The Digest | New Jersey Magazine
Issue link: https://magazines.vuenj.com/i/1347392
Did I mention Lawson was nearly 3,500 miles away across the Atlantic in the United Kingdom during our Zoom call at 11 in the morning EST and, well, 4 PM by her? Alix Lawson valiantly envisions the global future of modern, luxury interior design as an iteration of conscious minimalism, a rejection to loud and opulent design in favor of quiet thoughtfulness and conscious steps towards simplicity. Lawson advocates for an intentional approach to constructing a room, referencing the environmental factors like climate, lighting, and geographical location. Think of a carefully curated selection of bright white, naturally painted walls defining the endless infinity of a room. Close your eyes and imagine an ethereal room seamlessly incorporating light stone, airy linen, and rattan with the captivating, whirling knots of a wooden furniture piece. And reference the conscious relation to the environment and building-style, whether the brisk atmosphere of a wintry London townhouse or the endless, arid, palm oasis-dream of Dubai Hills. Now you've consciously entered the realm of minimalism. With the extensive toolbox of bright and neutral white paints and a library of sleek furniture combined with the natural elements of the surrounding environment, Lawson's approach involves a proactive commitment to less is more. Lawson draws on a mix of Japanese, Australian, and Scandinavian design, or "Japandi" style. Each puzzle piece provides a clear spatial and functional purpose. Born and raised within the salt-air coast of Queensland, Australia, Alix Lawson combines her affinity for the outdoor landscape with an innate talent for piecing together a space. Drawing direct inspiration from a childhood immersed in the prolific work of Queensland's household architect Geoffrey Pie, Lawson's appreciation for summoning the outdoors in her interior designs comes almost naturally. The insights of the whimsical land bordering the cerulean, coral sea juxtaposed by the vast, rusted desert is omnipresent in her prolific designs. Shortly afterwards, Lawson crossed the globe to the United Kingdom where she classically studied design and architecture at the distinguished Inchbald School of Design based in London. Lawson describes her early career with a "purist minimalist" vision, and after thriving in the industry for nearly 20 years, the accomplished designer revisited her authentic ideals with her own company, Alix Lawson Interior Design. "THE CALM WE PURSUE IN RETREATS AND DETOXES BEGINS IN THE HOME." V U E N J .C O M 96