• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Interiors Addict

Heart Your Home

@interiorsaddict on Instagram   @interiorsaddict on Facebook   @interiorsaddict on Pinterest  
Subscribe
  • Job Board
  • About
  • Before & Afters
  • RENO ADDICT
  • Kitchens
  • Bathrooms
  • Kids Rooms
  • Bedrooms
  • Living Room
  • Shopping
  • Expert Tips
  • Recipes
  • Parenting
  • Travel
Interiors Addict
  • Job Board
  • About
    • Our Story

      Australiaโ€™s largest interior design, styling and renovation blog for the everyday Aussie. By former journalist and magazine editor Jen Bishop, the original interiors addict!
      READ MORE

      Weโ€™re big on Instagram!
      @interiorsaddict

      • About
      • Contact Interiors Addict
      • Work with Interiors Addict
      • Advertise / Find a job in Interiors
      • Press
      • Get Your Free Ebook

        This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
    • bookcover-jens-reno
  • By Room
    • Browse by Room

      Where you can search for all our posts about a specific room. Only interested in kitchens and bathrooms? We got you!

      • Kitchens
      • Bathrooms
      • Kids Rooms
      • Bedrooms
      • Living Room
      • Home Office
      • Dining
      • Laundry
      • Outdoor & Exteriors
      • Renting
    • bookcover-jens-reno
  • Before & Afters
    • Before & Afters

      Who doesnโ€™t LOVE a good before & after? If you want to be inspired by the whole reno process, and not just the shiny photos at the end, this is the place for you!

      View Articles

      • Before & Afters
      • Jen’s reno
      • Real Renos
      • RENO ADDICT
    • AFTER lounge room1980’s arch inspires amazing apartment before and after
    • AFTER lounge80’s beach shack now an eclectic, retro-inspired holiday home
  • Reno Addict
    • RENO ADDICT

      Looking for reno inspo? Find it all here, from other peopleโ€™s projects to the latest trends, tools and products, whether youโ€™re DIY-ing or employing trades.

      View articles

      • Reno Products
      • The Block
      • DIY
      • Reno Trends
      • Before & Afters
      • Real Renos
    • EnsuiteLuxury lakeside living on NSW South Coast: A fab reno
    • AFTER lounge room1980’s arch inspires amazing apartment before and after
  • Shopping
    • Shopping

      Want to know where to buy the latest furniture, homewares, rugs, art and more? Weโ€™re always sharing our latest finds and telling you where you can buy them.

      View Articles

      • Furniture
      • Homewares
      • Art
      • Smart Home
      • Appliances
      • Reno Products
    • BathroomNew Kmart homewares range one of its best yet!
    • Soffle_Nina-Szewczyk3How to decorate your rental home in a damage-free way
  • Inspiration
    • Inspiration

      While Jenโ€™s a legitimate interiors addict, sheโ€™s no design professional, so she calls on an army of the countryโ€™s best to share their expertise with you. Be inspired by their stories too!

      View Articles

      • Decorating 101
      • Interviews
      • Expert Tips
      • Before & Afters
      • House Tours
      • Designers
      • Styling
      • Renovating
      • Real Renos
      • Covet my coffee table
    • BedroomFormer Block twins Alisa & Lysandra’s latest project
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle

      Weโ€™re mostly about the home but Jen also likes to share other things she thinks youโ€™ll love, like food and travel.

      • Recipes
      • Travel
      • Parenting
    • 0Q7A5539Foodie Friday: Confit salmon with preserved lemon & pomegranate
    • Burrawang HouseNew Hamptons style luxury retreat in the NSW Southern Highlands
  • Jobs
    • Advertise on our job board
    • Job Board FAQs for advertisers

Why being a one-woman show is an advantage for Sisalla Interior Design

May 20, 2014

FacebookPinEmailTweet

As a sole trader, it’s a prettyย impressive feat to be shortlisted for the 2014 Australian Interior Design Awards, but it is one that Lauren Macer of Sisalla Interior Design, has managed.

Lauren Macer 01a

Nominated in the residential decoration category for her Laurel Court project, she’s ecstatic to be up against some of her favourite designers: โ€œJust to be in the same category as other firms whose work I admire is amazing. I have to admit when I found out I was shortlisted I squealed. Loudly!โ€

Starting her Melbourne-based firm in 2009, Lauren began taking on clients while she was still working full-time at a leading architectural practice in Collingwood. Having worked in both Australia and overseas, she had experience across the whole design process and it was this knowledge that gave her the courage to set out on her own.

Laurel Court
Laurel Court

Whilst there are the obvious challenges of starting your own practice, Lauren believes it also sets her apart: โ€œAs a sole practitioner, the client deals with me from beginning to end. I handle the initial briefing, present the concept, complete any architectural drafting, project management and even the final interior styling of the project. So this means that no details get lost in handing different elements to different people.โ€

Looking after both the interior design and decoration, Laurenโ€™s work covers anything from the spatial planning all the way through to furniture selection and window finishes.

โ€œItโ€™s a great feeling if Iโ€™m able to change someoneโ€™s environment to enhance the way they live,โ€ she explains. โ€œReceiving feedback from a client saying he loves coming home each day, and when stepping through the front door it really feels like home โ€“ for me, thatโ€™s what it should all be about.โ€

LM_laurel_crt3628crop
Laurel Court
LM_laurel_crt3723
Laurel Court

Working primarily in residential, her passion lies in working directly with a client on their home. Lauren prides herself on focusing on her clientsโ€™ needs and enhancing their space with an understated luxury and an element of the unexpected.ย โ€œItโ€™s really about listening to the clientโ€™s requirements resulting in a space that expresses their personalities and needs rather than being dictated by a particular style,โ€ says Lauren. โ€œHowever, I suppose itโ€™s inevitable that a certain style starts to develop. Iโ€™m drawn to quite a sophisticated, eclectic style, featuring mid-century and incorporating contemporary design.โ€

A lover of colour and combining texture with pattern, Lauren puts a lot of emphasis on lighting in helping to create warmth and atmosphere. For her, itโ€™s all about mixing it up, meshing the old with the new โ€œto avoid that showroom look that has no soul.โ€

Laurel Court
Laurel Court

Currently in the final stages of renovating her own place, Lauren has been able to put these skills into practice, as well as teaching interior design courses at CAE in Flinders Lane, an experience she loves. โ€œIt gives me the chance to talk about interiors for hours with lovely people!โ€

It is also a place where she gets to interact with emerging interior designers and for her, her advice is simple: gain experience. โ€œFor those thinking of starting out in the interior design business I would recommend getting experience at different practices to learn how to operate with integrity and skills such as architectural drawing and how to compile a presentation,” explains Lauren. “Also, from my experience, the fun part — concept design — is only a small fraction of the work we do. It takes a lot of work to get to the end of a successful interior.โ€

FacebookPinEmailTweet

Primary Sidebar

Popular This Week

  • Ailanto The best new interior finds for kids + designer chair giveaway!
  • Lounge room 90’s era abode now bold and fun holiday home
  • Ensuite Luxury lakeside living on NSW South Coast: A fab reno
  • Australian kitchen dimensions: standard sizes for every last detail
  • Palette Cam 15 apps to help you build your dream home

Follow us on Instagram

Take a scroll through the stunning new art on line Take a scroll through the stunning new art on linen collab from @grottilotti and @linen_house We love it! โค๏ธ

And even if you're not in the market for new linen, the bird cushions would look fab on a sofa. The pink one might be finding its way to my house...

More info on the homepage now via link in bio.

#grottilotti #artistcollaboration #australianartist #australianart #australianartists #bedlinen #linenhouse #boldbedroom #colourfulbedroom #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #heartyourhome #jenbishop #bedroomrefresh #bedroomgoals๐Ÿ˜ #linenaddict  #cockatoos #australianbirdsofinstagram
I'm absolutely loving the simple yet on trend scal I'm absolutely loving the simple yet on trend scallop design and colour pop of these lampshades from new brand @soffle_lights 

Read founder Sophie Cartwright's top tips for transforming your rental home on the blog now. Via link in bio.

Which colour is your fave?!

#lampshademaker #lampshadedesign #lampshademaking #floorlamps #lampshades #scalloped #sofflelights #lightingdecor #rentaldecor #rentalhome #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
While we featured a gloriously colourful home on M While we featured a gloriously colourful home on Monday, this one is a masterclass in serene neutrals! And how good is this bunk room?!

Take the tour on the blog now. Via link in bio.

#neutralhome #neutralhomedecor #bunkroom #bunkbed #bunkbedsforkids #builtinbunkbeds #skylights #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #realhomes #holidayhousesofinstagram #nswsouthcoast #wollongong #wollongonghomes

@projection_build @lumiere_collective @shersonarchitecture 
๐Ÿ“ท@the.palm.co
Washable rugs, eco-friendly play mats, reversible Washable rugs, eco-friendly play mats, reversible linen, gorgeous wallpaper and the chance to win a beautiful bouclรฉ recliner chair!

Today's kids room roundup is full of loveliness if we don't say ourselves!

Via link in bio now.

#kidsroomstyling #kidswallpaper #playmats #feedingchair #nursingchair #nurseryroomdecor #washablerugs #washablerug #bouclechair #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
A glass shower screen is not the only option! In A glass shower screen is not the only option!

In this 80s villa reno, @trentinidesign took inspiration from an archway typical of the era and used it throughout the home.

The bathroom was transformed from a classic three-piece set up that included a shower, bath and vanity. Kathryn removed the bath and split the room in half and designed an arch to sit between the two zones. 

โ€œI wanted something spectacular. Rather than having a vanity with a piece of glass like you would typically see, I was really trying to push myself as a designer. It was costly but it worked out well and the feedback has been great."

Swipe for the before and follow the link in bio to see the rest of this home.

#bathroomdesignideas #bathroomtrends2023 #showerscreen #showerscreens #archways #apartmentrenovation #interiorsblogger #interiorsaccount #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #realreno
One half of popular parenting podcast @wedonthavet One half of popular parenting podcast @wedonthavetimeforthis, turns out former Neighbours actor @gemma_peanut is even more multi-talented than we thought! Will you check out the joyful and colourful reno of her holiday home (and airbnb) @yo_caba_caba?!

Head over to the blog via link in bio to read all about why she went bold and full of pattern in this project, which is a stark contrast to her zen and neutral Northern Beaches abode.

There's also plenty of details about where things are from etc.

"Iโ€™m not an interior designer so I just chose what I liked and followed my gut. Ultimately this home has been an opportunity to explore my alter ego โ€“ it allowed me to do things that I wouldnโ€™t normally do.โ€

๐Ÿ“ท @tanikablair_photography 

#interiorsblog #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #gemmapeanut #wedonthavetimeforthis #parentingpodcast #parentingpodcasts #holidayhousesofinstagram #cabaritabeach #airbnbstyle #airbnbstyling #colourandpattern #wallpapergoals #patternedtiles #featuretiles #poolgoals #sparkjoy #yocabacaba #boldinteriors #funinteriors #colourfulkitchen
Not many friends in life fall into the unofficial Not many friends in life fall into the unofficial family category and they're a special gift. So ends three weeks with @danisteve81 who left her husband and son in the UK (I'm forever grateful they lent her to me!) to come and cheer me up and help me in the most practical ways after I spent Christmas and New Year in hospital. There were tears and I miss her so much already but how amazing to have had all that time together as adults. Such a rare treat and would never have happened without having been through something so challenging. Silver linings and all that. So many other friends have also been incredibly thoughtful and kind. There aren't many times I'd say this without cringing but I am 100% blessed!

I still cannot believe we have been friends since we were 12! 12! Are you still close with your childhood besties?
The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_ho The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_house is a work of art and while almost every surface was updated, the decision to keep the original slate floor was genius if you ask us. 

Owner @clarehillier__ says: "With its purple, pink, red and brown tones, the slate was the starting point for our interior palette."

Come and check out the before and afters via link in bio now and read the reno story. It's a real beauty.

And you can book it for your next holiday too!

Blair Smith Architecture @kateshanasy

#slatefloor #slatefloors #80shouse #80sbeauty #camillohouse #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #realreno #holidayhousesofinstagram #morningtonpeninsulahomes #morningtonpeninsula #morningtonpeninsulasmallbusiness #blairgowrie #blairgowriebeach #airbnbstyle
Me and my boys ๐Ÿ’— Me and my boys ๐Ÿ’—
Follow on Instagram
Visit Jen's profile on Pinterest.

Get Your Free Ebook

Ebook cover

Never miss the latest renovating and interiors products, news and inspo again! Sign up for our newsletter and we'll send you the best bits from the blog, direct to your inbox. Plus you'll get our latest eBook: What Made The Biggest Impact in Jen's Own Reno.
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Avatar

About Olivia Shead

When she's not writing for Interiors Addict, Olivia is now a TV and radio news producer. She's a journalism graduate of UTS Sydney.

More from Designers

Bedroom

Former Block twins Alisa & Lysandra’s latest project

How to decorate your rental home in a damage-free way

Lounge room

90’s era abode now bold and fun holiday home

Terrazzo and character are in and grey is out, says designer

The Old Vicarage project

Designer profile: From expat childhood to high end interiors

Greg Natale accessories

Greg Natale debuts new lifestyle collection at Maison&Objet Paris

Bedroom

Art and colour star in cottage reno inspired by Kit Kemp

Master bedroom

Sophisticated Melbourne home an ode to its owners’ Italian roots

Bedroom

How to embrace colour & maximalist style in your home

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Avatarmyscrapbookofstyle says

    May 21, 2014 at 11:17 pm

    So exciting because I was just looking up the CAE course today (for some extra fun!) and saw Lauren’s name. As I scrolled down these beautiful images I realised it was the same person. I will definitely be doing the course!!!!!

    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      May 23, 2014 at 3:18 am

      Love that and glad you came across this post! Good luck with your course!

  2. AvatarLauren says

    May 22, 2014 at 11:12 am

    What a coincidence! I hope to see you at CAE, the courses are a lot of fun!

  3. AvatarScrapbook of style says

    May 22, 2014 at 3:20 pm

    Booked today!

Footer

Interiors Addict

Interiors Addict

  • About
  • Contact
  • Work with Jen
  • Press
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure Policy

Browse

  • RENO ADDICT
  • Jen’s Reno
  • House Tours
  • Real Renos
  • Interviews
  • Styling
  • Designers
  • Bedrooms
  • Covet My Coffee Table
  • Expert Tips
  • The Block
  • Art
  • Furniture
  • Recipes

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RENO ADDICT

Copyright © 2011–2023 Addicted Media Pty Ltd
Website care by ClickWP ยท Log in

Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

Email sent!