In the world of interior design, where trends can shift as swiftly as the seasons, Lindley Martens is a beacon for timeless elegance. With a philosophy grounded in classical principles, she approaches her projects with a reverence for history that transforms spaces into true narratives.
"I have a classical perspective regarding design," Lindley says. "I feel that good design is inherently timeless, and when a client wants to do something too 'of the moment' in regards to anything beyond a pillow or a throw, I swear them away," she adds with a smile.
She seamlessly integrates antiques and classical architectural elements into her work, creating interiors that are both sophisticated and inviting. "I believe art and antiques can really set the mood for the room. When I think about creating a space, it's just like dressing a person. Where are you going, how do you want to feel, what's the story you want to tell? Certain elements and decorative objects really convey those feelings. That's a part of my process that truly matters," she explains, emphasizing how even a small vignette of vintage treasures infuses character and meaning into a room.
When working on new builds or renovations, a client can be overwhelmed by the numerous selections. Lindley stresses the importance of utilizing historical precedent, specifically in architectural elements. "In design, I view historical precedent as informed rule following - or breaking. It's like if you know what good manners are, you know when it's ok to bend or break them," she explains. "This also applies to designing or selecting hardware, crown moulding profiles or architectural details such as the shape of an arch." By harmonizing historical elements with modern lines, she achieves a delicate balance that feels both striking and serene.
Lindley credits light, vistas and order as guiding principles in her work. "Light creates an emotional resonance," she observes. She envisions spaces where furniture placement and architectural elements allow for visual flow, creating focal points that invite the eye to wander from one room to the next.
"Ideally, there are windows on more than one wall. If there isn't a vista naturally, from one room to the next or if you can't see outside – you need a beautiful place for your eye to land. I want your eye to see something lovely, beyond just the room that you are in," she notes. With order comes balance. Lindley's meticulous attention to order ensures that every piece, every texture and every hue contributes to a cohesiveness, resulting in spaces that feel curated but approachable.
Lately, Lindley has been busy working with the children and grandchildren of longtime clients. "It's been really special to understand their experience of growing up in the spaces that I helped create. And they want to recreate a sense of them. They aren't trying to replicate their mother or grandmother's house, but rather capture the essence and feeling of the homes they grew up in. A favorite antique of their mother's or a painting that was placed in a living room that I designed, may now land with the next generation. That's a legacy I am so moved to be a part of my business," says Lindley.
Lindley has personally curated an international collection of antique, mid-century, classical and modern treasures for her interiors boutique, Laurel Rd. Antiques & Modern, at 680 South Perkins (@laurelrdantiquesandmodern). From accessories to home furnishings, it’s a must in Memphis.