౨ৎ Can you share the story behind how Laidback Lee Design Studio was born and what inspired you to get into Interior design to begin with?

Laidback Lee really started as a passion project. I’ve always been drawn to spaces that feel calm, considered, and personal…  the kind of interiors that make you exhale when you walk in. After years of being the “go-to” friend for styling advice and working in various aspects of the creative industry,  I decided to take the leap and turn that love into something tangible. I wanted to create a studio that felt approachable, not intimidating, and helped families feel at home in their spaces. That’s how Laidback Lee was born. I actually started the business while pregnant with my first daughter, and so it was a big year of change and looking back was the best decision I made so that I can now enjoy flexibility in my career while raising my girls.

౨ৎ Can you tell us about the moment you got your first break in the design world?

My first big break came when I was designing a family home that really set the tone for the kind of work I do today. At the time, I didn’t have kids yet  so I was pouring absolutely everything into building the business. Looking back, I had the flexibility to say “yes” to every opportunity, and that momentum helped shape the studio into what it is now. It was a dream scenario. My client Claudine, poured so much into the process with me and also had so much faith in my design eye. The house is EPIC!

౨ৎ What design trends are you currently loving for kids bedrooms and playrooms?

I’m loving the balance between playfulness and longevity. Natural materials, soft earthy tones, and layered textures are really big for me right now. For playrooms especially, I’m drawn to flexible storage that grows with kids… things that feel stylish but still fun. I also love introducing little pops of pastel or whimsical elements that children can connect to, without making the whole space feel “themed.”

౨ৎ Do you design your own home differently as a parent and designer?

Absolutely. As a parent, practicality always comes first,  but as a designer, I still want beauty and atmosphere. I try to strike a balance by choosing materials that wear well and furniture that’s functional but still looks good. My home definitely reflects that laidback style, nothing too precious, but everything considered.

౨ৎ What advice would you give someone decorating their home for the first time?

Start with how you want to feel in the space, not just what you want it to look like. That will guide your decisions in a more personal way. You don’t have to do everything at once… I say:  layer slowly, invest in a few key pieces, and let the rest evolve over time.

౨ৎ What’s one small change people can make that has a big impact on their space?

Lighting! Swapping harsh overheads for warm lamps and layering light sources makes such a difference. It instantly changes the mood and makes a home feel more inviting.

౨ৎ While raising a family and running a business, can you walk us through what a typical day looks like for you?

My mornings start with my kids, breakfast, drop-offs, the usual juggle. Then it’s into studio work: client calls, site visits, and design development. I try to batch creative tasks in the middle of the day when I have the most energy. Afternoons are for emails and tying up details, before switching back into mum-mode for dinner and bedtime. It’s busy, but having my own business gives me the flexibility to shape my day around family life.

౨ৎ Did your approach to work shift after becoming a parent....creatively, logistically, or emotionally?

In every way! Logistically, I’ve become more efficient... I don’t waste time because I can’t. Creatively, I see design through a family lens now, which has deepened my work. And emotionally, I think becoming a parent has given me more empathy and perspective, both with clients and myself.

౨ৎ What advice would you give to other creative women who are navigating early motherhood and trying to maintain their professional identity?

Give yourself permission to evolve. Your identity doesn’t disappear, it expands. There will be seasons where work takes more of you, and others where motherhood does. Try not to compare your journey to anyone else’s, and remember that creativity often flourishes when you’re living fully in all parts of your life.

౨ৎ If you could go back and give your “pre-mum” self some advice about balancing life and work, what would you say?

I’d tell her that “balance” isn’t a fixed state…  it’s a constant recalibration. Some days the scales will tip toward work, other days toward family, and that’s okay. What matters is being present where you are. And that it’s okay to ask for help... you don’t have to carry it all alone.