Lauren MacLean follows a simple yet profound design philosophy: break free from the norms and surround yourself with items that spark real joy.
Hello Lauren! Care to share a bit about yourself and the journey that led you to call this stunning apartment home?
“I moved to Montreal 8 years ago to start a new journey for myself, not knowing anyone or anywhere in the city. I found my apartment in an old building with great charm, but it was in terrible shape. So with a lot of work, I cleaned it up and started with a fresh canvas to begin my design story.
“My home has become a very dear relationship that helped me settle into a new chapter of my life.”
Turning the apartment into a home was a very slow process, taking my time to connect with the space first and waiting for the right pieces to come along. My home has become a very dear relationship that helped me settle into a new chapter of my life, and it has been so special to share this space as an extension of who I am with others.”
Your home is almost like a live-in art exhibition – filled with show-stopping items and elements! Where did your foray into design and decorating begin?
“Recognizing the influence my surroundings have on my state of mind has always been a present, and initially subconscious, part of my life. So filling my home with pieces I love, and creating ambiance is simply a priority for me to find joy. Once I learned to think outside the box and ignore what felt like ‘design rules’, my ideas connected with my heart and pushed my personal boundaries to execute in a way that feels authentically me.”
“My taste is ever evolving which is something I embrace. I don’t like to focus on one style because that feels limiting.”
We are smitten by the unique and vibrant mood of your home. Is this a look you’ve always been drawn to, or has your taste fluctuated over the years?
“My taste is ever evolving which is something I embrace. I don’t like to focus on one style because that feels limiting and can force choices for the sake of being cohesive to that style. However, I do have core elements that always underline my approach such as asymmetry, sporadic placement, juxtaposition within scale, and balancing colors.
I enjoy the transitions where I can bridge my current design with new ideas that can create a different, fresh perspective without ever starting or stopping my design.”
What is your favorite spot in your home and why?
“My favorite spot in my home is my bedroom, even more so during summertime when I have the early evening ‘magic hour’ that pours the sun across my colorful pieces – it continues to take my breath away.”
How would you describe a good design? What does design mean to you?
“To me, good design is when you can identify intent and individual touch. It goes beyond aesthetically pleasing results. I like to feel the character and personality behind the design because when you create something that starts with a loving, personal feeling it will always transfer through the work.”
Do you have any favorite brands or designers that always leave you wanting more?
“Platforms such as Instagram have introduced me to so many amazing artists and brands both locally and globally that make me so excited to follow along and see what’s next. Artists I’m loving right now include Kiki Goti (@kikigoti), Reggy (@regg.y_), Emmely Elgersma (@emmely), Ready to Hang, Okej, MUT design, Jean-Michel Gadoua (@youthofthebeast), and sooo many more!
Brands like Hem curate such great designs collaborating with artists I love, creating some of my favorites pieces like my Puffy Ottoman by Faye Toogood and Glyph side table by Kwangho Lee.”
What inspires you? Where do you go for new ideas?
“Inspiration usually comes when I don’t go looking for it. Our world today offers an overload of inspiration at our fingertips which can leave you feeling overwhelmed. I am inspired by people and spaces that are unlike my own so that I don’t feel I'm comparing and doubting my instincts, but can feel inspired by the way someone commits to their vision.”
If someone would like to transition from a minimalist to a more maximalist style in their home, where would you suggest they start?
“I like to ease my way into filling a space so that I’m not committing to a minimalist or maximalist style, but working with layers – adding bit by bit. Then you can see how much or little you want to add.”
“I am inspired by people and spaces that are unlike my own so that I don’t feel I'm comparing and doubting my instincts.”
Final question! What is your favorite “this shouldn’t work but it does” decorating tip?
“Visual prep is a big part of my design. When I have a plan in mind to add a piece, I like to get a sense of its presence in my home first. For color, scale, and placement I can usually find something already in the house.
I’ve taped sweaters to the wall to visualize hues and used bed linen to map out dimensions for my eye to get used to seeing the space filled. These little tricks go a long way and help me see things I might otherwise miss.
Lauren's TOP3
1. Your go-to spot in Montreal?
For a cocktail: The Cloakroom bar
For shopping: Rooney Shop
For dinner: Place Carmin
For design: Ligne Roset
2. Favorite combo of colors?
Pale blue + peach
Emerald green + periwinkle
Chartreuse + merlot
3. Your all-time dopamine jam?
1nce Again – A Tribe Called Quest
See also:
• Follow @livingbylo on Instagram >
• Browse Finnish Design Shop >
Text: Mira Ahola Images: Lauren MacLean