There’s an art to interiors that feel both curated and effortless, a delicate balance between luxury and liveability. It’s a philosophy that sits at the heart of The Lazy Stylist, the brainchild of Courtney Freeman—a designer who has turned simplicity into an art form. What started as a solution to a glaring gap in the market—furniture that exudes high-end allure without the unattainable price tag—has since become a movement. Meet: The Lazy Stylist, where intentionality reigns, and design is as much about how it makes you feel as how it looks.

For Courtney, the journey into interiors wasn’t linear. It was born out of necessity, frustration, and ultimately, an opportunity to redefine mid-luxury furniture.

“When we built our home, I struggled to find furniture that wasn’t mass-produced yet didn’t carry an exorbitant price tag. I knew there had to be a middle ground,” she explains.

It wasn’t until a career setback—losing her job during COVID—that her brand truly began to take shape. Between shifts at a warehouse packing produce, Courtney’s vision became clear: to create furniture that felt considered, timeless, and just different enough to stand out—without the industry’s usual markup.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Lazy Stylist (@the.lazystylist)

“The balance of quality, design, and accessibility is what The Lazy Stylist is all about,” Courtney explains.

The Lazy Stylist isn’t about carelessness; it’s about curation. The name itself was conceived over a decade ago during university, a self-appointed moniker that reflected an approach to design that was thoughtful but never overcomplicated.

“The name The Lazy Stylist actually came to me back when I was studying design—I used to call myself that when I was doing styling work. Even then, I loved the idea of working smart rather than overcomplicating things, and I was drawn to a more relaxed approach to design.”

For Courtney, lazy isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about curating simplicity with intention. “Creating spaces that feel considered but never over-styled, where everything has a purpose and invites you to slow down and enjoy the moment. When I started the business years later, the name just made sense.”

Some of the best ideas happen by accident, and for The Lazy Stylist, the defining aesthetic of the brand—‘Moditerranean’—was born from a slip of the tongue. Competing on The Block in 2024, Freeman sought to move beyond the typical coastal aesthetic, drawing instead from the rich textures and warm tones of Mediterranean design.

“We went into The Block with a modern Mediterranean vision, and during a conversation, I fumbled my words and accidentally said Moditerranean—and it just stuck!”

This style has since become a huge part of Courtney’s business, shaping both her first collection and homewares range. “The collection reflects the materials and colours we used in our Block house, but at its core, it’s all about Mediterranean design—its warmth, history, and timeless appeal.”

But The Block was more than just a competition; it was a turning point. Designing under pressure and on a national stage pushed Courtney’s creative boundaries, refined her aesthetic, and reinforced her belief in doing things differently. “It definitely made me a more confident designer after receiving all kinds of feedback—both positive and negative. It gave me thick skin, confidence, and the mindset that not everyone is going to love what you do—and that’s okay.”

The experience propelled The Lazy Stylist from a passion project to a sought-after brand, proving that intentional, effortless design resonates far beyond the screen.

Luxury, by its very nature, is exclusive—and The Lazy Stylist embraces this ethos wholeheartedly. “By producing in small batches, I can avoid over-investing in products that may not work and reduce waste by not overproducing,” Courtney shares. This approach provides a level of control that’s rare in the industry all while creating anticipation and exclusivity around each collection. “Customers know they’re getting something special, not something mass-produced.”

Naturally, this approach comes with its own set of challenges. “Smaller production runs mean higher costs, and restocking takes time—once a piece sells out, it’s not always coming back.” But that’s the appeal. Courtney’s focus is on quality, exclusivity, and craftsmanship that’s worth the wait.

In a space where traditional marketing once reigned supreme, Courtney has turned social media into her most powerful tool, using Instagram to create a brand that feels personal and dynamic. Sharing the process—from early design sketches to final products—has cultivated a community that’s deeply invested. 'I probably overshare, but it seems to work!' she admits. And it’s certainly working—last month alone, The Lazy Stylist reached 1.5 million people. This authenticity fuels engagement, making social media not just a marketing channel, but an extension of her brand.

“We’ve built such a beautiful community online, and honestly, it’s one of the reasons I stay so motivated,” Courtney shares. “We ask our community what they want to see, which is a win-win—they feel heard, and we create products people truly want.”

As The Lazy Stylist enters its next phase, the brand is set to expand beyond furniture. The upcoming year promises new collections, colourways, and even a foray into education. The Lazy Guide to Interiors will be the brand’s first interactive online guide, giving design enthusiasts an insider’s perspective on effortless styling.

“This year is going to be big for The Lazy Stylist. We’re expanding into education with our first interactive online guide, ‘The Lazy Guide to Interiors.’ It’ll be a series of guides, and I’m so excited to share them,” Courtney reveals.

“We’re also growing our product range, with a couple of smaller products launching in May. We’ll also be expanding our existing collection by offering more colourways in some of our key pieces. It’s something our community has been asking for, and I’m excited to give people more options.”

Following her appearance on The Block in 2024 with her husband Grant, demand for the couple’s interior design and styling expertise surged. Taking on select projects this year feels like a full-circle moment for Courtney—returning to where it all began, but this time with a refined vision and a brand to match.

“My goal this year is to network more, be on more podcasts, and collaborate—I’d love to partner with a fashion brand and create something amazing. I can’t wait for what’s to come.”

In an industry obsessed with trends, The Lazy Stylist is rewriting the rulebook. There’s no pressure to churn out collections or cater to the masses. Instead, there’s a commitment to quality, intentionality, and creating a lifestyle that feels as good as it looks.

At its core, style isn’t about keeping up—it’s about leading the way. And The Lazy Stylist is doing exactly that.