We chat to rising interior design star Lauren Caisley, creator of gorgeous, ‘quietly sophisticated’ rooms…
At Pooky we love to see our lights doing their thing in beautiful rooms, especially when they’ve been expertly placed by people with real interior design talent and flair… people like Lauren Caisley. We’ve been following her Hertfordshire-based studio on Instagram for a while – and we’ve been seriously impressed with her growing portfolio of gorgeous, understated spaces; interiors that have, as she perfectly puts it, a ‘quiet sophistication’.
And after spotting a few Pooky lights popping up in them, we had to invite her on to the blog for a chat about interior design, lighting and much more. Here’s our Q&A…
Tell us about your background … When did you realise you had an ‘eye’ for interior design, and how did Caisley come about?
For as long as I can remember I have been excited about creating an atmosphere. I used to send my siblings out of their room for the day and redecorate. I wallpapered my own room at about 14! It’s certainly in my blood. I went on to study Interior & Spatial Architecture at Chelsea College of Art (UAL). Graduating in the height of the financial crash, I fell into event management.
When I met my now husband 10 years ago he asked, “What do you do?” and I replied, “Oh I’m in events but I really want to be an Interior Designer”. He said, “Why aren’t you?” I remember the conversation so well. It was as if someone gave me permission to go for it. I quit my job in London and the studio was founded the next day, cold turkey!
I learnt fast, but I was very passionate and determined to succeed. The properties we work on now are beyond my wildest dreams. I’m forever grateful I get to do this every day.
How would you describe your interior design style or ethos?
It’s classic English Country. Traditional but with a modern sense of style. I like our spaces to feel like home. They’re cosy, warm, inviting, clean; beautiful, but lived in. There is a quiet luxury about them. That’s what classic English Interior design is for me, that sense of timeless charm.
What are your biggest interior design inspirations?
I think of an original cottage wallpaper print from Cabbages and Roses, next to a timber window with roses climbing up it. I can see the scene now – it reminds me of where I grew up in the countryside…. Warm days spent in the garden, eating outside then cosy nights in next to the open fire.
The house we live in now was built in 1745 and the smells of the open fire carry years of history in the building walls. It’s that cosy feeling I can tap into when designing spaces for our clients.
What do you most enjoy about your work?
We have been able to create an environment in our studio which is the perfect back drop to the projects we work on. It’s a beautiful big barn next to a ford and an old working watermill. It couldn’t be more English in its setting. It’s such a lovely place to work and be creative, it allows me the space to build the business.
There is always so much variety whether it’s physically designing, working with the team members, developing projects or building relationships with suppliers. It’s fast paced but full of passion.
How does lighting play a part in your interiors?
It’s fundamental. Lighting is the key to creating the layers which work with our designs. We always work on four layers of lighting: task-based top level lighting, maybe a coffered ceiling LED or directional downlights pointing towards artwork. Decorative high level lighting: a chandelier or pendant. Next is wall lights or picture lights which create a warmth and backdrop to a cosy space; connecting lastly with the table and floor lamps. It’s important that all lighting is on a dimmable switch or system. The right lighting throughout the day can completely change an atmosphere.
Any lighting tips you’d like to share?
Even just adding a lamp or two and turning the main light off in the evenings will enhance your space with minimal effort and expense.
Any exciting projects in the pipeline?
Yes! We have just handed over a seven-floor townhouse in central London. It was by far our most prestigious client and project to date and such a privilege to design. I’m incredibly proud of it – it’s full of warmth, colour and as usual a few surprises. We designed a full play gym for the children in the basement! So a different style of project for us.
We’re also about to present the designs to a large Grade II listed Medieval Manor house which has had Georgian extensions over the years. It sits on an estate of 16 acres with a beautiful pool and party barn. These clients and the house itself are the perfect alignment for me, it all just feels right. I’m really excited to work on it.
And what would be your dream interior design project?
This keeps changing as we get to tick off our dream projects, but I am yet to design a ski chalet and as a family of skiers (my littlest was put on skis at 16 months!) that would be incredible.
Finally, do you have a favourite Pooky light?
The Marcel rechargeable picture light in bronze. When we moved into the studio we couldn't feed wires into some of the barn walls, so it’s has been perfect for those little corners, and so effective!
See more of Lauren's interiors on the Caisley website and on Instagram at @caisley_interiors
Get the look...
Inspired by Lauren's gorgeously understated English interiors? Love those glowing layers, elegant wall lights and gathered cotton shades?
Here are some Pooky lights that will fit the bill...
...And you can browse all of our lamps, shades and more here.
