Interior Designer Lauren Lozano Ziol and Graphic Designer Michelle Jolas have a combined 40 years of design experience. They have merged their talents to take interior design to a new level. “We like pushing ourselves out of our comfort zone to do new and different things. Every project we do is classic, timeless and chic, with an edge.”
SKIN brings a cosmopolitan perspective to design by introducing interior design shopping trips; customizable, luxury interior design shopping excursions to cities around the world. SKIN also features Lauren’s furniture line, Michelle’s photography and vintage jewelry.
We also created Projekt SKIN because we wanted to do something to help others. A portion of our company’s proceeds go to interior design services for spaces or places in need. Environments influence how you feel and good design should be for everyone.”
“I have worked as a Creative Director for big ad agencies and most recently owned my own boutique agency before merging with Lauren” says Jolas. “My love of design has always spanned from graphic to interior design. I joined forces with Lauren because of her love of furniture history and combining styles. She would easily combine a Louis IV table with Milo Baughman chairs.”
Lauren is considered one of Chicago’s top interior designers and has been featured in Elle Decor, Dering Hall, Modern Luxury Interiors, Chicago Magazine and CS Interiors. Living in both London and Paris multiple times has helped Lauren refine her eye for history, detail and created her passion for travel. Lauren launched her own line of furniture in 2010. She has degrees in interior design and art history. She has worked for top Chicago design firms such as Leslie Jones and Scott Himmel before starting her own company in 2002. Lauren also has extensive experience working at auction houses and antiques stores such as Rita Bucheit.
Michelle is a serial entrepreneur with a career in graphic arts, working for top global advertising agencies managing campaigns for international luxury brands including The Peninsula Hotels and Hästens Beds. She most recently owned a boutique agency before merging with Lauren. Her love of design has always spanned from graphic to interior design. After two years of working with SKIN, Lauren says Michelle is a natural. She is constantly on the hunt for vintage finds, frequenting estate sales and auction houses, and has an extensive collection of vintage jewelry. She is also an avid photographer featuring her travel photos available through SKIN.
Nicole is a graduate of Iowa State University, with her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design. She is working as an Assistant Designer at SKIN and sharing knowledge of art and culture she obtained throughout her years of study. Having lived in Italy for a period of time, along with gaining the opportunity to travel to many other countries. Nicole has grown a love for European style and strives to mix old world beauty with the modernized design we see today.
"Every time I walk through my front door, I'm reminded how grateful I am that we hired Skin to create new space(s) for us. Our living/dining room needed new life. It felt outdated and boring. Michelle and Lauren walked in, and immediately had so many amazing ideas to brighten up our space. We had a few pieces we wanted to incorporate, and they selected affordable, yet high end furniture, artwork and lighting to liven up our space, and make it all flow. They made us feel a part of the process, and were always available by email/phone to run ideas. Most importantly, they made the process fun! We ended up doing the kids homework area and powder room with them as well. We would hire Skin again and again!"
"I have had the pleasure of working with Michelle Jolas and Lauren Lozano Ziol for the past 6 months. During that time, they transformed my first floor from a dated, ugly space to an elegant yet comfortable living area which is absolutely perfect for our family. Michelle and Lauren are talented designers, adept at understanding my comfort zone while providing unique and creative suggestions to inspire me to take it up a notch. In addition to suggesting several unexpected but delightful design elements, they were able to use many existing pieces, but in a new way which changed them completely. They worked extremely cohesively as a team and with outside vendors to ensure seamless and timely delivery of all aspects of the project. It has been a wonderful experience, so much so that floor #2 is currently in progress with more to follow!"
Introducing luxury global decorating shopping trips inspired by our loveof travel, education, furniture and design. These customized shopping trips offer the world’s most sought-after insider furniture markets, design shows and antique stores.
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