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Lauren Wells & Her Home
When it comes to home design, sometimes there's really no replacement for that little thing we call time. Lauren Wells, founder of her own eponymous design and styling business has spent more than eight years in the South Boston condo she shares with her husband, and the beautiful, layered results of their long stay are seen everywhere you turn. The cozy collection of spaces offer insight into this creative's penchant for natural details and classic-meets-modern design, and it's easy to pick up on the couple's love for travel and collecting.
Below, Lauren gives us the full tour of her picture-perfect home, plus she shares insight into the evolving nature of her burgeoning career. From the white painted brick and collection of vintage treasures, to the terra cotta potted plants and thoughtfully curated art and accessories, we think you'll find more than one detail to fall in love with.
Why did you decide to leave the advertising world to start your own creative firm? How did you get your business off the ground, and what’s next for you?
In 2012, I planned and designed our wedding, and I fell in love with the entire process. It was one of the first weddings I had ever been to, so perhaps ignorance truly was bliss! At the same time, I had been growing a bit less passionate about my current role in advertising, and the agency life in general. I had always been a self-motivator, and I had always harbored the dream of working for myself—and to have the creative freedom and flexibility that would afford. I decided to give the event design thing a try, and so I put myself out there via Facebook in 2013. By 2014, I had enough business to leave the agency world behind and to pursue my company full-time—and to create a proper website!
Over the past two years, there has been a ton of change and growth. What began as an event design firm has since evolved into a creative studio for a wide range of brands and clients, with a focus on Instagram marketing, custom content creation and design consulting. Basically, if it's creative, I am interested! I have tried to say 'yes' to every opportunity, and I think that openness has helped guide my company and its evolution in an organic way. I look forward to seeing what 2016 brings!
Sofa // Navy/White Embroidered Pillows // Blankets: 1, 2, 3, 4 // Fruit Bowl // Leather Magazine Holder
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You specialize in hospitality consulting, Instagram marketing and event design and styling—what's your favorite?
I don't like to play favorites, but I do get very excited about hospitality consulting and Instagram marketing, which go hand in hand. Travel is everything to me, and I love working with hotels and destinations on their social media, design and experiences. I also love partnering with brands I believe in on Instagram—creating relevant content and styling their products is truly a dream come true. However, I never want to be siloed into one specific service or role, and that is why I sell myself as a creative director—one of the vaguest terms out there. It keeps the door open, and constantly revolving.
Tell us about your space!
It's a cozy, little condo in South Boston that my husband and I have been living in for the past eight years. We tend to lean toward the simple and the minimal, and thankfully, we share a fear of clutter. What I love most about our home is that everything in it is incredibly meaningful to us. Whether from a place we love, a person we love or a special moment in time, every object has a story, and it has been found and collected over the past nine years together. Whenever I sit on our couch and look around, I feel like I am being hugged by the best memories we have.
Coffee Table // Console Table // Dining Table
How did you go about choosing the artwork in your home? Who are some of your favorite artists?
We have collected pieces here and there, from local artists we have found and loved, with no real rhyme or reason. Every time we travel somewhere, we make it a point to purchase a local piece of art. Our first trip together was to Costa Rica, and we have a framed embroidery piece made by the children in one of the towns we visited. Since then, our collection has grown from all over the world, with paintings, maps, ceramics, woodworking, found objects and textiles.
In terms of favorite artists, I am an impressionist lover through and through, and remain infatuated with the works of Monet, Sisley, Manet and Renoir. But until I can hang one of those on our walls, Matty remains my most accessible favorite.
Copper Kettle // Chemex Coffee Maker // Mugs/Match Holder/Vases
What’s your favorite place to shop for home goods?
For furniture and linens, Restoration Hardware is my go-to. I also have a thing for chairs, and Design Within Reach is a great place for authentic, mid-century pieces that my husband complains are uncomfortable to sit on. Kaufmann Mercantile, Schoolhouse Electric and The Citizenry are my favorite online shops, while Terrain is amazing for outdoor items. Farmhouse Pottery is another favorite, and if you are in the Woodstock, Vt. area, you should definitely visit in person. The people are as wonderful as the products!
What’s your favorite photo editing app?
VSCO.
Go-to Friday night cocktail?
Vodka martini, extra dirty.
Top five beauty products you use every day?
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara, bareMinerals Powder Foundation, RMS Beauty Lip Shine, Los Poblanos Lavender Lotion and Oribe Anti-Humidity Spray.
Favorite way to unplug?
Camping with my husband way up north. One sleeping bag, one fire, two hammocks, two books, 18 hot dogs, 30 s'mores, a thousand laughs and zero cell service. It is the best.
Butterfly chair // Eames chairs // Brass lamp // Mirror
We love your travel photos! Where are some of your favorite destinations to visit?
Oh, this is a tough one! Each destination has been so unique, and so itself, that it is impossible to compare them or choose favorites—I have fallen head over heels for each of them. If I have to choose a few on the east coast, Vermont and Nantucket are our most treasured spots. We got married in the former, engaged on the latter and have taken countless trips together to both, so those two places have a special permanence. Over on the west coast, Big Sur is probably one of the most beautiful places in the world. It is pure magic, in every sense of the word.
Some of my favorite cities we have visited are Paris, Florence and Chiang Mai—all incredibly different, and all incredibly beautiful. In each, I felt an instant connection, and as though I could just stay and live there. In terms of beaches, Tulum and the Maldives rank pretty high on my list. I also loved the beaches along the Amalfi Coast—it was so neat to jump right into the water off of the rocks, and I wish we could do something similar along Acadia in Maine or Jamestown in Rhode Island.
Candles // Incense: 1, 2 // Planter Shelves
What’s been your favorite project since you launched in 2013?
I have been very fortunate to work with so many wonderful people on many different projects. Most notably, though, would be working with Cam on her wedding. This past June, I got to play the role of designer/MOH, and it was the best. Cambria and I met through the industry, when we were both launching our businesses around the same time, and it didn't take long for me to realize she is one of the greatest humans ever. We have supported each other and worked together on various weddings, so it was amazing to join forces for her big day. Watching her cry and beam as she walked down the aisle was definitely my favorite "project" to date.
Outdoor Set: Table and Chairs // Hammock: similar here // Seat Cushions (Outdoor leaf print)
