Greer's OC

Newport Beach has a new home and interiors destination. Designer Shannon McLaren has opened Prairie at the newly renovated Mariners Square, next door to Eugénie, giving shoppers even more reasons to stop by this refreshed coastal hub.

The shop reflects the same refined yet relaxed style that has defined her interior design studio for more than a decade. Inside, Prairie offers a curated mix of European antiques, contemporary pieces, original art, and accessories chosen with a designer’s eye. For the holidays, the shop features décor and gifts you will not see everywhere, including mini Birkin-like bags for dog waste bags, kitchen linens, organic Italian olive oils, Naomi luxury hand wash, Bauer Pottery, Christmas stockings, and more.

Prairie is an extension of her full-service design studio, giving design lovers a chance to experience the Prairie aesthetic without a retainer or project commitment.

I recently interviewed Shannon to learn more about her background, her philosophy, and what makes Prairie such a special addition to Newport Beach.

Where did you grow up and what was your career background?

I grew up between the West Coast and several major cities. I have lived in New York City, London, Seattle, and Los Angeles. My first career was in fashion, where I worked as a celebrity stylist for many years. That experience trained my eye for detail, composition, and storytelling through texture and color. Those skills translate beautifully into interiors. Eventually, my lifelong love of architecture and design led me to shift into interiors full time.

How did you decide to open Prairie?

I launched PRAIRIE in 2013 as a home styling and staging company. What began as a small creative venture has grown into a full service interior design studio working on high end residential projects throughout California and beyond. The retail shop felt like a natural next step and lifelong dream, a way to share the PRAIRIE aesthetic with more people. I wanted a space where clients and design lovers could experience our discoveries without the retainer process.

What sets Prairie apart from other home and accessories stores in the area?

Our shop reflects the same philosophy that guides our interiors. A mix of old and new, refined and relaxed. We blend European antiques, mid century pieces, and contemporary finds to create a layered, colorful, and stylish home. Every item in the shop is chosen with a designer’s eye, things that add warmth, soul, and personality to a space. We also love supporting small makers and women owned brands, so you will find pieces with stories and craftsmanship behind them.

How do you select furnishings, art, and accessories for the store?

It is a very intuitive process. I source from a mix of European flea markets, local artisans, and favorite trade vendors. I am drawn to pieces that feel timeless but not precious. Something that tells a story or brings a bit of soul into a home. I always think about how items could layer together in a real space and how someone could mix a handmade vase with a sleek modern lamp or a vintage chair.

How would you describe your style?

Warm, collected, and a little unexpected. I love mixing traditional bones with modern moments. Antiques with clean lines, and always a touch of nostalgia. I want spaces to feel personal, never overly designed and never the same as my last project. My goal is to bring out my clients’ personalities in every home we create.

How would you describe your new Mariners Square location and what makes it special?

We are thrilled to be part of Mariners Square. It will become such a vibrant community hub. The center has this great mix of creative, mostly women owned businesses, and it feels like the perfect home for PRAIRIE design HQ and shop. The renovation has brought life into the space, and we love that our shop can be a destination for design lovers in Newport who want something beautiful, inspiring, and a bit different from the norm.

Prairie Shop at Mariners Square
Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
2700 W. Coast Hwy., Suite 190, Newport Beach
310.994.7552