In a time when home decor inspo is just a Pinterest search away, it's no easy feat to stand out in the industry of styling spaces. But, stylist Lucy Feagins has managed to do just that. Starting her blog The Design Files almost ten years ago as a bit of a side project, the site has transformed into a bonafide, booming business. Covering everything from home decorating hacks and recipes to tech talk and travel, it's a one-stop-shop for the smart and stylish. CEO, wife and mum-of-one, Minnie (1), Lucy is #girlboss goals incarnate. The best part? She wants to share her love of art and decor in a very real way, creating The Design Files Open House - a curated selection of 40 Australian makers, designers and artists open to the public for viewing and purchase - opening this month. With such an eye for the beautiful things, we just had to visit her gorgeous Melbourne home to talk about the road from blog to burgeoning business, her impressive skincare regime and the beauty brand she's been faithful to since her teen years...

“I started The Design Files as a side project.

Back then blogs were very nerdy and niche, it wasn’t something I really ever thought would become a proper job, let alone a business!  Now, we have a team of six staff and freelancers in most capital cities, generating up to three original stories every day. Our passion is uncovering the most interesting, unique and creative people, spaces and homes.

When I was a child I wanted to be a flight attendant…

At uni I studied film making and worked for some time in the film industry as a set dresser, before side-stepping into styling and launching my blog. I love being my own boss, and working in an all-girl office with the most amazing creative team.

I got all my beauty advice from Dolly magazine (RIP).

My first beauty products were a whole lot of Stila. I had the tinted moisturiser, One Step Correct that I got after a makeover at Mecca in my high school years. I still use some of the same products today, actually. My Mum taught me how to apply fake tan properly – exfoliate and moisturise first!

I am very loyal to products I love, I stick to old faithfuls.

For morning, I wash my face with Clinique Liquid Facial Soap in the shower and then, when I’m out, I dab some Clinique All About Eyes under my eyes. I moisturise with Clarins Multi Active Nuit night cream (I use it for day and night because it’s my favourite and I can’t be bothered having different moisturisers). I prime with Jane Iredale Smooth Affair Primer (my FAVOURITE product) and use Nars foundation. I mainly use Nars Concealer and YSL Touche Eclat to conceal tiredness. At night, I remove makeup with Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water and then cleanse with Clinique again. I dab Go-To Face Hero as a serum all over my face, or sometimes I switch it up with Aesop Fabulous Face Oil. If I’m needing extra moisture around the eyes I dab Weleda Skin Food around the area and then moisurise. Since having a child I find my skin gets drier than it used to (or, maybe I’m just more tired) so lately I’ve been seeking out more lush, rich products, moisturisers and serums that really hydrate.

I am actually SO BAD at doing proper night time makeup.

If it’s a really fancy occasion my favourite thing to do is book a make up artist! I’m quite a minimalist with daytime makeup and like to keep it natural, so it’s about simple black eyeliner and mascara and Lila Sheer Lipstick. I don’t like fuss. It extends to my fashion sense – I favour simplicity and comfort over style. And I relax into ageing, I’m pretty non-interventionist when it comes to that. I am 37, I have a few fine lines and wrinkles on my forehead… I’m cool with that.

My hair is my greatest disappointment in life!

It’s very fine and also, after you have kids half your hair falls out which NO ONE warned me about. I’m only just back to normal (almost) now. I like Living Proof Shampoo and Conditioner for fine hair, and style with Kevin Murphy Bodymass Thickening Spray. I also like the Olaplex take-home treatment. When I get it done professionally, I go to Edwards and Co.

I don’t eat breakfast.

I know I should but I very rarely do. I just don’t feel hungry in the mornings. I am trying to cut back on coffee, but I usually have at least two a day. For lunch, I usually have a tuna sandwich, or sometimes this yummy Vegan Japanese Ramen from a little cafe near my work, Neko Neko in Fitzroy. For dinner, we usually have a piece of meat like a fillet steak, or chicken and salad, or pasta with a simple homemade sauce. And, wine most nights!”

Story by Rikki Hodge-Smith; Interview by Sigourney Cantelo; Photography by Neiyo Sun

The Design Files Open House 2017 will be staged at a new location in Collingwood between November 23 and 26.

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