Lori Rochau, Interior Designer
Lori Rochau is an Interior Designer with Knilans' Furniture & Interior Design. Lori started her “dream job” when she joined the Knilans’ team in 2008. She enjoys the challenge of making each home a unique reflection of the people who live there. Listening to the client is her number one commitment to a quality experience from start to finish.
“I look at the design process as a partnership- your home should tell your story and each is unique. I love to help my clients achieve the best use of their space by choosing the right pieces. We have so many options here at Knilans’ it’s easy to find the right ones for each client.” - Lori
WE ASKED ALL OF OUR DESIGNERS TO TELL US MORE ABOUT THEMSELVES:
How did you get your start in interior design?
As a child, I poured over the Sears, Penney’s and Wards catalogs and pretended that I could put these drapes in our living room, or that chair in the den. Little did I know it was a career! When I started college, I thought I would follow my passion for fashion and pursue fashion merchandising. I ended up with a very versatile degree in business administration.
After marrying and moving into my own home, I discovered my passion for fashion transferred to interior fashion and I spent many years helping friends and family before meeting Tim Schlicksup and being hired by Knilans’ in 2008.
What is your goal when you work with a client?
When working with a client I have multiple goals. First, I want us to have fun working together, and try to make the process enjoyable for everyone! I see my job as a facilitator and problem solver. Do we need to get more function in a space, add extra seating, or update the look?
Whatever the goals are, I’m there to help. When I’m finished the client will feel like it’s their home, their style and reflects them, just with all the problems solved!
What is a current design trend you love?
I’m currently loving the herringbone floor trend. Now let me back up just a bit - it’s a look that’s been around for hundreds of years. I think I first saw one in France in a historic chateau.
Today it’s reappearing, not only in wood but also tile, in both floors and backsplashes. I love the timeless look and have just finished installing a travertine tile floor in my master bathroom using this technique.
If you had to pick a favorite room in your home, which would it be and why?
My favorite room in my own home is our formal living room. I’ve had this room painted in one shade of red or another since 1995. This room is so cozy and welcoming on a winter night, it just envelops you. We love sitting by the fireplace in the evening and plan to convert our wood burning fireplace to a gas version soon. The mantle is also one of my favorite places to decorate!
What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
Whenever possible free time means travel, now it’s often traveling to visit grandchildren/children in other states. Or staying in Iowa and traveling to their many activities! I have 13 grandchildren.
My husband and I also try to get to our favorite place St. Croix, US Virgin Islands at least twice a year.
“Thank you so much for all the work you did to help us get our replacement sofa - it is absolutely gorgeous. Knilans’ reputation rests in the hands of its staff. Knilans’ will always be our only choice for buying furniture - we’ve already told lots of people just how great you are to work with! Thanks again.” - Linda & Jim, Port Byron, IL
