Lauren Reyes Lim
If you could have a second home anywhere, where would you live? Tokyo, Japan.
What are three words to describe your style?
1. Vibrant
2. Soft-transitional
3. Luxurious
Tell us about your childhood bedroom? My childhood bedroom was a constant reflection of my age at the time – I was very adamant about my color choices but always made sure my walls were more of a muted tone rather than a loud one. For example, when I was 11, I wanted a light lavender room versus a purple one. Then when I was in high school, we repainted my room to something between a sage and olive green.
What’s the first investment piece you ever bought for your house? A custom, solid white oak wood desk that I commissioned our brother-in-law and one of our dear friends to build for our first office setup.
In the history of design, if you could hire any designer other than yourself, who would it be? Joseph Dirand
No room is complete without color.
People think of me as quiet, but I am really a silent Type-A.
Things you omit from:
A flower arrangement: Nothing, all flowers are beautiful!
An hors d’oeuvre platter: Nuts.
A bar cabinet: Anything too sugary that will cause an inevitable hangover.
A song for:
Dinner at home: My husband and I love anything from Spotify’s Neo Funk playlists.
Working at your desk: Late Night Talking by Harry Styles
Going for a run: Five More Hours by Deroro
Biggest Vice? My current vice is ‘romantasy’ (romance + fantasy) books right now. But my biggest vice would have to be the Sims 4 (game).
If you were on an Ambien high and internet shopping, what would you buy?
A vintage Cartier watch.
Do your clothes reflect your design sensibility, if so, how? In a way -- I do favor a mix of timeless pieces and bold patterns. I like neutral tones, chic skirts, cozy knits, and flowing dresses that allow me to be comfortable but also feel sophisticated.
Who is your star crush? Chris Evans
What is the thing you would never do on a project, but don’t detest when you see others do it? I would never create an all-white or super neutral interior.
If there were a fire, and you could only keep one design book, what would it be?
Kelly Wearstler’s Hue.
For posterity, what would you like your work to be known for? I would like my work to be known for how functional and cozy our spaces were. Designs can be beautiful, but if they don’t work properly for the end user, then it is impractical. I want my work to always feel like home for my clients.
A Few Favorites:
Movie: “Howl’s Moving Castle” by Hayao Miyazaki / Studio Ghibli.
Book: I am currently obsessed with the Fourth Wing series (my vice), but a favorite book of mine would be Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami.
Scent: Chanel No. 5
The fabric you always come back to: Colefax and Fowler - Quadretto in Aubergine.
Dream project: A boutique hotel!
Meal: Any pasta and a classic Florentine steak from Buca Mario in Florence.
Drink: Tequila soda with extra lime.
Hotel: SOKI ATAMI in Atami, Japan.
Travel Destination: Tokyo or Lake Como, Italy
Artist: James Jean, Fong Min Liao
A cause near and dear to me: Anything related to the wellness and treatment of animals.
Thing to collect obsessively: Stationery and Christmas ornaments from other countries.
Era in the history of design: The modernist era.
Museum: Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam
Paint Color that always looks great: Eastwood by Portola Paints
Dogs, Cats, or No Pets? Dogs! I have a 6-year old Yorkie.