Those gorgeous interiors you see in the glossy magazines- Lauren designs those for a living! At just 23, she has her own business! See how she got there...
What does your job involve?
Interior Styling is a fairly niche industry which predominantly focuses on the finishes and fixtures of an interior. I specialise in residential interiors - doing display homes and private residences. It involves everything from the creating the concept of the design/ scheme, presenting the concept, sourcing all of the selections for the interiors (floors, walls, lighting, tiling, cabinetry, furniture, decor etc) and seeing it through to completion. The final stage of each job is the best- Seeing your concept and vision come to life!
What do you love about Interior Styling?
I love creating beautiful spaces- can't get enough of it!
What made you decide you wanted to be a stylist?
It was my dream to be an Interior Stylist since I was 10 years old! Even at that age -everywhere I went I would observe interiors, especially homes-taking mental notes of what worked and what didn't. I just knew it was what I had to pursue!
What did you do/study to get where you are?
From the age of 14, I started working in retail jobs in the interior design industry. I started in furniture and then worked in lighting and tiling. Straight after high school I went Tafe to study a 2 year diploma of Interior decoration. I knew I needed the credentials, however I also knew the best experience I could get would actually be doing the work, in the industry, So I was determined to get my foot in the door as soon as I could! I started my business straight after Tafe, when I was 19 and haven't looked back since!
Tips for someone interested in Interior Styling:
I often say to people pursuing a business in design - When you first get started, don't quit your day job! I worked part time for the first couple of years, when I started my business, to keep cash flow. It's also a great way to make contacts and build networks with people in the industry and learn how other businesses run. People can get disheartened that they aren't able to work for themselves from the beginning- but it takes time. Slowly you build contacts and that sets a solid foundation for your business to progress naturally.
I also highly recommend working in different areas of the interiors industry (ie: tiling, lighting, window treatments etc). There are so many aspects to Interior design and product and application knowledge is essential.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Everywhere! Being a visual creature and an appreciator of aesthetics and beauty - inspiration can be drawn from all around you. I love that so many sources of inspiration are at our fingertips with the internet and technology. Interior blogs and magazines are a huge key for me to keeping fresh with ideas and aware of what other designers are doing internationally.
Suggestions for sprucing up our bedrooms or homework space:
It's all relative to context! But a few simple tips -
Create a space you'd love to be in! Decide what the function of the space is and what atmosphere you want it to have.
Do some research of different interiors and spaces that inspire you, cut out pictures, create a mood board and once you have a clear vision of what you want your space to feel and look like- start to gather the pieces to execute your concept! It doesn't have to be an expensive exercise, get creative with achieving your desired aesthetic on a budget! There are so many resources and options out there- and if you have a clear vision, that will be your strength in pulling together an interior you'll love!
Check out Lauren's work: