TJ Maxx January Finds

Hi all! I hope your 2018 feels as productive as mine so far! Although, there is definitely room for more progress (always). What I've focused on since my last post about bettering myself this year is :

- I've signed up for some technical classes to hone my design skills at NYSID

- I've been working on my portfolio and making great progress 

- I've set an appointment for Invisalign

What I need to do still:

- Set up my personal training sessions at the gym

- Figure out how best to write blog posts consistently and POST THEM (I usually just post things as they come to mind, or what is relevant for me at a certain time - but I'd love to figure out the best method for posting what and when)

- Figure out my best game plan for food prepping and NOT BUYING THAT COFFEE, although I've been doing really well so far!

In the meantime, I'm always browsing for inspiration and product and came across some pretty little finds from the latest TJ Maxx home assortment. As we all know, there are limited quantities and they can become unavailable at any time. I've come up with my top 10 finds - which is your favorite?? 

1 / BP Industries Mango Wood Console / $139.99

2 / Jofran Rattan Chairs Set of 2 / $179.99!!

 

3 / UMA Galvanized Metal And Wood Table / $79.99

4 / Made in Italy Chessboard with Drawer / $79.99

5 / Stylecraft Side Table with Storage / $199.99

6 / Chanel and Louis Vuitton Coffee Table Books / $24.99 + $59.99

7 / Tainoki Patterned Fabric Bench / $99

8 / Urban Trends Sunburst Mirror / $39.99

9 / Jofran Leather Side Chair / $299.99

10 / Siena Faux Succulent Plant / $12.99

I am loving all of these, especially since some are just super unique like the acacia wood chessboard set! I also love how you can get some really amazing coffee table books, and faux plants that are perfect for adding some no-maintenance greenery. So many more options here! 

xo,

Lauren

2018: New Year, Better Me

Happy New Year everyone! This year I want to stay dedicated to writing no more "I'm Back" posts. The last post I wrote was back in Sept 2017 and that is just way too long ago. I love writing posts, but I definitely got caught up with life and work and put blogging on the back burner - even though I teeeechnically had the time to write. I just didn't think to make it a priority among other things. This year, I've committed to things I want to stay on top of, and I want to keep blogging a priority on this list since it can be pretty beneficial for a design career. Since we are planning our wedding for 2019 and I am Maid of Honor in my sisters wedding this year, there is no question this year will be all about planning. But I definitely want to take the time I can this year to better myself before life gets even crazier and more busy (like eventually moving and starting a family within a few years). This is definitely a more personal post than I've ever written, but here are some of the things that are of high importance to me this year...

1) Get in better shape: My amazing fiance gifted me 4 personal training sessions and I cannot wait to start. I always try working out on my own but I need that extra help to make sure what I am doing is actually benefiting me and my overall goals for my body and wellness. 

2) Go to all the Dr's appointments: This one can sound silly, but I just got much better insurance than last year and I'm so excited to go to Dr's that I've ultimately held off going like the dermatologist and neurologist because I want to focus on getting clear skin that lasts and eliminating my migraines.

3) Straighten my teeth - again: I had braces in high school, and now 14+ years later since having them, my teeth have not exactly stayed straight. I finally connected with an orthodontist my dad knows (thankfully my dad is a dentist) and have an appointment set to get that ball rolling, and not think that "I should have" come my wedding day..

4) Take those classes: I keep researching different classes I can take to grow my technical design skills and overall career, and I never actually commit to it. It's a constant battle in my mind whether or not to take classes because ultimately I don't want to waste money. But I need to stop thinking that way and just do it. I've pretty much already decided that I do not need a degree right now, but I definitely want to sharpen my AutoCad Skills, and learn new ones to help me grow in my field. There is no better time than now and I don't want to look back and regret not moving forward with what I am passionate about. 

5) Finish my portfolio: This goes hand in hand with #4, and I actually am almost done with my portfolio. I tend to think too much, which is why it's taken me so long to actually put one together. But it could never hurt to just finish what I have, and see where it takes me. I've been waiting on getting the right photos taken of my own apartment so I can add that to my portfolio, too, but I don't technically need it with what I have right now so why hold it off any longer? I just don't want to limit myself anymore and not have a complete portfolio if the right opportunity arises. YOU JUST NEVER KNOW.

6) Save all the money: This one speaks for itself. I need to food prep more, bring my coffee to work in my thermos, and reinvent ways to wear clothes I already have. Doing this, I can put all the money saved towards my above goals.

With alllllll that said, I can say that actually helped me to organize my thoughts a bit better than 10 minutes ago ;) I am excited to start all these goals and see how they all work out for me. I could probably add like 10 more things, but then I wouldn't end up doing any of them wholeheartedly so by focusing on less goals, I can put my all into them and then on to the next. Cheers to growth in 2018!!

xo,

Lauren

Living Room Update

Hey all! Hope you're enjoying your weekend wherever you may be :) Today I enjoyed doing next to nothing other than much needed errands, and may or may not have included Artichoke Basille's Pizza (if you don't know this place you need to check it out...best artichoke pizza ever!!). Other than that, I have been continuously on the hunt for a new media console. My problem is I sort of browse the same sites over again thinking something will change, or maybe a good sale will come up and I'll get a piece that is okay but totally worth the price....but nothing has stuck out to me...until today! Let's face it, Anthropologie's furniture isn't necessarily wallet friendly as it is window-shop friendly, but I came across a media console that I had seen before..loved the look but not willing to spend the money (it is solid wood and a really unique piece though). Today I was on their site and saw that the media was on sale (still not cheap but doable), but of course NOT IN THE RIGHT FINISH. Thank you Anthro for the "you may also be interested in..." tab because lucky for me it also came in a buffet version that actually worked even better, size wise, AND in the right finish. It also had the sliding door detail with shelving and cable hole which we definitely need. Long story, well, still long...I pulled the plug! My boyfriend was really not that fond over the detail on the piece (he is much more minimal/modern) but I just had to at least try it. I looked at the reviews and a few mentioned that the detailing is not as contrast in person, so I am actually thinking that may be better for us because my boyfriend didn't love that pattern anyway. I'm sure it will still be beautiful. Not sure if I like this media with the planter we already got, but I will move the planter to another side of the room so it doesn't clash next to it like I think it will. Here's a round up of the old and new items that have made and are making its way into our apartment. To the left of the media I plan to put the lucite console with two stools underneath and some art. Finally, it's starting to come together :) 

media console / sura buffet / anthropologie

rug / prisha rug 8x10 / lulu + georgia

chair / cantor lounge chair / rh teen

planter / mid-century turned wood planter / west elm

console / peek-a-boo console / cb2

stools / woven accent stool / target

art /  minted for west elm - escape route II / west elm

coffee table / box frame marble coffee table / west elm 

ps -- I may or may not paint a canvas for above the console but I chose this print by Max Borelli of a close up Italian spiral staircase. I am part Italian and love design so I thought this would be a nice personal touch. All the art in our living room is also black and white so I want to stick with that theme. Stay tuned to see how this media works out in our space!

xo,

Lauren

AD Design Show 2017

Hey everyone! This post is overdue, but I did not forget about it. I want to share with you some highlights from the Architectural Digest Design Show in NYC last week. Some of my favorites included the Prism Collection by The Principals because well, who doesn't love gorgeous greenery, Tucker Robbins one-of-a-kind woven and hand carved pieces, and Wud Furniture's gotham collection handmade in Brooklyn. There is SO much more, more than I even was able to take photos of but I hope this inspires you to dive deeper into the design world because there is much to be inspired by. Do you have a favorite?

xo,

Lauren

Serena & Lily Weekend Sale!

Serena & Lily is one of my favorite stores, and this should come as no surprise :) I've sourced there for clients and go to their site often for inspiration. This weekend they are having a 20% off friends and family event with code MUSTHAVE. Here's a space I put together with some of their most popular pieces... but their sale is certainly not just limited to these so check out their site for more! 

sofa / spruce st 3 seater sofa / $2,895 $2,316

rug / flokati rug 8x10' / $898 $718.40

coffee table / anguilla rattan coffee table / $798 $$638.40

pouf / moroccan leather pouf / $498 $398.40

ladder / teak ladder / $348 $278.40

side table / hunter side table / $498 $398.40

table lamp / halsey table lamp /   $498 $398.40

mirror / harper mirror / $598 $478.40

pillows / barcelona pillow cover / $88 $70.40

magnolia pillow cover - bark / $88 $70.40

montecito outdoor pillow cover / $78 $62.40

PS: I'm excited to share some of my favorite vendors from the Architectural Digest Design Show in the next few days. For a sneak peek check out my Instagram @laurenmaiorana. 

xo,

Lauren

Lulu & Georgia Rug Sale!

Guys! Lulu & Georgia is having a rug sale - 20% off all rugs! Here is a group of some of my favorite deals below - which one is your favorite? 

Sources from counter clockwise:

1 / Halette Rug / 8x10' / Machine made / $410 $328

2 / Sanaz Rug - Blush / 2x3' / Machine made / $37  $29.60

3 / Emile Rug / 8x10' / Hand made / $1096  $876.80

4 / Mirabelle Rug / 8x10' / Hand made / $2050 $1640

5 / Mina Rug / 8x10' / Machine Made / $989 $791.20

6 / Belen Rug / 8x10' / $426 $340.80

7 / Don't Worry Be Yonce / 2x3' / $45 $36

xo,

Lauren

Best of Layered Rugs

I can't get enough of a good layered rug situation so I decided to gather a few of my favorites from Pinterest and share them with you. I love the depth and personality that it can give to a space and it's not just limited to one room in your home!

This duo of jute/sisal and a vintage rug is great for high traffic areas like an entry, hallway or mudroom.

You can create different moments when layering rugs.

Layering with neutral organic textures like above creates depth and boldness but can still have an overall clean look.

Moroccan or vintage rug..can't decide? Layer with both and choose a sofa or chair that pulls out one of the beautiful hues in your rug! (PS: Glass coffee tables are great when you're looking to really showcase such beautiful textiles and creates an open feel)

Pelts are always great for layering!

Another beautiful moment created by a natural and vintage rug duo.

If you found a rug that you love and want to use in your space but may be just too small for the space you'd like to put it in, layering rugs is the perfect solution like in this dining space above.

Same type of situation in this space like above. Loving how much depth a vintage rug can have in a space and pick up many different hues throughout a room.

Layer a vintage rug over a vintage rug? Why not. Choose two different scales of patterns like above and you can't go wrong. This especially works best when the rest of the space is more simple leaving the rugs to really feel like the focal point.

And I'll end with this bedroom because...the rugs..the light fixture..the ceiling..the windows..the natural light..you get it right? Hope you enjoyed and learned a little, too. Until next time...

xo,

Lauren

**Disclaimer: All photos sourced from Pinterest**

Target Living Room Designs

I have received requests for creating designs using a lower price point and I instantly thought of Target because of the amazing assortment they have at many different price points. Not to mention one of my favorite designers, Emily Henderson, is one of Target's home stylist experts so naturally I had no problem creating a post like this. I created two full living spaces - one with a more transitional look and the other more mid-century modern and those are just two of the many different design aesthetics you can choose at Target. The first design came to under $4,000 and would be a bit over $4,000 if you decided to add an additional end table, light and chair. The second design came to under $2,500 and would be just around $3,000 if you decided to add an additional end table, light and chair. Both are steals for a full living space design :)  Enjoy !

Beekman Place Chesterfield Sofa / $1,359.99

Whitney Mirrored Campaign Side Table / $237.99 

Herringbone Ceramic Table Lamp / $39.99

Metal Chandelier with Glass Crystals / $330 

Safavieh Orli Rug 8x10' / $468.99

Metal Coffee Table - Monarch Specialties / $209.99

Geode Framed High Gloss Canvas / $69.99

Framed Watercolor Abstract / $39.99

Charles George Arm Chair / $501.49 

Noatak Wood Side Table / $144.49

Cream Woven Square Pillow / $17.99

Faux Fur Pillow / $23.24

Blue Global Oversized Oblong Pillow / $21.24

TOTAL (as shown): $3,465.38 

Felton Tufted Sofa / $569.99

Draper Mid Century End Table / $259.99

Wood and Ceramic Table Lamp / $64.99

Safavieh Aveline Rug 8x10' / $489.99

Coffee Table Brass ACME / $199.99

Menlo Collection Ceiling Light / $149.99

Framed Watercolor Blue Abstracts / $64.99 

Windson Wood Armchair / $183.99

Brass Hexagon End Table / $103.99

Cream Chenille Pillow / $26.99

Fringe Oblong Decorative Pillow /$22.49

TOTAL (as shown): $2,137.39 

xo,

Lauren

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**

Did You Know?: RH Teen and Baby & Child

Hello and welcome to my first Did You Know post! I want to dedicate one post each week to teaching - this could be anything from new furniture collections to interior design history to trending decor. For my first post, I want to share a handful of items from RH Teen and RH Baby & Child that could be used in adult spaces that you may not know about. When people hear teen or baby collections, they usually do not think to take a look for their own space. I am always intrigued on all the sophisticated pieces that these collections have that definitely are not just for teens or babies. I have used and recommended many items from these collections to clients, not only because of their different yet mature aesthetic but because of their appealing price points. Both lines have recently introduced new collections with a more modern feel that fits clients personal design taste but you will still see collections that are traditional, industrial, and rustic, too. I've put together 10 different pieces from each line that I am crushing on that could just be the piece you're looking for in your space! If not, then definitely check out the RH Teen and RH Baby & Child website and take a peek because I'm sure you will find something you love even if you don't need it ;) 

Carver Upholstered Bed

Cyril Side Table

Weller Open Media 

Kellen Bench - Velvet 

Alder Table Lamp 

Industrial Era Task Floor Lamp 

Industrial Plank Shelf and Brackets

Renzo Leather Desk Chair

Alessa Upholstered Desk Chair 

Box-Tufted Velvet Quilt

Puckered Voile Quilt

Maelin Upholstered Bed

Sato Rug - Grey and Midnight

Vintage Porters Wide Trunk

Aubrey Shagreen Nightstand

Polyhedron Side Table

Metal Gallery Frames

Cotton Canvas Drapery 

Industrial Campaign Storage Desk 

Avalon Single Shelving

Antiqued Carved Wood Mirror

xo,

Lauren