Meet Lauren Dastrup | Self Taught DIYer and Furniture Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Dastrup and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk is an absolutely necessary part of growth. I find that the bigger the risk, the higher the payoff. And its momentous! For instance, when I decided to extend my kitchen I knew I had only a handful of the many skills I would need. But jumping in, risking failure almost every step of the way, has given me not only a more functional home, but also the confidence to take even more risks in the future.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When I design something, I want to give credit to its history. If I can, I want to save that vintage wood, or those antique handles. I want to remember where it came from, and pay homage to that while also updating it. I want to mix old and new, when I flip furniture as well as when I design a room.

I believe what’s gotten me to where I am is just plain fearlessness. I watched my parents both launch their own businesses, my mom is a muralist and fine artist, and my dad owned a pool company. And growing up with entrepreneurs, it never occurred to me that I couldn’t do exactly what I put my mind to. I’m still new to this, and still learning every day. But Bc of them, I’m not afraid to try new things. If someone else can learn it, why can’t I?

I started sharing my projects on Instagram a year ago because I have been told by capable, talented, brilliant people that they “could never do what [I] do”, and I wanted to show them that they can! We are all more capable than we give ourselves credit. If I can learn it, you can learn it. Heck, I’ll show you exactly how. Even if my methods are janky while I figure it out too.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I actually took my mom and sister on this exact trip a year ago! We went to Zoo Atlanta, went hiking around Helen, GA, combed through Oakland Cemetery (we’re history people, remember?), Atlanta History Museum, antique shopping at Queen of Hearts Antique Mall. I wish we had stopped for more food! Specifically at The Vortex and Foggy Bottom BBQ.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My long suffering husband, Brady. He never tells me no, just rolls his eyes and hands me the debit card. I love him so much for it.

Instagram: @laurenshandmadehome