Lauren’s Cozy Chateau in Historic South Carthay

Years Lived In: 2 years

Neighborhood: South Carthay

GLB: What do you do? 

Lauren: I’m an Interior Designer and started my own firm, Lauren Waters Design three years ago. I’ve designed spaces from LA to New York and even Europe! I do everything from plumbing to pillows including lots of custom designed furniture. 

GLB: What makes this space “home?” 

Lauren: I love to host dinner parties and having a formal dining really makes it easy to entertain and fill the space with good food, people, and energy. I also collect vintage glass and dishware and the kitchen has extra tall cupboards for endless storage. When I have guests over, I let them pick their favorite wine or cocktail glass to use for the night. 

GLB: What are 3 things in your apartment that you can’t live without?

Lauren: The original brick fireplace, my moca master coffee maker, and the oversized mud/laundry room— it’s the perfect place to hide your clutter or throw your dirty shoes after a hike. Ha! 

GLB: What room do you spend the most time in? Why? 

Lauren: I love the way I set the living room up to function as both a living and office space. I start the morning with a cup of coffee sitting by the big window, then get my most focused work done at my desk with my sample library. As a treat, I’ll finish the day up having a glass of wine by the fire. It doesn’t get any better! 

GLB: What are your favorite neighborhood spots? 

Lauren: Marvin for pasta and natural wine. Factor’s Deli for classic pastrami sandwiches. It’s also helpful living close to all the design and furniture stores! 

GLB: What is your favorite piece of furniture? Why? 

Lauren: My vintage Peter Hvidt oak framed armchair. It has a really cool aluminum back stretcher and I reupholstered it in a cream shearling. 

GLB: What do you love about living in a historic building? 

Lauren: I love the charm and character, the high ceilings, dental crown molding, and the building quality is substantial and lasting unlike new builds. I’ve always felt transported to another city when I look out at the ivy covered courtyard. 

GLB: What do you love about living in Los Angeles? 

Lauren: I am a third generation Angelino and most of my family is still here, which makes a big city feel a lot less lonely. I also love the access to nature— the ocean, mountains, and great hikes. 

GLB: Where do you find inspiration? 

Lauren: I have a huge collection of vintage architecture and design books that I’ve collected over the years while traveling. Whenever I start a new project, I love to comb through them. Also, walking around the historic neighborhood and seeing the architecture and landscaping always gives me a fresh perspective. 

GLB: Anything you’re working on? 

Lauren: I just finished designing my first restaurant, Joyce Soul and Sea on Grand street in downtown LA. It was such a fun, incredible experience!!  

@laurenwatersdesign www.laurenwaters.com