A Local Australian Artist shares what home truly means to her, the process behind curating meaningful pieces and why she chooses natural fibres.
We sat down with Lauren Cassar - artist, mother, and homemaker - to talk about the spaces she creates and the life she’s building in her 100-year-old miner’s cottage by the sea in southern lutruwita/Tasmania.
Blending the mundane with the magical, Lauren draws inspiration from quiet, everyday rituals and the raw, untamed landscape around her. Her home is both sanctuary and story: a place where natural textures, considered pieces, and a slower rhythm of living come together.
In our conversation, Lauren shares what ‘home’ truly means to her, the process behind curating meaningful pieces, and how she weaves family, creativity, and intention into daily life.
Talk us through your creative process. What inspires you? Where do you start?
I like to collect memories—quiet, special moments from everyday life—and let them settle in my mind. For example, making breakfast for my children when the morning light falls just right across the table. I also spend a lot of time immersed in the rugged, yet perfectly wilderness of lutruwita/Tasmania. My work is an amalgamation of these two worlds: a life that blends the mundane with the magical, set against a raw and untamed landscape.
What does ‘home’ mean to you beyond just a place to live? And who lives here?
Home means family to me, wherever my partner and children are. Somewhere safe and warm. I’m a big nester, but I also love camping, so a simple tent on a sunny day can also feel like home to me.
How long have you lived here and how did you initially know this was the space for you?
We have lived in our home for almost four years. It is an old miners cottage that we have partly renovated (a work in progress with our kitchen and second bathroom to go!). It is over 100 years old, and was sawn in half and transported to our block of land from the West to the South East of Tasmania.
We landed here because there is a left hand wave which suits my partner and his surf orientated life. I was attracted to the high ceilings, the original wooden doors and the high skirting boards. We also have an abundance of land with wattles and eucalyptus and 5 minutes walk to the beach. I imagined a little family here, and now we have two children who make it feel so full and perfect for us. We live in the southern beaches, in a small surf shack town about 40 minutes from Hobart. It’s a quiet life, but suits the season we are in while we tend to our young children.
How do you approach curating pieces for your home—what guides your decisions?
I love a mixture of contemporary and vintage pieces to complement the older features of our cottage. When it comes to artwork, I have a varied collection I have sourced either as art swaps, and some pieces from some very special artists from the Kimberly in WA where I have worked from time to time. I go by my gut, and have a particular crush on textures and natural tones. 
What qualities do you look for in the pieces you choose—whether furniture, textiles, or Decor?
We are always mindful of the fibres we are bringing into our home, and whether natural dyes have been used. We have young children who are sensory seeking and tactile, they explore all surfaces and textures in our home with their bodies and interact with our rugs, cushions, sofas, etc, so we want their bodies to not come across anything toxic, especially in our home where they spend most of their time.
How do you approach shopping for your home—do you focus on quality over quantity?
Definitely quality over quantity. We are minimal and make sure each purchase has heart and is made with craftsmanship. 
| Featuring Rugs for Good's Mendocino New Zealand Wool and Jute Rug in Clay
Do you spend much time considering purchase decisions and the impact they can have on the world?
Yes, we do. We try as often to buy second hand, and if not, we always consider ethics and sustainability values behind our purchases. This obviously means there is a higher price tag attached, so we save up and go without until we can achieve the purchase for our family.
What are your top tips for a well-styled living room, and home generally?
I would say don’t be led by trends, but rather what feels true and honest to you in terms of expressing a sense of ‘home’. For me, that looks like soft tones, natural fibres, and always has a home for things (toys in baskets, for example).
Does your home encourage a slower, more intentional way of living? If so, how?
I hope so. We have everything we need, we live on tank water from the rain, and aren’t hooked up to any sort of mains except for electricity. We spend most of our time either at the beach or on our land. Not having to rush off anywhere to entertain my four year old is a real treat!
Do you have any special home traditions—Sunday dinners, movie nights, or cosy mornings?
We also love music, and have a daily dance together before dinner. It helps get the sillies out before we sit down together. My son loves anything with a harmonica, so our favourite song at the moment is Unknown Legend by Neil Young.
| Featuring Rugs for Good's Mendocino Wool and Jute Rug in Clay
What’s your favourite corner of your home, and why?
At the moment, I love sitting on our sofa, in front of the fire and knit while the children play. It’s such a ten!
Are there any local homewares brands, artisans, makers or standout local airbnb’s you love to support?
Yes! I love the Provider House, in Lenah Valley Hobart. My favourite local cafe, The Lanterns who use all locally sourced produce. And adore my local knit brand Once An Artisan.
Do you have a favourite Rugs for Good rug — what do you love most about it?
My favourite rug is the Mendocino in Clay — I love its earthy tone and grounding texture, it feels so at home against the natural palette of our cottage.
I also adore the Bhakti Abrash New Zealand Wool and Viscose Rug in Gold for the warmth it brings to a room.
You can find Mirador on Instagram , explore her artwork and prints or commission a piece of work via these links.
