When I started Antiquely, I was working full-time in a corporate role. It was during this time, while working with a trade business, that I first learned about Studio Trio and Lauren's incredible talent for creating stunning homes and spaces. Some designers prefer to stick to a particular look or style, yet Lauren loves to explore heritage, classic and contemporary which I personally find so thrilling! To explore your creativity across such an array of styles shows the immense skill and talent that Lauren and her team embody.
I hope you enjoy reading this special blog post and don’t forget to shop this incredible collection of curated pieces from Lauren’s former home, Excelsior Estate which was a magnificent heritage project. The Studio Trio Tastemaker Sale starts this Monday, 5th August at 8am Brisbane time for all Antiquely email subscribers.
Tell us about your journey into interior design…
I was always artistic as a child and have a very creative mind. I love detail, fashion, design and drawing. I knew deep down I was born to be in a creative industry, and I just needed to find my avenue. My art teacher at the time said your drawings look like little rooms, you would be amazing at interiors and then I decided to study and work in the industry…the rest is history. I have now been in the industry for 25 years! This is my craft but also my passion.
Tell us about the design journey with your home, Excelsior Estate. Did you make major changes to the home?
I adore heritage homes and all the pretty details that come with the period. When I saw this Victorian Terrace, I feel in love with the high decorative ceilings, large skirtings and architraves. The most major change I made was the bathrooms, the kitchen, the back verandah and all the construction around it.. I decided to go to town and decorate and renovate the home with a real beautiful and opulent classic style.
My two favourite colors are…. Blues and Greens- I like varying shades of these colours being more pastel, deeper or greyer.
I am obsessed with… The Fox Group in the USA. Their houses and interiors are fabulous. Everything they do is amazing!
What was your first job? In the design industry was working for an Interior Designer Peter Laws in admin and reception. Even though I was a junior I adored the industry
What is your career highlight to date.. When my home Excelsior Estate got on the front cover of House and Garden. Omg! I was so excited 😊
Favourite antique find you own … Armoire from 1800’s bought a dirty Janes in our sale. I love that piece, the header on it is fabulous.
What do you like to collect…
Antique Plates or decorative plates in general. I absolutely loved my plate wall at Excelsior Estate. I am selling many of the plates that I hd collected and hung in this beautiful home.
A well designed home should… Consider beautiful lighting. I feel lighting makes a huge difference to a space or home. So do window treatments, this transforms a space. Images below are Studio Trio projects.
The most important room in the house…Kitchen for sure. I think this tells the story of the home and is the most used. Kitchens below are Studio Trio projects.
Best piece of advice for someone decorating their home... Money does not buy taste! You can add gorgeous style on a budget, you need to work on layering the home and can tackle a room at a time.
Who inspires you... Mark D Sikes, Alice Lane Home and the Fox Group. All US designers.