Lana Launay: Light Work

Lana Launay is a dedicated maker. Her signature lighting designs act as functional artworks – shades made from washi papers, wood pulp ribbon and raffia stand against hand-carved timber bases with brass finishes. We visited Lana at home on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, where she lives with her partner and newborn son, to catch a glimpse of her inner world.

Money is no object. What piece of design would you invest in?
One of Eileen Gray’s lacquered screen/room dividers. I just need a spare $125k and a room big enough to divide.

What are you currently reading?
Reading seems like a luxury right now but I started On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong a while ago and would love to dive back in.

Your go-to dish for a dinner party?
This roast potato, tuna, olive and dill dish I screen shotted from Juliana Salazar’s Instagram story once – or a classic Niçoise salad.

Local coffee spot?
I’m not loyal to any one spot – I rotate Split in Curl Curl, Noon and Skittle Lane in Manly and Barrel One in Brookvale.

One thing that’s always in your fridge or pantry …
I’ve eaten an orange almost every day for the last year ... so I guess it’s oranges.

Go-to karaoke song?
I Was Made for Lovin’ You by Kiss or any song by Prince.

The film you watch on a rainy day ...
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. I’m a huge Frances McDormand fan.

A product you consistently repurchase for your home …
It used to be chairs but now it’s nappies and towels.

The piece of clothing or accessory that means the most to you …
A gold ring I inherited from my grandmother, who passed before I was born. It’s been the only constant in my wardrobe since I was 14. I’ve lost it in the ocean, down a drain and at a music festival and I’ve always miraculously found it again.

Something you love about your neighbourhood …
The five minute walk to the beach.

Your ultimate holiday …
I’m not good at relaxing so anywhere I can immerse myself in another culture and explore both city and ocean.

The perfect Sunday …
An early morning swim followed by a hot coffee in the sun.

Featuring LANA LAUNAY
Edited by ALICE JEFFERY
Photographed by PHILLIP HUYNH