Ep. 221: designer Lilse McKenna

Our guest today is interior designer Lilse McKenna. Before starting her own firm, she worked with designers Markham Roberts and Lindsey Coral Harper and drew inspiration from their styles. She has since had her work featured in House Beautiful, The Wallstreet Journal, Real Simple, and more. Her signature style is rooted in tradition yet layered with colors, textures, and patterns. We talk about how she uses layers, where she searches for killer fabrics, her best budget buys, and more!

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

• Why Lilse wants your interior to make you “think”.
• How did Lilse get started?
• What does Lilse love about fabrics?
• Tips for the pattern people and non-pattern people.
• What are Lilse’s rules for sconces, wall art… and mattress heights?
• What are Lilse’s thoughts on the “Grandmillennial” style?
• Are vertical line patterns in wallpaper a new trend?
• Where does Lilse like to save vs. splurge on items?

Decorating Dilemma

Hi Melissa,

I like the Pinterest example you showed with the custom shower curtain that was especially long, hung close to the ceiling, and almost to the floor. You may have to custom make it, but I would get an ivory linen with a narrow contrast banding on all 4 sides that pulls from the colors of the wallpaper. This will make sort of a fabric wall and make it look less “bathroomy”. You could even have the shower curtain made with pinch pleats or grommets to make it look more like a curtain.

Good luck! We are very invested in your shower curtain so show us after photos!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Lilse McKenna

Lilse McKenna on Instagram

Etsy