Welcome to Life + Style, where we take you beyond the collections and into the world that shapes them. In this first edition, we visit the home of our Creative Director, Lee Kleiman, to explore the inspirations behind her design process. From art and treasured objects to the rituals that bring creativity into her daily life, Lee shares a personal glimpse into her world.

Q. What does your morning routine look like?

Q. What inspires you in your daily life and designs?

My inspiration really comes from the beautiful women who trust us at Repertoire to build their wardrobes. But beyond that, I’m deeply inspired by art, textures, and artisanal fabrics. I’m a real magpie—I love pieces with dynamic shapes and unexpected juxtapositions.

My home is filled with textures and weaves crafted by African artisans, and I’m drawn to natural, organic colours and the way patterns can clash in a way that feels harmonious. I also have a deep love for ceramics—there’s something special about how they come from the earth, blending modern shapes with an organic, grounded feel.

Nature remains one of my biggest inspirations. There’s so much to take in—texture, architecture, light—and I try to bring those elements into my work. I think life itself is inspiration, and as we move through different chapters, our focus shifts. Right now, for me, it’s about calm, balance, and finding grace in this stage of the journey.

Q. How do you wind down after a long day of work?

Believe it or not, my biggest way to relax is through my art.

I started painting as a form of meditation—because, honestly, I was terrible at sitting still and trying to quiet my mind. My brain is always creating, always thinking about the next design or project. But when I paint, I completely lose track of time. It’s just me, the colours, the textures—my soul speaking through the canvas.

When I first started painting landscapes, they were as much a surprise to me as to anyone else. I didn’t even know they were in me until they started appearing on the canvas.

It’s become a real practice for me now. I try to take Fridays off to paint, and in the evenings, I prep my canvases so that on the weekend, I can just sit with them. Painting has been one of my greatest teachers—it’s taught me patience, grace, colour, and how to find quiet. It has been such a gift in my life.

Q. How would you describe your interior style?

My interior style follows the same philosophy I use when designing for Repertoire. It’s about collecting pieces over time—things you love, things that hold meaning—rather than following trends. The word “Repertoire” actually comes from the idea of a collection, like a repertoire of music. I love that as we move through life, we gather pieces that tell a story, and we mix them with new things.

For me, a home should feel like an eclectic blend of textures, cultures, and personal history. It’s not about throwing everything out and starting fresh—it’s about layering, adding depth, and creating a space that reflects who you are. And that’s exactly the philosophy behind Repertoire as well. We don’t design for one season and then move on. We design pieces to be collected, styled in new ways, and loved for years. It’s about blending the old with the new, the treasured with the modern, and creating something that feels personal and timeless.

Q. Can you tell us about your beautiful garden?

I’ve designed the garden so that from inside the house, all the big windows act like framed landscapes, bringing the outside in. It makes it feel like the green, the garden, and nature are part of our home. I love that you can move around the house as the sun moves—there are all these little spots to sit with a book, have a coffee, or just pause for a moment. I think it’s so important to create those spaces in your life because your home is your sanctuary.

My husband is amazing—he keeps the garden looking beautiful because he knows how much it means to me. It’s really part of our shared love language.

Q. Can you tell us about one of your favourite treasures in your home?

There are so many—I love collecting things when I travel, little reminders of the places I’ve been and the people I’ve met.

But one of my all-time treasures—though technically, it belongs to my husband—is this beautiful potbelly pig sculpture. He’s about 35 years old, carved from a single piece of wood by an African sculptor. We found him on the side of the road, and he’s been with us ever since.

Over the years, he’s had a few repairs—his little leg has been glued back on a few times, and his tail has been replaced with twigs from wherever we’ve lived. He’s travelled with us through all the stages of life—kids, moves, everything. So he has a very special place in our home and in our hearts.