Lauren Svenstrup, Studio Sven // Photo: Ryan McDonald

At first glance, I'm immediately intrigued by the Studio Sven posts on Instagram… I see color that feels sophisticated, a reaction I don’t normally have to colorful interiors. I see patterns and textures that I would never think should live in the same room, yet it’s absolutely perfect in creating a curated and luxe look. I can tell that the Studio Sven clientele are affluent, classy, cool… and I want to have my artwork in a Studio Sven project ASAP.

Coincidentally Lauren Svenstrup, founder and principal of Studio Sven, felt the same way and purchased one of the first pieces from my “Sculptural Fibres” collaboration with Thomas Hayes Studio, back in October 2022. I was thrilled and the anticipation of seeing my large, multi-tiered brass and silk fiber artwork installed in her project was mounting.

I'm very familiar with the long timelines of an interior design project- not to mention the photoshoot that must happen and the media opportunities that require photos to be kept private until until potential publication, so it was a great surprise when months later, Studio Sven announced that their “Wolf of Wacker” project was on the cover of Luxe Magazine Chicago in the March 2023 issue. A well deserved feature, the “Wolf of Wacker” project is playful, witty and full of personality. Definite cover model material.

If you are inspired by furniture that looks like art, impactful transitions, quirk and whimsy- then buckle up. This designer and her firm are surely here to “honor the idiosyncrasies” of her clientele, and I am so into it.

Lauren Svenstrup- congratulations on your firm’s success. Gracing the cover of Luxe magazine is a big acknowledgment to your work and it looks like it's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to showing off your ability to embody the personalities of your clients through design.

Speaking of your ability to “embody the personality of a client through design” how do you approach a new project with a client you’ve never worked with? How do you navigate this process?

My formal education was in Human Centered Design, which is the study of how people interact with environments and objects. I found myself drawn to applying those concepts in homes and perfecting how people can thrive in their personal spaces, so I ended up finding my niche in residential interior design. With this approach, we design for our clients’ lives, not just their homes.

The first step of every project is to dive deep into getting to know our clients – the Discovery Phase. This begins with a 2+ hour meeting in their current home, even if that is not the home I am designing. I want to observe how they live, how they sit on their furniture, how they host someone in their home, and where they put my jacket when I walk in the door. I need to get to know the client, and not just the fun things they want to tell me. The first layer of discovery is easy — clients tell us about themselves and their lifestyle and what they think they want. The second layer is looking beyond what they’ve told me and digging into the WHY behind it. The third layer is observing and discovering the pain points our clients might not even realize exist. I am going to ask “why,” a lot. I’m going to open all the doors and cabinets. I need to see what your wardrobe looks like, what products you use, the contents of your liquor cabinet... I want to know it all!

We also talk a lot about what typically drives a client’s decision-making process. What do they find value in, what do they splurge on, what do they absolutely hate spending money on? Is it typically easy for them to make decisions? Do they remain confident in those decisions, or do they second guess themselves? It’s all part of the process — I don’t want to just design a beautiful home. I want to educate and empower clients to be confident in their decisions and ultimately the investment in their home.

During this Discovery Phase, we also talk a bit about aesthetics... but it is the least important part when trying to figure out how to embody their personality in the design. Artwork is by far the most significant means through which we incorporate personality into our designs, paying tribute to their hobbies, favorite destinations, memories, and often even their idiosyncrasies... One of my favorite pieces of art in our Wolf of Wacker project (besides yours!) is a photo by Miss Aniela. We found this amazing piece of art because we were Googling our clients’ passions and quirks: balloons and fashion! When we arrived to measure our client's new home, it appeared nearly empty, with the exception of around 20 scattered balloons strewn across the floor. Rather than presuming they were remnants of a party, I inquired about their presence, only to discover that he receives regular balloon deliveries. He explained that they bring cheerfulness, fill the space, and greatly contribute to his happiness. Just like someone may love having fresh flowers in their home, he likes balloons. This isn’t something he explicitly told me in our onboarding, but it is a meaningful glimpse into his personality and lifestyle.

Design: “Wolf of Wacker”, Studio Sven // Photo: Ryan McDonald

Before founding Studio Sven in 2014, you led a creative team as Design Director at one of Chicago’s top high-end residential firms. You now have over 9 years of experience as the Principal Designer of Studio Sven. What brought you to starting your own firm?

When I started in Interior Design, I never thought I’d be a founder of my own firm. Looking back, that was probably due to the fact that I started my career working for larger firms that specialize in multi-family housing, so working for yourself was a much less viable option in that field. It wasn’t until I stepped into the role of Design Director for a residential firm that I realized owning my own business was attainable. I was able to see first-hand not only how to run a business, but how to be profitable doing it.

The year I started Studio Sven, I was at High Point and I decided to spend the afternoon in seminars listening to industry leaders tell their stories on how they started their own businesses. Looking around the audience, that was the first time I realized that all these designers were their own bosses. They make their own hours, they have their own unique aesthetics, and most importantly, they choose the type of clientele they want to work with. Once I realized that, I had one foot out the door. Studio Sven was open for business by July 2014 that year following High Point.

Interior design seems like such a fluid art form that is constantly evolving over time and experience. How have you seen your style transition from where you started to where it is currently?

Oh yes, my aesthetic has evolved over the years. I have never wavered from my love of color, but I’m using it in different ways now. Looking back at my older work, I see a lot of bold colors in the backgrounds like paint and tile, as well as in the upholstery and artwork. Over the years it has evolved into softer colors on the walls, with more neutral and textural backgrounds and the pops of color primarily reserved for the artwork and upholstery.

Every project is different, and I pride myself on the fact that no two designs of mine look the same — but there are definitely some signature details I love to incorporate as often as I can. For example, you’ll often see murals, dramatic dark moments, trim and doors painted to blend into their surroundings, as well as a focus on the ceiling.

What would be a career high for you and Studio Sven?

I think I am already at a career high. I do what I love, with people I love, and I can be selective about who I work with. That’s pretty awesome.

Lifestyle was a big deciding factor in starting Studio Sven, and it has been a driving factor in how we are intentionally scaling the business. A little over two years ago, I was able to hire my husband as our Managing Director. Not only utilizing his talents and background in business, but aligning the goals for our business, family, lifestyle at the same time. Don’t get me wrong, we put in a ton of hours, but it’s 100% our decision to do so. If we want to take off time to be with our kids, we do, in a moment's notice. Thinking about and planning for the future is obviously essential, but in this industry, it is critical to stop and appreciate your big and little successes in the moment.

You seem to have found a niche with “bachelor pads” and I wonder what makes these projects and clients a good fit for your firm?]

Let’s take it back to the balloon conversation. Our bachelors –or solo clients– tend to be unapologetically themselves. They know what they like, and they have strong convictions when it comes to their passions and preferences. They tend to live in the present instead of being so focused on the future and the “what if” of it all—and I love everything about it! My goal is never to diminish their passions, hobbies, or preferences, but rather elevate them.

Each one is so wildly different and unique, yet all of them tend to really embrace the process. They provide a new set of challenges and seeing them thrive in their new environment is always fulfilling.

“Artwork is by far the most significant means
through which we incorporate personality into our designs.”

— Lauren Svenstrup

As an artist, I feel so drawn to your selection of art for the “Wolf of Wacker” project. How do you source “killer artwork" for your clients?

It really depends on the project. Sometimes we work with art consultants and galleries, but a lot of times we are sourcing each piece ourselves. Instagram has been an amazing tool for connecting with artists to not only select from their existing bodies of work, but to also see a glimpse into their processes and capabilities. There is something about “how” a piece is created that makes me connect with it for a deeper appreciation.

Design: “Wolf of Wacker”, Studio Sven // Photo: Ryan McDonald // Textile Art: Lauren Williams

What do you do to fuel your education/passion/inspiration for design and interiors?

Instagram is a really great place to find inspiration, but I think it can also be a detriment. On one hand, you may stumble on a fabulous artist, craftsman, or product line that ignites a creative spark. On the other, you can feel trapped in a state of cognitive fixedness at times, wherein you believe your work should resemble what other successful designers are producing. More so than just looking at Instagram for mood shots and all-over inspiration, I’m digging for the details. Obsessing over a seam detail on a chair, forms, and scale. Mesmerized by the process and capabilities of an artist or artisan. Understanding how something is made, how it is built... that is where most of my favorite ideas start.

What’s next for Studio Sven?

You’ll have to wait and see!

To learn more about studio sven’s colorful and whimsy chicago high-rise penthouse, featuring Lauren’s sculptural fibres, check out her cover feature in luxe magazine’s march issuE AND MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM: @STUDIOSVEN

Designer Spotlight: Studio Sven

Speaking of your ability to “embody the personality of a client through design” how do you approach a new project with a client you’ve never worked with? How do you navigate this process?

Before founding Studio Sven in 2014, you led a creative team as Design Director at one of Chicago’s top high-end residential firms. You now have over 9 years of experience as the Principal Designer of Studio Sven. What brought you to starting your own firm?

Interior design seems like such a fluid art form that is constantly evolving over time and experience. How have you seen your style transition from where you started to where it is currently?

What would be a career high for you and Studio Sven?

You seem to have found a niche with “bachelor pads” and I wonder what makes these projects and clients a good fit for your firm?]

As an artist, I feel so drawn to your selection of art for the “Wolf of Wacker” project. How do you source “killer artwork" for your clients?

What do you do to fuel your education/passion/inspiration for design and interiors?

What’s next for Studio Sven?

To learn more about studio sven’s colorful and whimsy chicago high-rise penthouse, featuring Lauren’s sculptural fibres, check out her cover feature in luxe magazine’s march issuE AND MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM: @STUDIOSVEN

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