The Nighttime Routine That Helps Interior Designer Lauren Piscione Wake Up at 6am

Welcome to Bedtime Stories, an interview series where we ask inspiring individuals to share their nighttime routine and sleep secrets – from the beauty products they can’t live without to the tricks they swear by when they’re too tired to function (no coffee needed). For this instalment, Los Angeles-based interior designer and founder of design studio LP Creative, Lauren Piscione, walks us through her morning and night routines.  

The life of an interior designer might seem like one of the more glamorous career paths, but it is also one that is extremely hands-on and can be very tiring, particularly if you run your own studio. Los Angeles-based interior designer Lauren Piscione, founder and creative lead of design studio LP Creative, is no stranger to this and her days typically start off with a bang at 6am.

Lauren has teams in both Los Angeles and New York and the studio's richly textured projects have been featured in Architectural Digest, The New York Times, AD Italia, AD Germany, The Coveteur, EST Living. As far as decorating bedrooms go, Lauren is all about styling with pieces that have personal meaning, with the end goal to create a beautifully curated space that people never knew they wanted - and she really does master it every time.

Below, Lauren shares the morning and night routine that help support her day-to-day life as an interior designer and her top tips for a well-styled bedroom.

What time do you go to bed? Walk us through your bedtime ritual.

On a good night, 10pm. I usually start my bedtime ritual around 8:30pm. I start with making my to-do list for the next day. If I don’t, I’ll start thinking about things to do as I’m trying to fall asleep and then I will never nod off. I then shower and perform a short but imperative skincare routine. I make tea (that I typically forget to drink and often wake up to a full cup on my nightstand in the AM).

I usually then catch up on a bit of phone time – I know – not the best but I’m always running around all day, so I hardly get a moment to check my DM’s, or see what’s happening in the world. I like to go to @Mosheh page for a really great consolidated but thorough news roundup – he’s amazing – educational but always digestible.

What sleep or beauty products do you swear by that you won’t go a night without?

Lately – it’s been Living Libations Seabuckthorn Best Skin Ever. A friend recommended this to me. It’s actually a cleanser and moisturiser combined (which I love because I don’t like a lengthy multi-step routine) and it works. My skin has never been glowier – plus it feels and smells great. I also need my eye mask – despite the fact that it typically falls off in the night, I need it to fall asleep. It helps me keep my eyes closed even when I’m dying to check just one more email or add one more thing to my to-do list. 

Recreate Lauren's look with Oatmeal in our Build Your Own Bundle, Turmeric Long Sleeved Shirt and Turmeric Pants.

What is your solution for those nights you simply can’t nod off to sleep? 

Whatever you do, don’t go on Instagram. I actually use this app Insight Timer - it has a handful of amazing bedtime sounds, sleep meditations, and even bedtime stories that help you fall asleep quickly. I use the bedtime meditations and try to get some subconscious affirmations in while I sleep. My boyfriend always makes fun of me though. There are “allegedly” portions of the sleep meditation where the speaker confirms that you are in fact “sleeping and that you are doing a great job of sleeping.” He finds it hilarious, but you know, I’ve never heard that part because I’m always sleeping at that point – so it works!

What are three things (besides coffee) that help you when you're too tired to function?

Does matcha count? I’m honestly not a coffee drinker but matcha has really saved me. My best friends have the most incredible matcha company as well – Kettl. We order tins of it, and it really keeps me going. The other thing that I find helps is music. I find when I can’t get that energy I need in the morning, I use music to give me that boost. Whether its first thing when I start answering emails or if I must immediately jump in the car, it really helps to blast some tunes that amp me up for the day.

What time does your alarm go off in the morning? Can you walk us through your morning routine? 

Lately, 6ish. While I’m based primarily in LA, I have a team in NY, so my day really gets going the moment I open my eyes. I wish I could say I had a healthier morning routine but the second I open my eyes; I look at my phone. I typically have a handful of emails and texts from my team to get to, so I simultaneously make my morning matcha, take my Seed symbiotic and stumble down to my home office.

Usually, I’ll answer some emails and then if phone calls don’t capture me, I’ll write in my gratitude journal. I use the Five-Minute Journal because 5 minutes is really all I have – I’m a bit superstitious about it. I’m a big believer in manifestation and I genuinely think that if I don’t write in my journal it kind of messes up my whole day. All the things I want to happen truly happen when I take the time to focus my mind on them.

Recreate Lauren's look with Oatmeal in our Build Your Own Bundle

What do you normally eat for breakfast to kickstart your day?

Gosh, these interview questions are just making me realise I need to adjust my morning routine. I’m not a big breakfast eater and I’m usually running out of the house early in the morning. Always a matcha and then if I can squeeze it in, I suppose I sometimes make oatmeal. My breakfast situation leaves something to be desired I admit!

 
What are your top tips for a well-styled bedroom?