At Layered Lounge, we believe a home should feel beautiful, calm and personal. Behind the vision is Suzy, co-founder, who has shaped every detail of the brand.
We sat down with her to talk about where it all began, the creative process and what’s coming next. Here’s her story, layered, lived-in and full of passion.
What Inspired You to Create Layered Lounge?
Before launching Layered Lounge, Suzy spent 12 years in investment banking. However, alongside that career, she was regularly renovating homes in London.
“I renovated numerous properties. I think we moved every year basically.”
That hands-on experience revealed something missing in the interiors market: homeware brands that felt accessible, elegant and personal. Nothing truly spoke to the layering of a space, the pieces that turn a house into a home.
“I felt there was a real lack of home brands to go to in terms of actually layering them.”
It wasn’t just the gap in the market that pushed her. Suzy grew up in a family of entrepreneurs, and the desire to build something of her own had been there all along.
Where Did the Name ‘Layered Lounge’ Come From?
‘Layered’ represents a fundamental interior design principle. Rugs, art, lighting and textiles are layers that build character, warmth, and calm.
“Adding more layers actually can make a room feel much more inviting than stripping out layers.”
‘Lounge’ felt like the perfect companion. It reflects how we live now: informal, welcoming and unfussy. The name didn’t just sound right, it said everything the brand stands for.
“We live in a very relaxed way… even when it comes to having a dinner party, things are much more informal.”
What Does a Typical Workday Look Like?
Suzy’s day begins early, often by 5 am, with a coffee and quiet time to reflect before the house wakes up. After the school run and gym, she’s at work by 8:30
“The dogs wake me up at 5:00 in the morning. I get a coffee, sit at my desk and analyse what's happened the day before. The interesting thing is that when you work for yourself, you think you get more freedom, but actually, I think my days are longer than they ever were in investment banking.”
From there, anything can happen. She might develop products, brainstorm marketing or even help in the warehouse when needed.
Evenings are filled with family life. Weekends often involve a bit of work, because, as Suzy says, when it’s your own business, it's hard to switch off.
“It becomes like a fourth child, and you do feel really passionate about it.”
How Do You Build a Layered Lounge Collection?
Design always starts with one guiding question: Would we use this ourselves? If the answer is no, it doesn’t move forward.
There’s no rush to market. The process is considered, often taking six months from initial idea to final product. Every colour is lab-dipped (a small sample of fabric dyed to a specific colour), every finish refined until it feels right.
“We go through three or four lab dips before we get the exact colour or tone we really want.”
Every detail is chosen not just for today’s look, ut for how it will live in your home for years to come. The goal is to create interiors that evolve with you, never rushed and never trend-chasing.
“It’s getting that balance between something that’s on trend, but a trend that’s going to last.”
Do You Have a Favourite Product Right Now?
Suzy doesn’t hesitate, marble is the standout. Whether in table form or lighting, she’s captivated by its elegance and natural presence.
“All I keep saying when I walk past those marble pieces is, it’s so damn sexy!”
That passion is driving upcoming product launches. Expect to see more marble across new lamps and furniture. Rattan remains close to her heart too - timeless, tactile and always relevant.
“I do love the rattan. Rattan is an absolute classic.”
What Challenges has Layered Lounge Faced?
“We’ve had Covid, we’ve had Brexit and we’ve had a change of government. It's been choppy waters all the way. We’ve had to navigate external factors that are completely beyond your control.”
The last few years have tested every small business, and Layered Lounge is no exception. Since moving operations into a dedicated warehouse, the team has had to navigate global uncertainty and disruption.
These events impacted everything from raw materials to shipping logistics. However, being small meant the team could adapt quickly to delays. This ability to adapt has become one of the brand’s greatest strengths.
What are You Most Proud of So Far?
Beyond the collections, it’s the culture Suzy has bult that stands out. From creating local jobs to championing women in the workplace, shes proud of the positive impact the brand has had.
“Two of the women at work have their forklift license. I think that’s absolutely superb.”
Flexibility matters too, especially for working parents. One of Suzy’s proudest moments came from offering a mum the freedom to be there for her child.
“Being able to say to her, do you know what? Go and watch him play football today. That is just very rewarding.”
Layered Lounge is a family business in every sense. Her daughter now works alongside her, adding a generational layer to the story.
What’s Next for Layered Lounge?
There’s a lot to look forward to. The team is returning to Spirit of Christmas this year, with a stand in a prime spot.
Longer term, Suzy is exploring a physical retail space, a store where customers can fully experience the brand’s textures, scale and curated calm.
“We are keeping an eye on a premises… we’d really like to open a store.”
But what’s most exciting is the expansion of the furniture line. More marble tables, new lighting and considered pieces that offer something distinct from what’s already on the market.
From Vision to Home
From a single idea to a well-loved brand, Suzy’s vision has been clear: design that feels personal, relaxed and luxury. With every collection Layered Lounge continues to deliver considered interiors, made to last and styled to live in.
Whether you’ve been with us from the start or you’re just discovering the brand, we hope this glimpse behind the layers brings you closer to the heart of what we do.
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