Find out his tips for makiing an outfit remarkable
The dapper owner of Well Furnished says he honed his style sense to find the extraordinary amid the ordinary while visiting auctions and antique malls and working at his mother’s interior design studio in Raleigh, North Carolina. After studying business, French, and art history at the College of Charleston, McLaughlin entered the local design scene, managing the Circa Lighting showroom. A decade ago, he opened his South Windermere shop, known for curating a collection of antique, reproduction, and newly crafted furniture, as well as art, jewelry, and gifts. Here, he shares his talent for bringing objects and clothing together in a beautiful way.
Q: Which spring colors are you looking forward to incorporating into your home this season?
A: I have an affinity for green, because I consider it a neutral. Many shades of green, such as found in this lamp (left) and the Shadows of Summer painting (right) by my mom [Cheryl McLaughlin], are being integrated into interiors, and that’s refreshing and regenerative.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I’m a traditionalist at heart, but what’s key is integrating something that makes an outfit or room remarkable—what the Italians call “sprezzatura”—an effortless way of putting things together in an unexpected way that is classic and timeless yet with an elegant edge.
Q: Tell us about an item in your home you couldn’t live without.
A: At home, I am drawn to velvety fabrics and saturated colors. About 10 years ago, the tiny foyer was “drenched” in a rich teal-y turquoise (Behr “Mayan Treasure,” left), which I still love and is magical at night. And there’s velvet in every room but the bath! Velvet or chenille brings luxuriousness year-round. You’ll see cream velvets (right) on our upholstery in the shop, and that earth- and jewel-tone velvets and color are very much in vogue.
Q: Do you have any travel plans for this spring? If so, what are you packing?
A: A trip to New York to see the recently reimagined Frick Collection, then a jaunt to Miami to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Black wardrobe for New York, then color and pattern for Miami. I’ll bring my Globe “Gillette” sneakers for both.
Q: Who are your favorite local makers and stores?
A: I admire Andy at Jahde Leather; her pieces are innovative (above). Wentworth is a dreamy and tempting shoppers escape. 17 South has beautiful antiques.
Q: Tell us about a new purchase.
A: My “Lucien” jacket by ORTTU (below) is a great piece of modern menswear. I pair this with coordinating pants for a chic suit that’s great for travel.
