Lena Dunham’s Designer on Championing Your Inner Child

Architectural Digest

by Nicole Anderson, Maya Ibbitson, Julie Brener Davich

March 3, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Lena Dunham’s designer, Ariel Okin, has made waves in the interior design world with her debut book *The Happy Home*, published by Rizzoli. Known for her playful, kid-friendly spaces infused with bold colors and a whimsical treehouse-like vibe, Okin challenges traditional design norms. Unlike the overly curated aesthetics often seen online, her work celebrates joy and nostalgia, creating welcoming environments that feel layered and lived-in. The book showcases her signature style through projects like a faux-tortoise bar cabinet scored for just $147 at auction and a vibrant crimson bookcase in a Pine Plains, New York loft. Okin’s approach, shaped by her experience as a writer and designer, emphasizes the importance of spaces that bring joy to families, especially children, encouraging designs that adapt and grow with kids over time. In the design world, turned wood is making a comeback, offering a fresh alternative to traditional ceramics. This centuries-old craft involves carving intricate details into spinning wood on a lathe, creating vessels and sculptures that highlight the natural beauty of wood grain. Contemporary practitioners like J. Paul Fennell and Philip Moulthrop are pushing the boundaries, crafting pieces with delicate openwork and paper-thin walls. The market for turned wood is heating up, with record-breaking sales at auctions, such as an $84,000 sale for a William Hunter bowl last year. While American artists favor smooth finishes, European artisans like Eleanor Lakelin embrace wood’s imperfections, reflecting a transatlantic divide in style. The article also highlights a new Sardinian retreat nestled inside a fjord, part of AD’s Discoveries series. This hidden gem offers a unique blend of natural beauty and architectural ingenuity, providing inspiration for design enthusiasts seeking offbeat travel destinations. The piece underscores the growing interest in unconventional yet luxurious retreats that prioritize nature and creativity. For readers passionate about design, Okin’s work and the resurgence of turned wood offer fresh perspectives on interiors. Her focus on playful, family-friendly spaces challenges the minimalist status quo, encouraging designers to think beyond functionality and embrace joy. Meanwhile, the rise of turned wood highlights a renewed appreciation for craftsmanship and natural materials, aligning with today’s growing interest in authenticity and sustainability in design. Together, these trends reflect a shift

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Originally published on Architectural Digest on 3/3/2026