Permission Granted: The Target Lamp in Vogue Living

If you’ve ever stared at a glossy interior shot and thought, Surely, every single item in this room was hand-forged by an artisan on a remote hilltop in Europe, I regret to inform you that sometimes—just sometimes—a $65 Target lamp sneaks its way into the picture. Case in point: my very own home, as featured in Vogue Living, where, among the antiques, vintage finds, and heirloom-worthy craftsmanship, stands a humble, mass-produced lamp from a place where you can also pick up a set of bath towels and a seasonal candle.

Let’s be clear: I am, and will always be, a champion of craftsmanship, quality, and investing in pieces with soul. Give me hand-carved wood, centuries-old patina, and the kind of materials that only get better with age. My entire approach to interiors is rooted in thoughtful curation and a reverence for history. But every now and then, in a moment of practicality (or dare I say, sheer convenience?), something delightfully ordinary finds its way in—and sometimes, that thing ends up immortalized in the pages of Vogue.

Now, did I expect this lamp to become a quiet co-star in the shoot? Absolutely not. Did it serve its purpose as an unassuming light source in a beautifully layered space? Absolutely. And here’s the thing: good interior design isn’t about adhering to some impossible standard of exclusivity. While I will always advocate for investing in the pieces that matter—the showstoppers, the storied antiques, the things that define a space—it is also perfectly acceptable to mix in what simply works. The key is in the balance, in mixing high and low in interiors, in curating with intention rather than blindly following a rulebook.

So, consider this your official permission slip: If you love it, if it fits the vision, and if it makes your home feel like yours, go for it. Even if it comes from Target. Even if it only costs sixty-five dollars. And if Vogue Living happens to capture it in all its pleated shade glory? Well, that’s just a little extra magic.

— Lauren