Color Crush: Blush

Blush is a color that is making a big statement in the design and fashion world and I am not complaining one bit. You may have seen this color around quite a bit lately and it's only becoming more popular - on furniture, decorative items, art, textiles, and the list goes on. Here is a grouping of items I have sourced for you and some inspiration found on Pinterest that incorporates this beautiful, soft, lush hue including a paint palette that I am obsessing over. Which blush inspiration is your favorite??

1 / Sulb Velvet Bixby Chair / Anthropologie

2 / Sunrise Wall Hanging / Anthropologie

3 / Pfeiffer Tall Upholstered Bed / RH Baby & Child

4 / Rose Quartz Bookends / ZGallerie

5 / Slub Velvet Edlyn Sectional / Anthropologie

6 / Parallels Pillow / Lulu & Georgia

Mongolian Lamb Pillow / west elm

7 / Capri Blue Iridescent Candle / Anthropologie

8 / Sato Rug / RH Teen

xo,

Lauren

**Disclaimer: Sources are for mood board. All other photos via Pinterest**

2017 Pantone Color of the Year: Greenery

This year the Pantone color, Greenery, is celebrated in designs and decor of various styles around the world. If you're not familiar with the color of the year here is a little info. Each year The Pantone Color Institute announces a symbolic color selection; a color snapshot of what is seen taking place in our global culture that serves as an expression of a mood and attitude (Pantone.com). 

The Pantone Color Institute has put together a collection of palettes that incorporates Greenery in a sophisticated way that relates to what all of us around the world see in nature (can see all palettes here). I have since seen Greenery in many different designs that range from modern to eclectic to  traditional. I usually gravitate towards more of an emerald green, but I put together a mood board using Greenery as an accent below that displays a more mid-century aesthetic using one of my favorite chosen palettes by Pantone; Deep Rooted. Are you a fan of this years Pantone Color of the Year??

Medium Mid-Century Wooden Lamp / Rejuvenation

Audrey Nightstand / west elm

Mid-Century Leather Tufted Bed / west elm

Linen Edlyn Ottoman / Anthropologie

Velvet Tillie Armchair / Anthropologie

Hand loomed Shine Rug / west elm

Arabic Print Wall Art / Anthropologie

Hot Pink Abstract Wall Art / Anthropologie

Tulips in Lesterware Wall Art / Anthropologie

Grasscloth Wallpaper - Silver / Serena & Lily

Pillow Me Ikat Throw Pillow / Etsy 

Belgian Linen Flax Ikat Stripe Duvet and Shams / west elm

Warmest Throw Yarn Dyed - Poppy / west elm

xo,

Lauren

**Disclaimer: Images and information from Pantone.com used in this post**

My Dream Home: Bedroom

Seriously, there are WAY too many items I love that I would happily have in my dream home but I can't have it all. In my previous post I put together my dream dining room look with a link to all items -- one of my favorite artists of mine that I featured in that post saw it and featured me on her instagram so go check it out @rachelreinertstudio! I am going to do the same for you here but this time you will get to see my dream bedroom. I could create this look now but my boyfriend and I are currently renting so we can't do much. We're waiting for our first real place of our own where we can invest in what we really want (he actually approved about 90% of what I picked out here -- i'll take it!). Some items are on the pricey side but a girl can dream! I'm a DIYer so I'm pretty sure if I can't find it less expensive, I can do what I can to create a similar look. So for this space, I continued the design style of my other rooms -- boho, chic, modern, eclectic. I really love mixing styles and playing with patterns -- it makes it that much more you. And don't be fooled because you can totally make it work. I currently have a navy and white theme going on in my bedroom but I just don't know what it is about turquoise that just gets me every time. Oranges/reds are complimentary so I wanted to use touches of that as well with accents of black and white and antiqued brass. The side table pictured could be used as the nightstand or as a side table for the chair. If storage was needed I would add a nightstand that had a drawer or shelf. Either way it WILL have this prism brass pendant over it. Ahhh, I'm in love...

bed // alexa reclaimed wood bed // west elm
pendant // prism pendant // west elm
side table // bamileke stool // serena & lily
chair // bangala armchair // anthropologie
rug // oriental weavers sphinx revival rug // rugs usa
dresser // reclaimed wood + lacquer dresser // west elm
mirror // bunny williams fretwork mirror // clayton gray home
pouf // morrocan leather pouf - black // serena & lily
fur rug // tejn rug // ikea
chair pillow // magical thinking diamond kilim pillow // urban outfitters
back bed pillows // adalet pillow, ebony // lulu & georgia 
front bed pillow // magical thinking katia beaded pillow // urban outfitters
vases // waterscape vases // west elm
artwork // abstract waterfall painted by myself 



I have sold that waterfall painting but I'm dying to paint a huge version of it. There are many natural elements in this space -- reclaimed wood, linen, seaglass, the color scheme, etc. I wanted a piece of art that represented that and even added another natural element in itself, so choosing my waterfall piece just fit. I picture a white Belgium linen duvet cover (the one from west elm) on the bed with matching euro shams. I'm obsessed with how soft they are -- totally worth the price. Adding white linen curtains is another way of adding a natural element with a super clean feel. Oh, one more thing! This mood board does not give justice to just how beautiful the detail on this mirror is. Definitely check out the link to see the full image -- it's worth it. I'm in love with it all but which part is your favorite? Stay tuned for more of my dream home rooms! If you don't already, follow me on instagram @laurenmaiorana to check out more design, diy, art and lifestyle inspiration :) 




Xo, 

Pantone Color of 2015: Marsala

Being in the design field as both a home stylist and an artist I am always inspired by colors. Marsala and its deep rich hue is a color I would normally stray away from -- until 2015. Don't get me wrong, I love designing and painting with rich, colorful, deep hues but anything in the "maroon" family would remind me of being really traditional and formal and that just isn't my style. BUT you can create spaces that are pretty darn amazing -- trendy, bohemian, classy, chic, you name it. Here are some of my favorite items and inspiration that include Pantone's new color of the year! I think I've changed my mind...

caye rug in berry / lulu & georgia

cobble hill hudson velvet chair / abc home

stencil art by flower art place / etsy 

rivulets bedding / anthropologie

stitched silk pillow / anthropologie

What are your thoughts on Marsala? Until next year ;)

Xo,

A Lit-Teal Obsessed

Don't ask me why but lately I've been attracted to items that are turquoise & teal from decorative accessories to beauty products. I'm not complaining though - it's an attractive color on almost anything & makes me think of the ocean and beach. Maybe living in SoCal by the beach has inspired me so much that I have subconsciously brought it into my life. Either way, here are just some of the items I am talking about & just in time for summer!

1.

I'm obsessed with these Crackle Pool Boxes from West Elm. 

I have two of the deep turquoise boxes seen here, the smaller one

holding cotton balls and the larger one holding jewelry. They're 

placed in my bathroom & I just love the way they look. They're on

sale so get 'em while you can.

2. 

These Waterscape Hurricanes and Votives from West Elm are amazing.

They come in all different sizes and colors - each one its own, simple 

& unique. They're all beautiful but I'm lovin' the light & dark teal ones.

3. 

These transparent teal nautical votives from West Elm aren't

 available anymore unless you check in store - I know my store sold out 

pretty fast. I love the anchor & they come in other nautical designs. I 

use mine for succulents but cotton balls, matches, candles, pens

& anything you can think of can work with these pretty votives. 

4. 

I purchased this makeup bag from my local Forever 21 

store a few months back. Most likely not available anymore

but it's a simple way to add some color into your daily makeup

routine.

5. 

These Teal Room Essentials Towels from Target are 

super soft & inexpensive. I love the sunbleached turquoise color

on them as well & splash of color it gives my bathroom just hanging

on the over-the-door hook.

6. 

Can't really say no to a candle that's inexpensive, smells good & a 

beautiful color. Sonoma Life and Style Seaside Breeze from 

Kohls is just that.

7.  

I really needed a new eye makeup remover so while

in Sephora I picked up their own Waterproof Eve Makeup Remover.

It actually works great & fits in with my unexpected turquoise theme.

8. 

I purchased a light teal nailpolish a while back & it was 

one of my favorites. I just ran out and have to get another - this one 

is Rock the Boat by Essie. I definitely recommend it! 

There it is..a few of my favorite turquoise items in all different shades. Is there a certain item in this color that you are loving yourself?? I'd love to know!

Xo,

10 Great Ombré Finds

I've been a fan of ombré for quite some time - I just love the simple yet stylish look of this trendy design. Ombré means a gradual change in color from one shade to the next. Or put simply, just a color from dark to light or light to dark, depending how you look at it. It's a simple way to put some interest in a space without using prints, motifs, or going overboard with color. In this post I gathered a bunch of great ombré decor from all different sites that I love. Feel free to click on the links to snatch them up & use in your own home. Enjoy :)

1. Ombré Capiz Chandelier / PBTeen / 
$159

2. Ombré Dye Wool Rug in Midnight 5'x8' /

West Elm / $349

(more sizes available)

3. Crackle Ombré Table Lamp / Pier 1 / 

$99.99

4. Ombré Pillow in Teal 18"x18" / 

Lulu and Georgia  / $60

5. Ombré Mugs, Set of 4 / World Market /

$27.95

6. Seventeen Ombré Bean Bag Chair /

Target / $79.99

(other colors available)

7 . Ombré Softest Throws / West Elm /

Sale $14.99 - $24.99

8. Jill Rosenwald Plimpton Flame Shower

Curtain / Layla Grace / $40

9. Assembly Home Gradient Curtain 96"/

Urban Outfitters / $49

(other colors and sizes available)

10. Wooden Ombré Vases / West Elm /

Tall + Large Sizes $99

Those are just a handful of all the amazing ombré items out there. Go on 

& bring some ombré into any space in your home - I know you want to!

Xo,

The 6 Elements of Design: Space / Line / Form / Texture / Pattern / Color

It's been way too long since I've posted! I've been staying busy working two jobs. Now that I am officially part of the West Elm team in Costa Mesa, CA I can actually say I love my job. I'm en route to becoming a home stylist & just recently went through the first step in home stylist training. Just with this simple training I got to refresh my memory & learn more about the actual home stylist position. Even with my experience in the design field, I still have much to learn & I'm super excited. The first section we focused on was about the elements of design which is what I want to share with you - I think it's important for everyone to know & not only home stylists! Everyone can benefit their home by knowing some of the essentials. I am so happy that I started this journey & can't wait to see where it takes me :) Now the good stuff...

1. Space

Space is the whole area in which we live. With its length, width and height it defines boundries and it's up to us to know how to assess the space around us in order to create a space that works. The paint color in your space can make the biggest difference. 

Some helpful tips:
- To assess, properly measure including ceiling
- To make the space seem larger use soft, light and cool colors & keep 
the eye moving by using low contrast colors
- To make the space seem smaller use dark, warm colors & patterns


2. Line

Like stated above, it's important to keep the eye moving throughout a space. Always notice and ask questions about existing architectural lines - in most cases you will have to work around them and have them fit into your design. 

Whats good to know:
- Straight lines = more masculine
- Vertical lines = formality and dignity
- Horizontal lines = restful, relaxed and casual
- Diagonal lines = sense of drama
- Curved lines = add interest, considered softer and more feminine


3. Form

It's simple - the shape of an object is its form. Various forms in a room should be harmonious and consist of similar types of lines. In design, functionality is good interior design. Comfort shouldn't be sacrificed just to use a certain form. Take away message: if it's not functional it's not good interior design. 

Types of forms & what they mean:
- Rectangles = frequently dominant shape, maybe more
pleasing to the eye than squares
- Square = suggest a stable form
- Circle = unity, completeness
- Triangle = stable but dynamic


4. Texture

If you stuck to one type of surface or texture in a space it would be rather boring. 
Using different complementary textures will add interest to your space. 

How to know what textures to use:
- The heavier the fabric is the more casual. Think heavier,  rough surfaces 
and how they can absorb more sound than lighter fabrics.
- The smoother and shinier, the more formal the fabrics can be. They can appear 
to be lighter and a reflector of light around a space. 
- It's good to mix textures but you have to use the right balance


5. Pattern

Pattern gives life to pretty much any object it's on. Except it's important to remember scale when using pattern in your space. I always try to pair smaller patterns with larger ones and not too many. Using multiple patterns and texture can become a little overwhelming so balance is extremely important. 

Tip:
- If you use a large pattern on a small object, the pattern will get lost (think
of a duvet with a large floral print, pairing that with another large floral print
would be too busy so think of pairing it with a larger stripe pillow and solid blanket)


6. Color

Color will set the mood for your entire space - understanding how color makes you
feel, the relationship between colors and the effect certain colors can have is important 
to understand which is why something as simple as picking a color
can be the hardest step to do. To find out more about the color wheel and
the relationships between colors check out my posts from a few months ago:
Color My World Part 1
Color My World Part 2

Remember:
- The amount of area covered in a color has an effect on 
what the color looks like (the swatch may look different than when
painted on a large wall)
- Seeing the color in the same lighting that will be in the space
is a good way to see if you like it
- Dim lighting will reduce a colors value which will
diminish its hue while high lighting will intensify the value or wash the hue out



So there it is - one of the lessons I learned training wrapped up into one blog post! Probably one of the most informational posts I've done. Now when you go into a home furniture/decor store and even in your own home see if you can point out any of these elements of design because they really are all around us - see if they are used the way talked about here. I think all of these elements combined definitely set the stage for great interior design. Is there one element you try to focus on or feel is most important? I'd love to know :)







Xo,

(Picture Sources: Pinterest)

Color of the Week: Violet Tulip

And here it is, the last color in Pantones Spring 2014 Color Forecast - Violet Tulip. A soft yet eye-catching color that screams spring but looks great year round. If you missed my previous posts on the other much anticipated colors of this spring, you can find them by clicking on each link below:

Radiant Orchid

Celosia Orange

Cayenne

Dazzling Blue

Sand

Freesia 

Hemlock 

Paloma

Placid Blue

And last but not least, the final Spring 2014 color, Violet Tulip, & where to find each item. Enjoy!

1 / Aldari Home Violet Magnolia Tree Branches Pillow Cover / Etsy

2 / Violet Tulip Double Gourd Table Lamp / Lamps Plus

3 / Cambridge Lavender & Ivory Tufted Wool Rug / Layla Grace 

4 / Washed Authentic Slim Sneakers / Vans

5 / World Boutique Violet Tulip & Silver Bubble Bib Necklace / Zulily 

6 /  Lavender Crocheted Pouf / Land of Nod

7 / Orchard Gold Violet Tulip Grande Watch / Rumba

8 / Violet Tulip Interior / Pinterest

9 / The Lucky Elephant Violet Tulip Boho Beaded Leather Wrap Bracelet / Etsy 

Xo,