Serena & Lily Fine Art

Whoa, it's been some time since I've posted last and not once did I post in October. So much has happened -- birthdays (including mine), a trip to Boston for the first time, the launch of RH Modern in the gallery I work in, and the list goes on. It's also been 3 full months since my boyfriend and I moved into our new place and it still isn't complete. I have so many ideas but there really is no rush. I've been browsing through websites for art to complete our kitchen space and living room and came across Serena & Lily (I actually didn't go on their website for art at all but did fall in love with their art collection, naturally). I absolutely love finding and exploring new artists, especially since I'm a painter myself. I thought I'd share some of my top picks with all of you. There's way more so it's definitely worth checking out the website. Enjoy :) 

"Faceted Gem #1" by Natasha Marie

"Underwater Plantlife #7" by Jennifer Ament

"Indigo #1" by Jenny Prinn

"Flight" by Stephanie Sherman

"Stormy Sea #2" by Jerry Schwabe

Xo, 

Falling for Throws

If you're anything like me, you love when the leaves start changing color, PSL's (pumpkin spiced lattes) come back at Starbucks, and it gets a bit cooler so you snuggle up on the sofa with your favorite throw. The first day of fall is just a few days away so I came up with a list of my top 5 favorite throws perfect for fall -- different styles and textures. I'm in search of a new one, too, so I may be seeing one of these in my home soon!

1 // 404 locust slidell throw // $69 // urban outfitters

2 // zuri throw - teal // $51.60 // lulu & georgia

3 // horizontal double ribbed throw // $79 // west elm

4 // 5-lb chenille solid throw // $79 // restoration hardware

5 // faux sheepskin throw // $99 // pottery barn

My sofa is a gray, area rug is a neutral pattern with a navy/teal color, and the pillows on the sofa are cream with a brass/gold print on two, so I'm thinking the teal one from Lulu and Georgia will be a nice way to tie in the blue. However, I'm torn because the faux sheepskin one from Pottery Barn screams "snuggle and watch movies with me". There's no harm in getting more than one, right? Options are good :)

Xo,

New Obsession: RH Teen

Okay guys, I'm about to show you some serious eye candy. Just last month Restoration Hardware announced RH Teen -- and just by the teaser photo, I was already so excited. Now with the new website up and running, there is SO much to be excited about and it's no joke. These pieces can be used in adult spaces as well as teen. Pricing is less than RH Home but that's not saying too much but at least you DO know the quality is there. These pieces are truly something teens can grow into and have for years to come -- that's what excites me most. Here are some of my favorite photos from the new website ( I have to come up with a list of my favorite items). Oh, and for those of you who don't know I now work at Restoration Hardware so I can't wait to get my hands on some designs where I can include some of these items. Definitely check the new RH Teen website out for more! 

How amazing are these spaces? I'm loving it all but the decor is especially 

on point. Enjoy!

Xo,

NY Resident: September Issue

Happy Friday! September is here and I'm pretty excited for the east coast fall weather that I have missed living in California for the past 2 years. If you don't know already I write a bit for the NY Resident Magazine -- primarily articles on trending real estate in New York City and also design features. So check out the magazines website -- they have a link to the actual issue. SO much good content that is worth reading, even if you're not from New York, from design to food to getaways and more.  This months design feature was all about having pieces in your home that serves purpose without sacrificing style. The real estate feature is on The Charles which is quite the luxurious gem in Manhattan. Enjoy and I hope you have a Happy Labor Day! Let the festivities begin...

Xo,

I'm Back!

So, we made it back to New York and found our own little place again, actually for New York City it's pretty darn big. I've been super behind on my blog but I am going to step it up again! Even though I design and style for a living, putting together our own place has been quite the task. We brought back a few main pieces of furniture like our bed, dining table and chairs, and media console. Although stressful at times, I do really enjoy getting to decorate our own place again. We live in a pre-war building so our apartment is large, has high ceilings, and character that is just hard to find. We definitely didn't get that in California....even though palm trees and beaches were nice. Anyway, it's still a work in progress for sure! Here are some new pieces that have come in or are coming in soon. We are both so happy with how it is coming along :)

Rug in kitchen under table // Urban Outfitters

New entry console // Pier 1

Curtains in bedroom with same rod // west elm

Dresser in bedroom // west elm

Bedroom rugs, two on each side of bed // Target

Love our new living room rug // west elm

Laguna Beach print for above bed // Society 6 

Pendants in bedroom // Urban Outfitters

Stay tuned to see where all these pretty little items end up and follow me on instagram @laurenmaiorana to see more up-to-date photos while we make our new place home again!

Xo,

SoCal Rental Condo Design

Well hello everyone. It's been quite some time but I am back! Things have been crazy on my end, not only are my boyfriend and I moving back to NY (from the other side of the country) but I have been juggling more than a couple larger design projects and custom paintings. Although I've been up-to-date on my social media, I've slacked on coming up with posts for you! But now that one of my designs have been approved and is now in the works, I decided to share the same mood boards I presented to my client. Oh, and I would totally live in this space myself...just saying. You'll see many shades of blue and touches of yellow and gray. This rental is right by the water so I really wanted to bring the outdoors in and compliment the beach. I chose to stick to a complimentary color scheme for most of the space. Stay tuned for after photos :)

I post more on my social media so follow me @laurenmaiorana on instagram and @lauren_maiorana on twitter (icon links on main page) to see more design and art by me!

Xo,

June Art Event Sat 6/6

Happy June! Oh boy, it's been a while. I've been busy working and painting not only a large custom piece I am working on but a handful of smaller ones for my upcoming event! As some of you may know, I have an Etsy shop called Lauren Maiorana Art (link on main page). Although I've been painting for quite some time and have sold many of my paintings, I am so excited that I recently had my first Etsy sale. I revamped my Etsy shop and re-listed some older paintings and added new ones and I'm so happy I did. Not only did I get my first sale but I also was reached out to by the NOIR Event Coordinator to participate in a local art/music/fashion event this upcoming Saturday. The event is THIS Saturday 6/6 from 7:30-10 pm at Sutra Nightclub in Costa Mesa and after there will be a DJ contest (which is normally $20 to get in). If you're local, come support me and other talented artists! Tickets are only $5 at the door, you just tell the doorman who you are there to see and then they tally it all up. Here are some photos of my paintings that you can expect to see!

There's some sneak peeks for ya. To sum it all up, if you don't have plans this Saturday

come by Sutra Nightclub in Costa Mesa frm 7:30-10 (DJ after the event) and support

me and other local artists and makers. Really hope to see you there. SO excited :)

Xo,

Fun Home Office Design

So I've been dreaming of having an office of my own instead of taking over our dining room table which is what can happen what you live in an 800 sq foot apartment. I know one day I will get there but designing a clients office of her own had me dreaming even more so I decided to share this work in progress with you. What I love about this space is the color scheme and simple touch of the beach. Other than that, this office is timeless yet super chic. Did I mention I only had a 10x10ft space to work with? Not my dream size but you'll see why I'm loving it so much...

My idea is to have the Sherwin Willams Aquatint paint color on the wall where the bookcases will be as an accent wall. the two walls where the two desks are will have the neutral chevron wallpaper. The wall art and decorative accessories in the minty accent color will tie the whole color scheme together throughout the space. I can't wait to see how it all comes together in person! Stay tuned :) Follow me on instagram for more interior and art inspiration and ideas @laurenmaiorana!

Xo,

My Top Californian Finds

It's almost the weekend! I'm just as excited for that as I am about these pieces I'm about to introduce you to. Since moving to California a year and a half ago, I've noticed that handmade items, natural woods, and clean lines is what California is all about -- bringing the natural vibes of the outdoors in. I've rounded up some of my top Californian finds for you to drool over, too. Here are some of my faves:

1 // cedar and moss table lamp / $249 / rejuvenation /

The mid century modern feel with a touch of brass is one of my 

favorite things in this world.

2 // handpainted dusk basket / $48 / anthropologie / I love

baskets -- they are so versatile. I've been seeing many baskets used not

only for storage but as a plant holder. (possible future post I think...)

3 / no 21 / $90 / loomgoods / I love loomgoods. It may be 

a splurge but totally worth it. The mudcloth used is so original and authentic.

4 / tshaj boho pillows cover 20x20in / $50 / etsy / I 

love supporting etsy makers. Tshaj shop has SO many good 

boho pillow finds.

5 / indra rug 3'7''x5'7'' / $239 / lulu & georgia / One of my favorite stores,

ever. This rug has a coastal color scheme with a boho feel. Very Californian.

6 / john vogel bench / $499 / west elm / Another mid-century 

modern vibe with this piece. 

7 / dip dyed stools / $58-$68 / serena & lily / These

stools have always been on my radar. They're one of Serena

and Lily's staple items -- you can use as a side table, in a bathroom, under a console,

so many great uses for this one of a kind piece.

They're all so good! I love supporting local, too. Any chance I get, I love to incorporate the local talent around me. I've had my eye on these pieces for a while -- a girl can dream when she lives in an 800 sq ft apartment. One day! 

Xo,

My Top Multifunctional Finds

Hi there and Happy May! I could write a post about how April showers bring May flowers but instead I decided to round up some of my favorite multifunctional finds. Whether you live in a small space (like me) or a large one, multifunctional pieces are always a good idea. Here are my top 5 favorites:

1 // marina mirror rack / $229 / cb2 / I love a good entry mirror and even more

when there are hooks involved. 

2 // lulu fabric storage ottoman / $146 / overstock  / This is a serious steal right here.

Not only does this piece have a fun pattern but can be placed in a living room, window nook, entry way or even in front of a bed PLUS it has hidden storage. Win. 

3 // duo side table floor lamp / $399 / west elm / Because the lamp is attached

to the table you get double the surface area on the table to place things than

you would have had if you were to put a lamp right on it. 

4 // dual-drawer chalkboard shelf / $39 / urban outfitters / Love the look. Love the functon. Love the price. I can picture this in an entry way or kitchen wall.

5 // lacquer storage coffee table / $549 / west elm /  west elm is based out of Brooklyn 

which is why many of their pieces are meant for smaller spaces. This storage coffee table comes in 3 finishes (all attached to the link). Not only can you store items inside like books/magazines/throws -- you can set your laptop on top for working and use as a table for eating, too.

One day I will have all of these in my home! Are there any that you are

falling in love with or may even have yourself?! I'd love to know what you think. For 

more design and art inspiration check out my instagram @laurenmaiorana :) 

Xo,