In Conversation with Lauren Weisner
Designer and antique shop owner Lauren Weisner makes her mark on Atlanta
Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles: You moved to Atlanta from Huntsville, Alabama in 2016. How has the city shaped your opportunities and design approach?
Lauren Weisner: My design approach has always been rooted in intuition. I grew up in this industry with an interior designer as a mother, and she often says I learned it all through osmosis. I have always been surrounded by beautiful things including textiles, wallpapers, furniture, and architecture, and Atlanta has played a major role in refining my design sensibilities. The community here is incredibly inspiring and moving to Atlanta truly changed my life, especially during my time working for Melanie Millner, who opened so many doors and helped elevate both my taste and the direction of my career. I have been fortunate to work with some powerhouse names in the last decade, and that education has also served me well in my current role with The Design Social Studio. Our founder, Brooks Morrison, is a true visionary, and working on the textile and wallpaper side while meeting so many remarkable designers through our pop-up events has been surreal in the best way. I am constantly inspired by what designers are doing across the country and around the world, but you truly do not have to look far. The Atlanta design community is strong, creative, and influential, and it continues to shape the way I see and approach design today.
AH&L: You have an antiques arm of your business. What draws you to antiques—history, craftsmanship, sustainability, storytelling?
LW: I’ve always been drawn to antiques because they surrounded me growing up and there is simply nothing else like them. Mixing them with new pieces or fresh upholstery can completely transform a space, and the craftsmanship and history give a room depth and personality. Seeing the life that a piece has had before you instills an appreciation for the artisans who also came before. Nothing stops me in my tracks more than a beautifully handcrafted piece with a living history. In fact, I spend most weekends researching and visiting estate sales. A room filled
only with new pieces feels uninteresting to me.
AH&L: You’ve worked with titans of the design industry, including Melanie Millner and Betty Burgess. When did you first feel that your work was distinctly your voice?
LW: I’ve had the incredible good fortune of working with some of the best designers in the business, and I credit them with opening up a whole new world for me in the design industry, especially when I first arrived in Atlanta a decade ago. I had early exposure to beautiful things growing up, but moving here elevated that experience in a completely new way. I’ve always felt that I had my own voice, and I was fortunate to be given a great deal of freedom while designing under some wonderful names. Stepping out on my own was a little scary at first, but I’ve always been confident in my vision and my abilities. I’m a sourcing person at heart and absolutely love finding the perfect piece for my clients. I’ve also always been drawn to textiles, so I’m constantly searching for something new that hasn’t been overused. My work feels distinctly mine because it’s the result of decades of refining my style and taste. I would describe it as classic and refined, but I always love something unexpected mixed in.
AH&L: Having grown up in this world, what traditions from your designer mother do you carry with you in your work today?
LW: Having an interior designer for a mom gave me endless inspiration and drive. I truly credit her with everything I know. She not only taught me so much, but she instilled creativity in me from the very beginning. I grew up in the furniture business, surrounded by beautiful pieces, but I was always working on some “project” in my room. At one point I even glued my very nice Drexel Heritage desk to the carpet! My mom allowed me the freedom to be creative, and watching her draw and design constantly just seeped into my brain. Weekend mornings often meant waking up to furniture being rearranged. That early exposure to art, antiques, and design shaped everything I do today. Creating spaces that feel warm, layered, and meaningful is very much rooted in that childhood—and it’s something I hope to pass on to my own children.
AH&L: What do you hope people feel when they experience your work?
LW: I hope people feel warmth and joy both from my design work and when they are collaborating with me on their own projects. There are so many ways to achieve that in design, but my favorite approaches have always been really listening to clients and going the extra mile by adding personal touches. Whether it’s something nostalgic from their childhood or incorporating a family heirloom in a meaningful way, I want my clients to know that I care about their projects as much as they do. In fact, sometimes I may care even more! I’ll lie awake thinking about ways to elevate a project and offer something they may not have thought of. The best projects are always the ones where trust and joy are shared between all parties. shoppeweis.com
This is the fourth installment of AH&L’s Futures of Design. To learn more about the class of 2026, visit atlantahomesmag.com/futures-legends.
A Day in the Life of Lauren Weisner
5:30 A.M. My mornings usually start with my 1.5-year-old daughter waking us up. I snuggle with her and my 3-year-old son, have breakfast, and get the kids ready for school. They’re out the door by 7 a.m., and I take a moment to sip my coffee before diving into the day ahead.
9 A.M–12 P.M. Studio days are spent at The Design Social Studio, where I’m usually working with clients on custom orders, setting up meetings, or creating mood boards. In the mornings, I’m often emailing clients and drawing inspiration from the beautiful textiles surrounding me. Some weeks, I might be traveling for one of The Design Social Pop-Ups, which are creative-to-creative trade shows where designers meet the people behind their favorite textile brands. Non-studio days are in my office responding to emails, coordinating site visits, and corresponding with trades.
1 P.M. Lunch is often a quick bite while reviewing a proposal. I might be on a Zoom call reviewing a new pattern from one of our lines, or meeting a client in the studio.
4 P.M. I’m wrapping up the day and responding to all my emails. I’m thinking about a walk after work with my family and what my wonderful husband is going to cook us for dinner.
5 P.M. I’m happiest when I’m back with my family. While my professional life keeps me busy, there’s no place I’d rather be than with my two little ones.