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L AY E R E D L O V E Layered Lounge is a new online store supplying home decor products with a strong emphasis on quality, colour and crisp, simplistic styling. The enduring designs are high quality and reasonably priced Having taken a break from their very different career paths to raise their children, Suzy and Lou, whose friendship began at the school gates, had many a conversation about needing a new challenge. “We knew we wanted to start our own business, the question was what to do” says Lou. Having renovated and built various properties between them, interiors seemed a natural fit. They shared a love of interior design and soon found they shared similar tastes, too. “We were both frustrated with the products available to us whilst decorating our own homes,” Suzy explains. “Current high street offerings are fairly priced but so trend-led that they frequently lack quality and longevity. At the high end of the market, you can find superb quality and timeless design, but the price tag can be exorbitant and difficult to justify.” They felt they could help
“We love minimalist interiors with crisp, clean lines, but with five kids and two dogs between us, we wouldn’t want our homes to be designed entirely like that... It’s all about balance” bridge that gap, so one September evening, after a few glasses of wine, they decided to go for it and launch their own company. At the heart of the business is the concept of layering – the process of staging a room by adding items that give it depth, tone and personality – resulting in a look that’s deceptively effortless. And just as you would layer your outfit for comfort and style, so, too, should you consider layering your room. “We love to accent with colour,” says Suzy. “Our style 62 |
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is very much a fusion: simple yet sophisticated, practical but also indulgent. We love minimalist interiors with crisp, clean lines, but with five kids and two dogs between us, we wouldn’t want our homes to be designed entirely like that. On the other hand, colour, texture and detailing are important but neither of us likes fussy or overly busy interiors; it’s all about balance.” Ensuring the product range pays attention to current trends but isn’t a slave to them, the
curated collection is based on designs that both Suzy and Lou love. “In fact, if only one of us likes a product, it simply doesn’t make the cut.” Lou tells us. So which products do? “Texture is really important. When perusing new products, we both immediately go to touch them. Size should be taken into consideration, too. Often, less is more and a large feature piece, such as a beautiful lamp, can create a real focal point.” Starting the business has also
enabled Suzy and Lou to give a little back. “We’re very proud to be supporting a local muscular dystrophy charity called Action 4 Archie,” Lou enthuses. “Archie is 12 years old and suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which is a severe muscle wasting condition. A ten per cent donation from all profits from the Layered Lounge branded scented candles, diffusers and room sprays is given to the charity.” layeredlounge.com