“Designing a residential interior is a process of supporting life activities of the dweller,” says Lehn. “Because we create spaces for others and art in our shared studio, we wanted a quiet refuge at home, a place to wipe our eyes clean from our daily activities. Too often residential interiors are loaded with objects, furnishings, and art. We prefer not to crowd our space with distractions.” This is precisely the quietly minimal philosophy he tries to implement with his clients.
Journey-inspired Kris Lajeskie’s home also showcases the aesthetic she promotes in her work, a home whose objects and materials reflect her life values. For Lajeskie, designing for herself is a spontaneous adventure of self-affirmation. She feels absolutely free to do what she wishes, which is reveling in the mix between old and new. “I have always focused on artisan-made furnishings and decorative items,” she says. “My taste is very refined, so I love to break it up with organic and sometimes primitive elements.” Her personal spaces reflect the sumptuous aesthetic that has
made her justifiably famous around the country. “I surround myself with all the things that give me joy: comfortable furniture in rich fabrics, organic materials in metals, semi-precious stones, feathers.” Much of Lajeskie’s inspiration comes from her travels. On a recent trip to Istanbul she indulged her well-known taste for luxurious fabrics, bringing home silks, velvets, and embroidered goods from the Grand Bazaar, which she will use for client projects and for pillows in her own home. Lajeskie’s penchant for travel informed her decision to live in a small historical adobe casita, which she finds perfect for her “onthe-go lifestyle.” She fell in love with the private patio off the kitchen, which she describes as a wonderful outdoor living extension to the home and her own secret garden. “The common wall is all glass, and I love seeing the sky and light and watching the change of seasons from inside. It’s also my favorite space to gather with visiting friends and clients.” Her spiritual journey is also reflected in her collection of religious art that graces her casita, many of which are rosaries that she wears. She loves the spontaneity of picking up a design element
Kris Lajeskie’s living room showcases her signature design aesthetic—a mix of old and new, modern and traditional, organic and metallic. Many pieces were gathered during her frequent travels. The result is a sumptuous style that has made her highly sought-after with clients around the country.
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