of Laurie’s lighting line with the Charleston manufacturer Quoizel Lighting. Laurie’s collection, Illuminations, classic design for a modern life, is currently available through retailers nationwide, including Lowes. Laurie also served as the on camera spokesperson for the American Lighting Association in 2011.
Laurie has appeared on The View, several times on The Today Show, where she decorated Katie Couric’s office, and has been featured in numerous magazines, such as House Beautiful, House & Garden, Metropolitan Home, Better Homes and Gardens, Southern Living, Woman’s Day, Guidepost, and O Magazine. Laurie currently resides in Jackson, MS with her two children Gibson, 13 and India, 9.
