The Designer’s Journal: How Lindsay Olson Brings Personality and Purpose to Every Space

For Lindsay Olson of Lulu Designs, design is about more than just beautiful spaces, it’s about creating rooms that feel intentional, playful, and timeless. Her work balances purpose with personality, blending thoughtful details, color, and texture to craft spaces that feel alive yet effortless.

“If I could describe my design style in three words, they would be intentional, playful, and timeless. Every decision in my work is made with purpose, from scale and texture to color and flow, but I never want a space to feel rigid or overly designed,” she shares.

We caught up with Lindsay to explore her design ethos, the rules she loves to break, and the Schoolhouse piece that became a standout in her latest project.

Can you describe your design style in three words?

If I could describe my design style in three words, they would be intentional, playful, and timeless. Every decision in my work is made with purpose, from scale and texture to color and flow, but I never want a space to feel rigid or overly designed. There’s always an element of play, something unexpected that brings personality to the room. Ultimately, my goal is timelessness and creating spaces that still feel fresh and relevant years from now.

What is your design ethos?

My design ethos is rooted in the balance between beauty and function, restraint and expression. I aim to create spaces that feel timeless but never static, with an energy that reflects the people who inhabit them. For me, good design isn’t just about how something looks, but how it makes you feel day after day.

What design “rule” do you always follow, and which was made to be broken?

The design "rule" that I always try to follow is that every space should tell a story, it should feel intentional and personal to the client. I always start with balance, proportion, and cohesion as the foundation.

The rule that’s made to be broken? Perfection. I love when something feels a little unexpected, such as a bold stripe, a playful silhouette, or a piece that challenges the eye just enough to make the space come alive. Those moments of tension are what give a room soul.

Can you share your favorite Schoolhouse product?

My favorite Schoolhouse product that I have used so far would be the Schoolhouse x Clare V Marc Striped Sofa that was placed in our latest project in Huntington Beach. It’s one of my favorite pieces because it embodies everything I love about design, confidence, playfulness, and timelessness.

In this project specifically, it became the anchor of the space, balancing the room’s eclectic mix of mid-century and modern elements. The bold stripes add a graphic punch, yet the form itself feels classic and inviting. It’s a statement piece that doesn’t take itself too seriously and is the perfect reflection of coastal sophistication with a creative twist.