There's a particular Saturday morning I still think about. I was standing in my own kitchen with a coffee going cold, scrolling through a client's mood board on my phone, moving a cushion three pixels to the left for the fourth time that week. Nobody had asked me to do that on a Saturday. I'd just forgotten how to stop.

For pieces that lean into what's genuinely landing this year, curved seating, mixed timber consoles, hand-thrown ceramics, have a browse through our Curatorial Store. And if you want to see what's catching my eye as the year goes on, I'm updating the Pinterest board regularly at pinterest.com.au/laidbackleedesign.

The details that matter

Because Homebody's offering is grounded in slow, precise movement, the details had to hold up to long, quiet looks. There's nowhere to hide in a room where people spend an hour on their backs, gazing upward. Every junction, every transition, every fitting was chosen knowing it would be seen — really seen — by someone mid-breathwork.

It's the same philosophy we bring to our residential work: beautiful and liveable, in that order and in equal measure. A commercial space simply has more people living in it.

Sydney interior designer Stephanie Ferrara on layering a bedroom for winter warmth. Texture, colour and the right bedhead change everything

If you've ever wondered what it looks like behind the scenes at Laidback Lee, let me paint you a picture: three sets of fabric samples on my dining table, a client mood board open on one screen, invoices on the other, and a very cold cup of tea that I keep meaning to reheat.

This is the reality of running a studio that's always at capacity — and I wouldn't have it any other way. Today I'm pulling back the curtain on how we manage the chaos, and the things I genuinely can't stop putting into my clients' homes right now.

"The laidback part of the name isn't about doing less. It's about making the considered choice look effortless."

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Last week I flew to Shenzhen for a deep-dive sourcing trip—one of those fast, full, energising design missions that leaves your brain fizzing with ideas. I’ve always believed that great design starts long before it reaches a client’s home, and this trip was all about expanding what’s possible for our projects and future products.

From stone yards to bathroom innovation labs, to factories producing some of the most impressive custom furniture I’ve ever seen—Shenzhen delivered.

February already — how?

If you’re new here, I’m Stephanie Ferrara, founder of Laidback Lee Design, and host of the female-founded podcast Laidback Design Chat — and 2026 has wasted absolutely no time getting started.

Here’s a little February check-in on what we’ve been up to… and what’s ahead.

If you’re working with Laidback Lee Design this year, you can expect:

• Thoughtful, tailored design solutions

• Honest guidance and clear direction

• A relaxed but professional experience

• Spaces that feel timeless, intentional and truly yours

We’re so grateful to our clients — past, present and future — for trusting us with their spaces. This year is about growth, refinement and continuing to create design that feels both elevated and effortless.

We’re back, we’re inspired, and we can’t wait to create with you.