By Margo Dixon
Northside News
Laura Groenier was 20 years old when she opened Lamis Custom Framing in 1990 in the Northgate Shopping Center. Groenier used the framing business as her springboard into the interior design world; when clients began asking for her opinion on design ideas, she decided to complete a degree in interior design.
The design segment of the business continued to grow, and in 2002 Groenier designed and managed the construction of its current location at 301 N. Sherman Ave. Upon moving, she renamed her business from Lamis Custom Framing to Silver Leaf Interiors, marking a major transition in her business focus to interior design. The name change represented the art of silver leafing, a fine finish technique for picture frames and furniture.
As the interior design business expanded to include furnishings, cabinetry design, kitchen and bath renovation, and project management, the framing business became a smaller part of the business focus. The framing business ended in 2017, and in its place an expanded design studio, showroom and office space now exist.
The two-story building houses a showroom featuring eight room vignettes as examples of options for home furnishings and remodeling. They reflect the custom work that Silver Leaf delivers. The building also houses a second business, Silver Wood Homes, which has allowed Groenier to develop and expand her full-service design and build offerings. At present, renovation, remodeling and new comprehensive construction design projects constitute 70% of their business; home furnishing sales account for the remainder.
Groenier is proud to represent a successful business located on the Northside. Silver Leaf Interiors employs nine people. It has developed lifelong and generational clients on the Northside. Some of their most recent work can be seen at the TPC Wisconsin clubhouse, formerly Cherokee Country Club. Silver Wood Homes is proud to have designed and built new homes in the most current Cherokee Park Development on Perfect Drive.
Groenier summarized the concept of her business as “good design doesn’t just happen, it’s planned. From new construction to renovation, the layout of your home, how the kitchen flows, furniture placement, objects on display and the ambiance of good lighting all work together to convey an image and energy that is uniquely your own. We think of ourselves as your partner in the design process.”
The Silver Leaf Interiors showroom is currently being updated and will resume retail sales of home furnishings soon. Keep your eyes open for the announcement.
You can reach Silver Leaf staff at info@silverleaf-inc.com or 608-242-0707. Visit their website at silverleaf-inc.com.
