Create the Look: Studio McGee's Office Retreat

Hi everyone! I am starting a new theme of posts every week dedicated to creating looks by some of my favorite designers. I browse social media and blogs often and get inspired continuously. It's always refreshing to check out others work and get ideas. One that I particularly love is Studio McGee. Shea McGee and her husband, Syd, started their design adventure together after realizing that design was their passion. I am constantly inspired by their work and find myself wondering where they find all of the beautiful items they include in their designs which lead me to this post. I absolutely love this office design below - it is so open and light but at the same time bold and curated. I find myself gravitating towards designs like these where you will find minimal pieces paired with natural, and organic elements and it never hurts when there is stunning art involved. Below you will find a list of items I sourced for you to create this same look! If you have any inspiration photos that you are loving and want to send them to me to create a post like this, feel free to contact me and maybe you will see it in the coming weeks! Enjoy :)

Spotlight White Desk / Crate & Barrel

Vintage French Round Fabric Chair / RH 

Lido Isle Baskets / Serena & Lily

Natural Off White Cowhide Rug / Cowhide Imports

Embossed Wood and Metal Tray / World Market

Small Rippled Cylinder Vase / Target

Samual Kane - Inky Love / Z Gallerie 

Sara Brown - Romance Story / Z Gallerie

Drawing Room Blue 253 - Farrow & Ball

Symmetry Objects / west elm

Striped Angle Marble Bookend / west elm

20th Century Library Double Sconce / RH 

XO, 

Lauren

Low Cost, Big Impact: 10 Ways to Make a Statement on Budget

I love when a creative idea comes to life, especially on a budget. I came up with this list based on things I could actually picture myself doing that could be done at a reasonable cost. These 10 ways will make a big design impact in your home without breaking the bank - get ready to possibly use a little elbow grease. Don't worry - it will be totally worth it.

1. Do an Accent Wall

There are so many different roads to take with accent walls.

You could paint it all one bold color, choose a graphic wallpaper, 

stencil, or add wood pallets along a whole wall. The options are endless.

{grahamandco.com}

2. Re-purpose Furniture

Using any old door from a thrift shop or even your own home 

as a table or other type of furniture can make a big statement 

with a super creative touch.

{amberinteriordesign.com}

3. Paint the Stairs

I love all the photos I have seen of stairs being the star

of the home. I especially love ombre painted stairs, wallpaper on 

stairs and words/quotes put on stairs. Any of those options

will add so much interest to your home!

{simpledwellings.blogspot.com}

4. Spray Paint a Large Item 

Dressers, nightstands, beds, frames are all items that could

benefit from a fresh coat of paint in a pop of color. This side

table is the perfect example. 

{eclecticallyvintage.com}

5. Make Abstract Art

You don't have to be an artist to create abstract art. Danielle

Oakey created this piece of art just by using inexpensive paint

from the craft store, poster board, and a large Ikea frame. Don't

know where to start? - Check out the tutorial on her blog.

{danielleoakeyinteriors.blogspot.com}

6. Frame Wallpaper/Fabric

Have a favorite fabric or print that you love but don't know

where to put it? Frame it! Frames can be super cheap (like at Ikea)

and buying fabric and wallpaper by the yard can be inexpensive, too. 

Perfect for wall art.

{interiorstyledesign.tumblr.com}

7. Create Your Own Area Rug

There are many places you can find rug squares in different

colors and patterns. These ones are particularly from cb2 - I love 

how you really can create any look you want in any size that you need.

{cb2.com}

8. Make Your Own Headboard

I absolutely love the look of reclaimed wood pallets, especially as a 

stunning ceiling-high headboard. You can even create your own DIY 

headboard in fabric as well at a low cost. 

{britco.com}

9.Use Items in Unexpected Ways

Love this look of long shutters used as sliding doors. Such 

an eclectic and original look. I'd love to have this art studio!

{remodelista.com}

10. Change Your Knobs

It really is amazing how much of a difference changing

the knobs on a large piece of furniture makes. You can do this

for all of your kitchen cabinets as well including nightstands, doors, etc.

{littlebabygarvin.blogspot.com}

Have you seen or can think of any other creative ways to make a statement

on a budget? The options are truly endless - I'd love to know! 

Xo,

Holiday House NYC: Supporting a Good Cause through the Love of Interior Design

I was so excited when my design mentor, Debbie Travin of DLT Interiors, told me about a design lecture that was being held at the Decoration & Design Building in NYC on how to start your own design business and asked me to go with her. Little did I know how amazing this day was going to be.

While attending this lecture, I was happy to learn about Holiday House NYC. As a way to bring both interior design and the prevention of breast cancer together, designer and breast cancer survivor Iris Dankner started Holiday House NYC in 2008. In the Upper East Side, Holiday House is held in a historic mansion and all the proceeds donated go to helping the end of breast cancer and those who suffer from it. 

Each room in the historic mansion is designed by top designers in the industry. Each designer chooses a special moment or holiday occasion as inspiration for their design. It was my first time attending this year and I must say I was extremely impressed. Every design has it's own story and I loved how each room set it's own mood. Each of the designers that spoke at the design lecture had designed a space in the Holiday House - J. Cohler Mason Design, J + G Design and Darrin Varden Design. 

Designer Gregory Allan Cramer was spending time in his space when I walked in and he was able to share his story behind his design - it was such a pleasure to meet him! Here are some of the pictures that I was able to take as I toured the four floors of the Holiday House (I really wish my flash worked better though)...Enjoy!

The first space you would see walking through the Holiday House - featuring furniture by Fendi Casa.

An extravagant and traditional dining space with  lots of beautiful architectural features.

I loved the velvet emerald green which has been a trendy color this past year & how the bench and table are nested together. 

I love the pop of turquoise and burnt orange in this abstract art piece.

This space above had lots of abstract art, fun pops of color & beautiful metallic wallpaper.

Above is J Cohler Mason Design - a classy and chic space with some fun pop art.

A glamorous teen girl bedroom with creative instagram wallpaper.

Above is part of the space designed by Gregory Allan Cramer - the photo wall are of photos from the Tutu Project which is set out to raise awareness for breast cancer. Here is the link to find out more information: The Tutu Project

These aren't half of the pictures that I had taken but you can see how many different design styles were portrayed in this house - all to celebrate the holidays, interior design and raising money for such a good cause. Above is a picture Gregory Allan Cramer sent me himself. I am so happy that I was able to tour this mansion before I made the move out to California! I recommend if you're in New York City to check out Holiday House this season!

Here is the link to learn more about such a great cause: Holiday House NYC

Xo,