Memoir
NAME: Lauren Neff Eskew
DATE:
JOB TITLE: Founder of Bonhomie, Tabletop & Topiary Enthusiast, Mom to Two
When I contemplate any common thread for the people I admire online, a distinct and steady point-of-view comes to mind above all else.
Lauren's style does not sway as the fashion trend winds blow.
Should you scroll Instagram sans any handle names, one could easily identify which post was by @laurenneff.
Maybe this is the modern day mark of personal style.
She has finessed this talent since 2020 when she launched a pandemic-inspired tablescaping outlet, Bonhomie. It has since blossomed into an ever-evolving corner of the web showcasing a broader look at her lifestyle. Think rattan side tables topped with multiple topiaries, striped trousers and lavender-drenched looks with joyful windows into her world with husband Pete, children Mary Jane and Bennett, and pup, Cash. Washington D.C. is home (the bulk of her career was on Capitol Hill), and we're eager to see all the details of the home she has created alongside Whitney McGregor.
Scroll on for more from Lauren's lovely little lens.
Show us one of your latest screenshots. What made it sing for you?
This magic by @blancamiro / @blanca_a_table! Her tables are so whimsical and fun. I love the pattern play and she always has the best ceramics! At first I thought the plates were personalized, then I realized they are actually made to resemble Maria cookies/biscuits. Even better! I also love the toast holder (and promptly ordered my own from Etsy)!
Can’t stop thinking about these paper shades – and how to re-create them (or the fact that they were $25!)
Share something on your Buy Again list on Amazon.
Not the most exciting, but Swisspers cotton rounds. I have them on auto-ship and use them every day to remove makeup and exfoliate!
A random iPhone Note you keep and its contents.
Memories, firsts, and notable/funny/sweet quotes from my children. MJ’s note is growing by the day (here’s a snap from a particularly cute stretch around age 3) and Benny’s note is just getting started! I love to look back at these and
when I do, they feel like a big hug.
A color combination lighting you up as of late.
Whitney is shooting Lauren's home this week -- follow both to see more blues, browns and beauty.
A pale blue and chocolate brown or oxblood. I’m actually looking at this combo in my office right now and I don’t think I’ll ever grow tired of it! (Credit to our interior designer @whitneymcgregor who dreamt up this space!)
Share a recent Instagram save and why you were drawn to it.
This. A really good reminder, especially when feeling stuck.
What is on your browser bookmark bar? Or an open tab from today?
My tabs are hovering at 447 right now and this is the current (chaotic!) view. Mostly home decor with a carrot tequila cocktail recipe peppered in (was looking for festive Halloween drink ideas!).
How do you remember things?
Not well, most days – ha! I have to add everything to my Google calendar or it doesn’t happen. Which is ironic considering I seem to collect planners for a living.
Turns out the planners aren’t the problem, it’s me!
Quote from a book/article/some kind of literature you have highlighted / saved.
This from the book Inward by Yung Pueblo. Such a beautiful reminder that when we’re constantly wanting, we’re pulled away from the here and now. When we focus on what we don’t yet have – what’s next, what’s missing – we step out of simply being. And in doing so, we often miss what’s right in front of us: the most beautiful, everyday moments of life.
Moments we can’t ever get back!
I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately, in this chaotic, love-filled, wonderfully exhausting stage of life with our little ones.
What do you want people to remember about you?
I hope people remember kindness and warmth – that I made them feel welcome and at ease and like they could always be their true selves. And hopefully, that I sprinkled in a little fun and surprise along the way!
Follow Lauren @laurenneff