LeeAnn Baker Interiors | www.leeannbaker.com
Your firm is known for a focus on “Northwest elegance.” What does that mean to you?
It is about quiet confidence; spaces that feel layered, warm, and enduring, with a sense that nothing is accidental and nothing is trying too hard. It is our interpretation of refined living in the Pacific Northwest, rooted in natural materials, thoughtful craftsmanship, and restrained palettes that honor light, landscape, and architecture. The result is interiors that feel timeless rather than trendy, elevated yet welcoming, and designed to age beautifully over time.
What did you take from your time and studies in New York and how did it influence your design style?
New York instilled a deep respect for discipline and restraint. Space is limited, so every choice must be intentional. I learned the importance of proportion, editing, and architectural detail, which are all things that inform my work today even though it is softened a bit by the lifestyle and natural beauty here.
What steps do you take to make your designs reflect the needs of your clientele?
We begin by listening. Learning how our clients live, entertain, and envision their homes evolving over time. Those insights guide every decision, from special planning to material selection. Our goal is not to impose a signature style, but to translate each client’s lifestyle into a place that feels deeply personal, purposeful, and aligned with their values.
Having worked on projects throughout the West, are there particular differences in what clients are looking for?
While our projects span a wide geography, clients share a desire for houses that feel authentic to their setting rather than tied to a prescribed style. Whether coastal, urban, or remote, clients increasingly value design that responds to place, climate, and lifestyle. They are drawn to spaces that feel grounded, personal, and thoughtfully composed rather than overtly stylized.
What are a few indulgences you like to integrate?
We are often drawn to understated indulgences like custom millwork, layered lighting, and materials with texture like plaster and grasscloth wallcoverings. These elements elevate everyday moments and provide depth. We also love it when clients are willing to incorporate curated art.
How do you manage different architectural challenges?
With each project, we begin by honoring the architecture itself. Each building style carries its own language, proportions, and rules. Rather than imposing a signature look, we respond thoughtfully by refining, editing, and enhancing what’s already there. Our role is to create interiors that feel cohesive, enduring, and quietly elevated, regardless of whether the home is traditional or contemporary.
What are some major takeaways from designing homes?
Designing homes carries a deep sense of responsibility. These are the spaces where daily rituals unfold, and life’s most meaningful moments are held. When design is thoughtful and intentional, it supports life rather than distracting from it. A well-designed area allows comfort, calm, connection, and beauty to coexist naturally over time.
Favorite era of design?
I appreciate the Georgian & Federal order of symmetry, calm hierarchy, craftsmanship, and details.
What is your favorite area in your own home and why?
It’s the kitchen, where my family gathers regularly to unwind and stay connected. It’s where the most interesting conversations deepen, and so much of our life happens.
