From Passion to Profession
The Story Behind Styled Ivy Interiors

Company Overview:
Styled Ivy Interiors, a residential interior design firm based in East Highlands, Naperville, serves the DuPage County area and beyond. Established three years ago, with two years in Naperville, the company is a solo venture run by Lauren Smith. The business offers full-service design, remodeling and renovation, e-design, virtual staging, Air B&B decorating, and styling consultations.
Unique Approach:
Lauren takes pride in the personal relationships she builds with each client. As a small business owner, she is directly involved in every project, ensuring a high level of trust and collaboration. This approach not only curates beautiful spaces but also fosters lasting friendships with clients, making the design process smooth and rewarding.
Inspiration to Start the Business:
Lauren's entrepreneurial spirit is deeply rooted in her family background. With parents who have always been entrepreneurs, she was inspired to pursue her passion for interior design. Supported by her husband, Tony, she transformed her enthusiasm into a service-based business, building valuable relationships along the way.
Advice for the Community:
Lauren encourages residents to discover and embrace their unique style in home design. She emphasizes the importance of personal expression over following trends pushed by big-box retailers. A key part of her design process involves an "inspo session" to identify elements that truly represent the client's individual style.
Journey to Interior Design:
Lauren’s journey into interior design was significantly influenced by her parents. Her father, a general contractor in New Jersey, and her mother, with her impeccable eye for decoration, played pivotal roles. After earning a degree in Journalism and Media Relations from Seton Hall University and working in Communications, Lauren started a furniture painting business, Lulu Restorations, while raising her children. This hobby evolved into kitchen cabinet painting and eventually led to a serious pursuit of interior design during a family move to Barcelona, Spain. The blend of century-old architecture and modern luxury in Spain fueled her passion, culminating in the establishment of Styled Ivy Interiors in Naperville.
Community Involvement:
Lauren and her family have lived in East Highlands, near the Riverwalk, for three years. Originally from Monmouth County, NJ, Lauren and her husband Tony cherish family adventures, outdoor activities, and community engagement. Married for 17 years, they have three children, Anthony (12), Autumn (10), and London (7), and a beloved Black Lab, Dante (2). The family enjoys exploring the Riverwalk, participating in local sports, and spending quality time together.
Hobbies and Interests:
Interior design is both a passion and a hobby for Lauren. When not working on client projects, she finds inspiration in stores and design magazines. She enjoys being involved in her church, walking downtown, having coffee with friends, and supporting her kids' activities. Although she tries to stay away from TV, she has a soft spot for "Rocco to the Rescue" on HGTV.