01 architectural design services
LBCDESIGN is a full service architectural interior design firm that specializes in managing residential renovation projects from conception to the finishing details. Beginning the design process by working closely with the client to understand their wants and needs through detailed questions and images, LBCDESIGN guides the process throughout, from plan options and design proposals to bidding and construction oversight. With an emphasis on attention to detail, and a great working relationship with the client and contractor, the goal is to enjoy the creative process, find space in your existing home that you didn't know existed, and create a beautiful environment for you to LOVE your home!
Services include:
Home renovations
Complete kitchen and bath design and renovation
Project planning and coordination
Oversight and management of construction process
Color, finish, and materials selection and procurement
Electrical and lighting design
Custom millwork cabinetry design
Furniture layouts, selection and procurement
02 architectural projects
UNDERHILL
There’s a lot of goodness going on here. This client originally came to me years ago and after a really honest conversation about costs the project was put on hold till the budget was there to achieve this greatness. The directive was a modern French cafe with a lot of soul. Mixing brass, black and wood tones, and majorly reconfiguring the space by taking down walls and moving everything around, pull up a seat and grab a cup of coffee.
There’s a lot of goodness going on here. This client originally came to me years ago and after a really honest conversation about costs the project was put on hold till the budget was there to achieve this greatness. The directive was a modern French cafe with a lot of soul. Mixing brass, black and wood tones, and majorly reconfiguring the space by taking down walls and moving everything around, pull up a seat and grab a cup of coffee.
WESTERN NORTH
This principal bath was actually too large, and the walk in closet too small, with a complete reworking of the 2 spaces, the principal bath now is all about getting wet! We created a wet room with steam, 2 wall mounted shower heads, a rain fall head, and a fabulous soaking tub with bubbles. The palette of a rich gray blue tile and vanity paired with white is absolutely stunning!
This principal bath was actually too large, and the walk in closet too small, with a complete reworking of the 2 spaces, the principal bath now is all about getting wet! We created a wet room with steam, 2 wall mounted shower heads, a rain fall head, and a fabulous soaking tub with bubbles. The palette of a rich gray blue tile and vanity paired with white is absolutely stunning!
BRIARWOOD
When I initially meet with this client they thought they needed an addition to create a mudroom and access to the garage, but the budget did not allow for an expansion. By annexing an adjacent den, reorienting an existing powder room, not only did we get garage access and a mudroom, but also a walk in pantry; plus this gorgeous white and navy kitchen with wonderful modern accents and touches of brass.
When I initially meet with this client they thought they needed an addition to create a mudroom and access to the garage, but the budget did not allow for an expansion. By annexing an adjacent den, reorienting an existing powder room, not only did we get garage access and a mudroom, but also a walk in pantry; plus this gorgeous white and navy kitchen with wonderful modern accents and touches of brass.
CREST
This project was a true transformation. The original space was a combo dressing room plus bath complete with wall to wall carpet. By relocating the closet to one end of the bedroom, we were able to create this luxurious bathroom. The black and white palette all started with that floor.Sometimes it's just one thing that is the catalyst to start the creative process.
This project was a true transformation. The original space was a combo dressing room plus bath complete with wall to wall carpet. By relocating the closet to one end of the bedroom, we were able to create this luxurious bathroom. The black and white palette all started with that floor.Sometimes it's just one thing that is the catalyst to start the creative process.
CREST
This house has a great mid century vibe that we carried into the primary suite. Pulling colors from the spectacular view into a mountain reservation, a palette of greens, creams and wood tones set the mood for this gorgeous retreat.
This house has a great mid century vibe that we carried into the primary suite. Pulling colors from the spectacular view into a mountain reservation, a palette of greens, creams and wood tones set the mood for this gorgeous retreat.
HILL
A cool palette and a little glam, that was the directive for all these spaces. Plus a lot of function. All the spaces were large but boring. The kitchen platte started with the glass mosaic backsplash, the primary bath with the marble hexagon and the kids bath with that fabulous plaid. Then we added in custom cabinetry in blues and grays and finished with shiny metals in nickels and chrome. We took these spaces from bleh to dazzling!
A cool palette and a little glam, that was the directive for all these spaces. Plus a lot of function. All the spaces were large but boring. The kitchen platte started with the glass mosaic backsplash, the primary bath with the marble hexagon and the kids bath with that fabulous plaid. Then we added in custom cabinetry in blues and grays and finished with shiny metals in nickels and chrome. We took these spaces from bleh to dazzling!
UNDERHILL
This project was a major kitchen renovation with reworking the existing space to create a warm inviting kitchen with a large kitchen island for a serious chef. A side room that was underused, did triple duty, with a large walk in pantry, 1st floor laundry room, and home office. Warm woods, marble and touches of brass and bronze complete the palette.
This project was a major kitchen renovation with reworking the existing space to create a warm inviting kitchen with a large kitchen island for a serious chef. A side room that was underused, did triple duty, with a large walk in pantry, 1st floor laundry room, and home office. Warm woods, marble and touches of brass and bronze complete the palette.
WYOMING
This couple absolutely loved their neighborhood, and did not want to move, so in collaboration with JLM Design, we added a very small 2 story addition that gave them the missing pieces for their home. An open concept with a fabulous kitchen on the first floor with a mudroom and pantry. On the 2nd floor we added a walk in closet and larger primary bath. Now they never want to leave!
This couple absolutely loved their neighborhood, and did not want to move, so in collaboration with JLM Design, we added a very small 2 story addition that gave them the missing pieces for their home. An open concept with a fabulous kitchen on the first floor with a mudroom and pantry. On the 2nd floor we added a walk in closet and larger primary bath. Now they never want to leave!
SALTER
So this kitchen and breakfast room had enough space it just was so poorly utilized and cramped. The home is a turn of the century central hall colonial but the family is anything but stuffy. So a little fun and a better layout and now this kitchen is the heart of this home.
So this kitchen and breakfast room had enough space it just was so poorly utilized and cramped. The home is a turn of the century central hall colonial but the family is anything but stuffy. So a little fun and a better layout and now this kitchen is the heart of this home.
MOUNTAIN
Sometimes clients find you and it's kismet, this couple and I spoke the same language. The directive was nothing too stuffy but clean lines and uncluttered, so we had fun with some color, patterns and textures. But the true show stopper of this kitchen is that ISLAND! The island material was the starting point for all. And that waterfall, I practically have happy tears in my eyes.
Sometimes clients find you and it's kismet, this couple and I spoke the same language. The directive was nothing too stuffy but clean lines and uncluttered, so we had fun with some color, patterns and textures. But the true show stopper of this kitchen is that ISLAND! The island material was the starting point for all. And that waterfall, I practically have happy tears in my eyes.
THORNDEN
This project was done in 3 phases with a great collaboration with JLM DESIGN. The 1st phase involved creating a new bathroom, renovating an existing for the clients 3 daughters and renovating a powder room. Phase 2 creating a finished basement. For the finale in Phase 3, a large addition that included a brand new kitchen, family room and mudroom with a serene master suite on the 2nd story. The addition is so flawless that the front of house looks completely unaltered. What a dream home!
This project was done in 3 phases with a great collaboration with JLM DESIGN. The 1st phase involved creating a new bathroom, renovating an existing for the clients 3 daughters and renovating a powder room. Phase 2 creating a finished basement. For the finale in Phase 3, a large addition that included a brand new kitchen, family room and mudroom with a serene master suite on the 2nd story. The addition is so flawless that the front of house looks completely unaltered. What a dream home!
WYOMING
This house was bought because of the great light. A large grand Victorian with less than desirable kitchen and bathrooms. The kitchen was enlarged by relocating the basement stair. The master bathroom tripled in size by annexing an adjacent sitting room. With the help of BDH Interiors, the dramatic, moody palette which comprises of black, white, brass and warm woods was brought to life.
This house was bought because of the great light. A large grand Victorian with less than desirable kitchen and bathrooms. The kitchen was enlarged by relocating the basement stair. The master bathroom tripled in size by annexing an adjacent sitting room. With the help of BDH Interiors, the dramatic, moody palette which comprises of black, white, brass and warm woods was brought to life.
HILLSIDE
With this kitchen project we needed to work within the walls and work around a major support column. To maximize the space out went a back staircase, the basement staircase entrance was relocated and that support column hidden within the new layout. Crisp white cabinets, a graphic backsplash, coupled with an all new appliance layout, now make this tiny kitchen sing!
With this kitchen project we needed to work within the walls and work around a major support column. To maximize the space out went a back staircase, the basement staircase entrance was relocated and that support column hidden within the new layout. Crisp white cabinets, a graphic backsplash, coupled with an all new appliance layout, now make this tiny kitchen sing!
GLENSIDE
A warm white inviting kitchen, that was the directive, plus a kitchen that functioned better and felt larger. By relocating the wall between the kitchen and dining room and widening the opening, plus reworking all the circulation, this kitchen is a slam dunk! The adjacent laundry room/walk in pantry got a face lift as well with a pretty new palette and a dog bath for their adorable pooch.
A warm white inviting kitchen, that was the directive, plus a kitchen that functioned better and felt larger. By relocating the wall between the kitchen and dining room and widening the opening, plus reworking all the circulation, this kitchen is a slam dunk! The adjacent laundry room/walk in pantry got a face lift as well with a pretty new palette and a dog bath for their adorable pooch.
SAGAMORE
Believe it or not this kitchen was 3 separate rooms and the refrigerator was in a side room. By taking out a back staircase, opening up some walls and reorganizing everything this space went from dis-functional to WOW! It's warm and modern, but best of all it's a cook's dream kitchen.
Believe it or not this kitchen was 3 separate rooms and the refrigerator was in a side room. By taking out a back staircase, opening up some walls and reorganizing everything this space went from dis-functional to WOW! It's warm and modern, but best of all it's a cook's dream kitchen.
GLENSIDE
I love projects that evolve over time. This client originally hired me to renovate their master bath, which has the most beautiful palette of warm and cool, and then another call came in, let's refresh the hall bath with a new green vanity and also decorate a 2nd floor den. The den is the coziest spot to curl up with a good book with the sunlight streaming in.
I love projects that evolve over time. This client originally hired me to renovate their master bath, which has the most beautiful palette of warm and cool, and then another call came in, let's refresh the hall bath with a new green vanity and also decorate a 2nd floor den. The den is the coziest spot to curl up with a good book with the sunlight streaming in.
HEMLOCK
We couldn't make these bathrooms any larger but we could make them modern, beautiful and efficient. The master bathroom was reoriented to gain double sinks and the palette of warm woods with cool grays is the perfect balance.
We couldn't make these bathrooms any larger but we could make them modern, beautiful and efficient. The master bathroom was reoriented to gain double sinks and the palette of warm woods with cool grays is the perfect balance.
THACHER
This project was a true collaboration with a big team. I was brought in with JLM Design to expand this classic Victorian. A two story addition involved a new kitchen, breakfast room, family room and back entry topped by a new bathroom and bedroom. The client who likes to push the envelope, her motto 'more is more', pushed us to create her family's forever home. With the help of AHR Designs for the finishing touches, this family is staying put!
This project was a true collaboration with a big team. I was brought in with JLM Design to expand this classic Victorian. A two story addition involved a new kitchen, breakfast room, family room and back entry topped by a new bathroom and bedroom. The client who likes to push the envelope, her motto 'more is more', pushed us to create her family's forever home. With the help of AHR Designs for the finishing touches, this family is staying put!
RIDGEWOOD
New house, old bathrooms and kitchen. This is a dear friend of mine, I have had more dinners at her house than I can count. She LOVES LOVES to cook, so while we couldn't enlarge the kitchen we could make it more functional, have better storage and make it pretty too. We made the primary bath bigger by annexing the walk in closet, and renovated her kids' baths as well. Now everyone has their own space and their own personality.
New house, old bathrooms and kitchen. This is a dear friend of mine, I have had more dinners at her house than I can count. She LOVES LOVES to cook, so while we couldn't enlarge the kitchen we could make it more functional, have better storage and make it pretty too. We made the primary bath bigger by annexing the walk in closet, and renovated her kids' baths as well. Now everyone has their own space and their own personality.
WALTON
With no room to bump out, and a kitchen in serious need of a remodel, this kitchen gained space by annexing an adjacent office space. We were also able to add a mudroom at one end that leads into the garage. The once office is now the breakfast room with buffet and desk area. Win win! And while there lets renovate the master bathroom as well!
With no room to bump out, and a kitchen in serious need of a remodel, this kitchen gained space by annexing an adjacent office space. We were also able to add a mudroom at one end that leads into the garage. The once office is now the breakfast room with buffet and desk area. Win win! And while there lets renovate the master bathroom as well!
TENNYSON
I walked into this kitchen and my client was cooking a major dinner and had about 18" of counter space. We needed a cooks' kitchen, tons of storage and lots of counter. Walls opened up, things moved around and all was achieved with this new layout. Plus the crisp navy and white cabinets and the gorgeous tile backsplash are just beautiful finishing touches!
I walked into this kitchen and my client was cooking a major dinner and had about 18" of counter space. We needed a cooks' kitchen, tons of storage and lots of counter. Walls opened up, things moved around and all was achieved with this new layout. Plus the crisp navy and white cabinets and the gorgeous tile backsplash are just beautiful finishing touches!
YALE
This project was a kit of parts. A reworking of the master suite, a new master bath (with gorgeous teal tile) and an additional walk in closet. And then on the 1st floor a poorly utilized back entry got reworked and we were able to create a needed mudroom with first floor laundry plus powder room. All the parts came together perfectly!
This project was a kit of parts. A reworking of the master suite, a new master bath (with gorgeous teal tile) and an additional walk in closet. And then on the 1st floor a poorly utilized back entry got reworked and we were able to create a needed mudroom with first floor laundry plus powder room. All the parts came together perfectly!
HOSKIER
This client desperately wanted a kitchen island, but sometimes that is not meant to be. We opened up the back of the house by taking a wall down, a peninsula went in and the kitchen functions great! Added a glam powder room and kids hall bath got a refresh as well.
This client desperately wanted a kitchen island, but sometimes that is not meant to be. We opened up the back of the house by taking a wall down, a peninsula went in and the kitchen functions great! Added a glam powder room and kids hall bath got a refresh as well.
TILLOU
BATHROOMS
When I meet with this client the kitchen was falling apart and tiny, but the adjacent dining room was huge. So by taking down the wall we made something spectacular! And the one major request from the client "no white kitchen". I can handle that!
When I meet with this client the kitchen was falling apart and tiny, but the adjacent dining room was huge. So by taking down the wall we made something spectacular! And the one major request from the client "no white kitchen". I can handle that!
TUSCAN
This kitchen needed a major overhaul. The original space was 4 rooms and was tight and cramped, unlike the rest of the house which was grand and spacious. Down went the walls, in went new windows and back door and now this kitchen is perfect. Plus it reflects the grandeur of this turn of the century home!
This kitchen needed a major overhaul. The original space was 4 rooms and was tight and cramped, unlike the rest of the house which was grand and spacious. Down went the walls, in went new windows and back door and now this kitchen is perfect. Plus it reflects the grandeur of this turn of the century home!
HARTFORD
This family had lived in their home for over a decade and were finally ready to tackle the kitchen and bathrooms. It's a 1920s dutch colonial but they have a penchant for mid century modern. For the kitchen we took down the wall between the existing kitchen and dining room, layered in gorgeous walnut cabinets and completely reworked the flow and organization. The bathrooms were modernized, keeping to a clean white palette that still pays homage to the home but is crisp and modern.
This family had lived in their home for over a decade and were finally ready to tackle the kitchen and bathrooms. It's a 1920s dutch colonial but they have a penchant for mid century modern. For the kitchen we took down the wall between the existing kitchen and dining room, layered in gorgeous walnut cabinets and completely reworked the flow and organization. The bathrooms were modernized, keeping to a clean white palette that still pays homage to the home but is crisp and modern.
WINTHROP
BRIARWOOD
This bathroom in an old historic house in South Orange had great size, but just needed a serious overhaul and MORE storage for their teenage daughter. Out went the pedestal sink, in went a large vanity with deep drawers and we layered in gorgeous tile, playing with patterns. The result is stunning!
This bathroom in an old historic house in South Orange had great size, but just needed a serious overhaul and MORE storage for their teenage daughter. Out went the pedestal sink, in went a large vanity with deep drawers and we layered in gorgeous tile, playing with patterns. The result is stunning!
BERKELEY
When you want a primary bath but one doesn't exist you build it! When this couple originally renovated their first floor they were smart and ran plumbing for an eventual primary bath on the 2nd floor. But the trick to the layout was preserving some of the windows, retaining the front facade and putting the new plumbing fixtures adjacent to the new plumbing lines. Once the layout was set, we layered in beautiful walnut cabinets and gorgeous marble punctuated with polished nickel. Gorgeous!
When you want a primary bath but one doesn't exist you build it! When this couple originally renovated their first floor they were smart and ran plumbing for an eventual primary bath on the 2nd floor. But the trick to the layout was preserving some of the windows, retaining the front facade and putting the new plumbing fixtures adjacent to the new plumbing lines. Once the layout was set, we layered in beautiful walnut cabinets and gorgeous marble punctuated with polished nickel. Gorgeous!
SUNSET
03 about laura carlucci
Laura Carlucci was drawn to the field of design and the study of architecture from an early age. With a love of art and architecture fostered at home, coupled with a natural affinity for spatial geometry Laura was destined for a career in architectural interiors and design.
After attending Washington University in St. Louis, and receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree with a Major in Architecture, Laura headed back to New York City where she obtained a Masters in Architecture from Columbia University. It was there that she perfected her focus on proportion, scale and texture.
Prior to opening the doors of LBC DESIGN, Laura worked for over 17 years at several prestigious NYC architectural firms, on both commercial and residential projects as a project manager and senior designer. She designed and managed the opening of new stores for boutique clients including Giorgio Armani and Dolce and Gabbana. In addition she has worked on a wide range of residential projects from kitchens to full apartment renovations to new free standing homes.
Laura resides in South Orange, NJ with her husband and two boys. With her extensive experience and her personal passion for making beautiful environments Laura truly enjoys helping people realize a space that is functional, comfortable, and exquisitely designed.
Current and past projects include home renovations in South Orange, Maplewood and Millburn/Short Hills, residences and apartments in the Hamptons and Manhattan, and high-end retail boutiques in San Francisco, Chicago, Palm Beach and New York.
04 client testimonials
When we reached a challenging stage of our kitchen renovation, Laura was a steadying force in helping us restart and refine the unfinished plans and drive to completion. Whether advising on the layout, colors, materials or even suppliers and contractors, Laura helped us make a small, cramped space into the kitchen of our dreams.
A.P. | Maplewood, NJ
Dear Laura, Thank you so much. You have helped me have the house of my dreams. You are incredible and
we really are so grateful.
C.F. | South Orange, NJ
I am thrilled to recommend Laura Carlucci. At first, I thought I could plan my double bathroom renovation (Master & Kids') all on my own. While trying to explain my vision to potential contractors, I quickly realized professional help was needed -- and Laura's insight and eye made it so very worthwhile. Having Laura's help is like having your own space and design guru who also knows the ins and outs of construction -- what can be done and what shouldn't be. She made recommendations based on our existing structures, and that helped keep demolition and construction costs down. She knows how to communicate with your contractor to get the job finished right, and has vast knowledge of every type of fixture, surface and finish. Laura has a great sense of space and how it gets used in everyday life. She is smart and practical, while recommending ways to make your space more beautiful. We love our new bathrooms -- they function perfectly for us and look like they belong in our house. Thank you, Laura!
K.G. | South Orange, NJ
I completed a major house renovation in Summer of 2013 that included kitchen, office, powder room, and laundry room. The results are incredible and I have Laura to thank for that. I could not have done it without her. She is professional, efficient, and has a great eye for clean lines and beautiful spaces. Her response is always in a timely manner and she is extremely professional and easy to work with.
J.K. | South Orange, NJ
Laura helped us redesign the space for 2 new upstairs bathrooms and closets and a total basement renovation. Everything turned out beautifully! Not only did we get the space and layout that we hoped for, but Laura guided us through the process every step of the way and made sure we had everything we needed and even some things we didn’t even know we needed! Her sense of space and style are amazing, her advice and opinions so valuable. She helped make our renovation experiences so much easier! Thank you Laura!
D.O. | South Orange, NJ
Dear Laura, Just a note of thanks for all of your efforts, expertise and moral support in our kitchen renovation. The space is truly gorgeous and everything I hoped for in terms of function. We love it! You are extra ordinarily talented and I feel lucky we were able to work together. Thank you so much!
D.F. | Maplewood, NJ