Meet Lane Elisabeth Oliver: Interior Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lane Elisabeth Oliver and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lane Elisabeth, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
As a child, beautiful details caught my eye all the time–whether it was a textured fabric, a fallen leaf, a faceted geode or a snowflake. Every time I moved to a new space, whether it was my room at home or my college dorm, I customized the space with a combination of colors, textures, heirlooms and contemporary pieces. I found it both grounding and exhilarating to transform my interior spaces into unique art. Custom designing came naturally to me so I wanted to create a business where I could share my talent and work with people who wanted personalized spaces not just for living, but to make a life. Now I have 40 years of experience working closely with clients to bring their visions to life using assorted design styles and uniquely meaningful elements. The change in lifestyle due to COVID-19 brought me more people requesting online design. So I recently teamed up with talented artist Hannah Kirkwood to collaborate on a new online design service. We provide the space plan and individual design combination for clients to create their own custom space– a living room, kitchen, or even a special room in their house for reading, art or meditation. Pivoting this way has provided the opportunity to offer clients added enjoyment as they spend more time at home. My early interest in designing space brought me delight and tranquility. Today, it is my everyday sustenance and the gift I can share with the world.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Experience and expertise are built with tenacity and a desire to learn. I started at the bottom of this industry by working as a design apprentice. I learned from talented experts how to cultivate an eye for custom design–mostly by moving furniture! After college, working as an assistant to the buyer and set designer for a large furniture store where everything was sold in sets was often frustrating–I was determined to mix and match pieces to create a unique style. I moved on to design for an exclusive custom firm– a glorious match where I had free reign and trust to design anything I imagined and have it made to my specifications. My design work evolved from the ground up, working with the architect and builder to create a cohesive space with all of the architectural details and furnishings of my choice. When I moved to Colorado and started my own business, I expanded my custom designs and built a loyal clientele. My work has been featured in a number of publications and outlets. Now with the expansion of Opalescent Havens online design I am delighted to share design creations with an even wider audience. With every design project I do, I embark on an adventure. I might journey to world-class cities like New York or London, meander through country villages in France or Mexico, or hike to towering mountain retreats in Colorado or Arizona. Along the way, I comb through antique stores, estate sales, industrial design companies and off-the-grid suppliers to create a custom space. I scout and ship antiquities from overseas markets. I have met and discussed design with legendary designers and fabricators to incorporate archival textiles that create unique and timeless interiors. Each client’s desires, needs and unique perspective come to the forefront as I strive to combine their family heirlooms with modern touches, giving new life and purpose to pieces that had languished in an attic. Bringing in multiple mediums from polished stone to handmade lace, leather, glass and metal complements a client’s vision and we watch together as a unique and personalized living space emerges. Opalescent Havens is a natural extension of my brand: a love for creative design and a personal corner of tranquility. My challenge is to gain a client’s trust to go on the design journey together and try new things. Together, we can construct the ultimate haven for peace and rejuvenation that creates energy for those things in life that are most important to them. When I can really work together with a client who trusts me and opens up to a unique approach to beautiful living, it doesn’t feel like work.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Mile High Skydiving- Longmont, CO The Flower Bin Garden Center & Nursery- Longmont, CO Lunch at 1914 House- Niwot Shop on Pearl Street in Boulder- Peppercorn (one stop shop) Afternoon Tea at Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse St. Julian- for your stay in Boulder Denver: Brunch at Ivy- Cap Hill neighborhood Visit the Denver Botanic Gardens- Cheeseman Park Shop from unique vendors/artists at Modern Nomad- River North Art District neighborhood Dinner at Happy Camper- Highland neighborhood Stay at Ramble Hotel and have after dinner drinks at Death & Co, located in the Ramble Hotel- River North Art District neighborhood Golden- Day Trip Hike at Red Rocks- Morrison Clear Creek White Water Park- Tubing and Kayaking- Golden See a live concert at Buffalo Rose- Golden Stops to make from Denver to Breckenridge: Lunch at Beau Jo’s or Westbound & Down- Idaho Springs Antique shopping in Georgetown Craft cocktails at Bread Bar in Silver Plume Check in at The Gravity House Breckenridge, for your stay Carboy Winery for Happy Hour- Breckenridge Aurum Breckenridge- with the option of Yurt dining for dinner Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Kit Kemp, because I also believe that, “every room tells a story.” Sam Oliver, who inspired my love for collections and how, when combined, they become their own unique piece of art. Celestia Howe, who believed our idea was one worth pursuing. Zak Huff, who lends his calming presence to creating complex art pieces. David Graff, our technical engineer who keeps all systems running. Zach Zurcher, for his creative eye to produce and create our story through video. Maryann Rose, who has a gift for helping me tell my story.

Website: https://www.leointeriordesign.com/opalescent-haven
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leo_interiors/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lane-oliver-40774714
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laneoliverdesign
Other: https://moro.com/LeoLaneElisabethOliverInteriorDesign

Image Credits
Susie Brenner Zachary Zurcher