About BeyondBlue Interiors
Beth and Susan created BeyondBlue Interiors in April 2005 to provide a source for quality, modern home furnishings at prices equal or less than competitors, including online sites. The products in our showroom reflect a curated selection from a number of furniture and accessory companies, many from North Carolina. We love to support our community and also feature local artists and one-of-a-kind furniture. What you see in the store represents only a small percentage of designs available from these companies – each of our furniture manufacturers has an extensive collection you can choose from. And, we have all the fabrics and finishes right in the store to help you with your decision. Many manufacturers can deliver custom furniture in 6 weeks or less.
In our store or in your home – our designers provide personalized service to you in the store and are also available to consult with you in your home at no charge. They can make your home beautiful and comfortable with furniture and decor that reflects today’s style. Moving to a larger home, downsizing to your dream home, or trying to blend modern and traditional styles? Our designers can help!
Our name? Ever hear of Big Blue (IBM)? That’s right. Both Beth and Susan worked for the technology company, although Susan hasn’t yet reached the “beyond” phase since she still works full time at Big Blue!
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Our Team
Susan LaFera
Owner
Susan is one of the co-owners of BeyondBlue. She has not yet reached the “beyond” phase given that she works full time at Big Blue (IBM). She loves working with clients and selecting items for the store. 
Susan LaFera
Susan is one of the co-owners of BeyondBlue. She loves working with clients and selecting items for the store. She also enjoys rearranging the showroom to keep things fresh.
What would your dream house look like?
My dream house is all glass, walnut, concrete and is perched on a bluff – preferably overlooking the sea.
What is your number one design principle?
Keep it simple and clean.
Your style in 2 words?
Modern and clean.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
Oh jeez, this is hard because there are still so many places I want to see… maybe in California on the coast.
What would you take with you on a desert island?
Hmmm. My iPhone? Haha!
What is one piece of advice you would offer to a client who is starting to redecorate?
Open up your mind to new possibilities and start with one piece at a time working toward your vision.
If you weren’t in interior design, what would you be doing for a living?
Maybe teach.
One thing most people would be surprised to know about you?
I work for IBM ;-).
Beth Bridgers
Owner
Beth left the corporate world to open BeyondBlue and spend more time with her two boys. She’s proud of being personally involved in the buying decisions for the store and helping customers with their design decisions. 
Beth Bridgers
Beth Bridgers is one of the owners of BeyondBlue. After working for IBM for many years, she left the corporate world to open BeyondBlue with Susan and spend more time with her two boys. She’s proud of being personally involved in the buying decisions for the store. Beth loves being on the showroom floor and helping customers with their design decisions. She’s also in charge of the filing cabinets in the back stockroom, so like all of us at BeyondBlue, she does a little bit of everything.
What would your dream house look like?
Sleekly modern, with a hint of softness so it’s inviting and doesn’t feel cold.
What is your number one design principle?
Less is more!
Your style in 2 words?
Modern and peaceful.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
Closer to my sister, we have a blast together!
What would you take with you on a desert island?
Water and sunscreen, oh and maybe a bottle (or two) of good red wine.
What is one piece of advice you would offer to a client who is starting to redecorate?
Start with foundation pieces you can live with for years, then throw in fun things you can switch out as your tastes change.
If you weren’t in interior design, what would you be doing for a living?
Computer programming, oh wait…I’ve already tried that!
One thing most people would be surprised to know about you?
I love to go to rock and heavy metal concerts with my kids ;-).
Les Ortiz
Designer
Les joined the BeyondBlue team in May 2019. She brings amazing graphic design skills to the team and loves selecting options for customers that are both practical and beautiful. 
Les Ortiz
Les received her degree in Interior Architecture from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She loves working with customers to transform their ideas into gorgeous, functional spaces.
What would your dream house look like?
My dream house is a simple open concept small house with lots of glass windows to a spectacular view from all angles to the blue ocean for daily relaxation.
What is your number one design principle?
Unique Practicality.
Your style in 2 words?
Minimalist Eccentric.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
Italy.
What would you take with you on a desert island?
A first aid kit LOL! And seeds.
What is one piece of advice you would offer to a client who is starting to redecorate?
To focus on the priorities (main furniture). Everything else becomes an add-on within the design process.
If you weren’t in interior design, what would you be doing for a living?
I would absolutely be in construction, probably flipping houses!
One thing most people would be surprised to know about you?
I love dancing on stage!
Porscher Griffin
Designer
Porscher joined BeyondBlue in September 2019 and brings great energy and a bit of glam to our design team! She loves welcoming customers into our showroom and making them feel comfortable as they search for the perfect home furnishings. 
Porscher Griffin
Porscher is an NC native who lived in CA for several years and received her degree in Interior Design from The Art Institute of Hollywood. Thankfully, she moved back to NC recently and joined our design team!
What would your dream house look like?
The house of my dreams would definitely be gaudy on a beach hill side with floor to ceiling windows and enough space for my family to live comfortably, but not too big where it feels stark.
What is your number one design principle?
The golden rule principle of design for me would be Emphasis. When I design a space I like to make sure that I have a good understanding of the clients needs. Therefore, my design of their space has the clear and concise Emphasis on what is most important.
Your style in 2 words?
My design style is a bit hard to sum up in two words, because as a designer I have an appreciation for many design styles, but I’d say Eclectic Country Glam.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
I live for warm weather, so if I could live anywhere in the world it would be somewhere where palm trees grow.
What would you take with you on a desert island?
I would take tequila, fishing equipment, a good dipping sauce for seafood, a lighter, and a satellite radio.
What is one piece of advice you would offer to a client who is starting to redecorate?
The best advice that I always like to give to clients is to select a few targeted elements of your design style and the overall desired look for the space and only purchase key pieces that will work to achieve that look, feel and vibe
If you weren’t in interior design, what would you be doing for a living?
I would probably be a psychiatrist.
One thing most people would be surprised to know about you?
I love the arts, so when I am not designing spaces, I love painting and making jewelry. I am in the process of writing a book and screen play.