We’re looking forward to introducing you to Lauren Winter. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Lauren, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, joy has been watching my kids grow and explore. They’re three and five, and the way they see the world—with so much curiosity and wonder—has been fascinating to me. It’s made me pause, slow down, and really watch how they take everything in. Everyone says childhood goes by in a blink, so I’m making a conscious effort to soak in these moments and enjoy their sweet, unfiltered view of life.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
We’re an interior design firm based in Englewood, primarily focused on residential projects. Unlike some firms, we don’t subscribe to a single “signature style,” and I love that about what we do. The variety—both in aesthetics and project types—keeps the work fresh and exciting. We’re constantly exposed to new ideas and opportunities to push the envelope creatively. Right now, for example, we’re transforming an old underground pool, covered up years ago, into a wine room. It’s projects like that that keep us on our toes and make this work so much fun.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
One of my earliest memories of feeling powerful was the moment I realized I could shape my environment. At a relatively young age my mom took me to the dollar store and handed me $5 to decorate the new basement bathroom that would be mine. I remember pacing the aisles full of ideas and excitement. I landed on a full-blown beach theme—complete with a fishing net draped over the light, seashells, tiny bottles of sand, and an ocean-themed picture frame for the vanity. Was it hideous? Without question. But it was mine. For the first time, I got to decide how a space should feel, and I thought that was just about the coolest thing in the world.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Failure is an ever-present fear for me. Design is so personal and subjective—you have to put yourself out there, trust your instincts, and believe in the value you’re providing. That level of self-belief can feel scary. There are moments when we present something to a client and it completely misses the mark, which is a definite hit to the ego. I try to remember that it’s deeply personal for them, too, and my ultimate goal is for them to truly love their space. We always work through it to get to something amazing in the end, but the middle of the process can be messy—and that’s when the fear of failure likes to sneak in.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
As a firm, we’re deeply committed to maintaining our integrity. Historically, our industry has had its share of misleading practices around billing, markups, and other details. I’ve made it a priority to be as honest and transparent with our clients as possible. Interior design is still a very human, hands-on process, which means there’s always potential for errors or unexpected changes. We make a point to share some of the behind-the-scenes with our clients so they can see our world, understand our reasoning, and feel confident in the decisions we make together.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
Pretty darn close! We’re still a young firm, and when I started, my only goal was to be busy enough that I wasn’t designing alone—it can feel so isolating. I’ve been amazed at how we’ve continued to grow and evolve as a company, and I feel lucky to see it all coming together. We’re fortunate to have incredible clients who trust us, return to us, and allow us to keep creating for them. But the most exciting part for me is watching my team in action. We’ve got a really fun crew, and seeing the magic we create together is inspiring every single day—I often have to pinch myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.saltboxdesignco.com
- Instagram: @saltbox.designco
Image Credits
Elisabeth Gordon Photography
