Personal Space: At home with activewear queen Lorna Jane Clarkson

She hit the activewear jackpot in the 1990s after launching the Lorna Jane fitness brand; a time when Lycra was queen of the aerobic circuit.

Now, almost 30 years on, Lorna Jane Clarkson is still enjoying running a successful global business. It’s also the reason why she’s purchased three homes – one in Brisbane where she lives with her husband Bill and their dog Roger, another in Santa Monica and a third in Byron Bay.

They split their time between Australia and the US. But it’s the beach shack in Byron Bay where Clarkson finds herself in true relaxation mode. “My husband and I work together so we really do need a place to escape and it has to be away from Brisbane,” Clarkson says.

The home has been fully renovated; think beach chic with a nod to Hamptons styling, and stunning oceanfront views, all-white interiors and soft tonal furnishings.

“The furniture is laidback and I don’t mind people walking sand inside – it’s definitely more relaxed than our other homes,” Clarkson says.

A few of Lorna’s favourite things

Heavenly bed

I have finally found the perfect recipe for my ideal bed. I buy a medium to hard mattress and put a doona on top of the mattress for extra comfort. So you have one doona over you and one beneath you. It’s all soft and feathered. This bedhead is from House of Carter in Sydney, and I love it so much I have it in my guesthouse as well.

Nan’s wedding ring & crystal ring holder

My grandmother Ellen passed away a few years ago and my mother gave me her wedding ring as a keepsake. I occasionally wear it and get her strength from it when I do. She also gave me the crystal ring holders. They are my most treasured possessions.

Lorna Jane logo

This logo is from the early ’90s and I found it while tidying up five years ago. The ’90s signature style of my logo is a real sign of those times, and because the ’90s are back in fashion, we are doing our logos in that style again on our product. It’s a true reminder of those times and those who supported and helped me early on.

Meditation chair

I normally meditate every night before I go to sleep and sometimes in the morning. I usually meditate cross-legged on my bed until this chair worked perfectly. It’s deep to sit in and read a book too, so I ended up moving it from the lounge area to my bedroom.

Books

There are books everywhere in my house. I love to read a lot of biographies because I am inspired by other people’s lives and what they have achieved. I have books about fashion, architecture, design and cookbooks too.

Roger

Roger is 10 years old and the second love of my life. My husband bought him for me as a birthday present and, I will confess, I think he loves my husband a bit more than me. We don’t often go to a restaurant that doesn’t allow us to take our dog. He has an amazing personality and photographs really well.

Italian cooker

I love this standalone Italian cooker. My girlfriend in Sydney had one of these and would always rave about it. I’ve always wanted it and it makes the best pizza.