Home Furniture Favorites: Joss & Main

Happy Sunday! As I've been searching around for pieces for my new office area, I came across Joss & Main which I love but I couldn't get enough of their newest categories (and their prices!). So I put together some of my favorite furniture and decor items all under $200 to share with you. If you're not familiar with Joss & Main,  their other family brands you may know are Wayfair, All Modern, Dwell Studio and Birch Lane. Which piece is your favorite? I have to say I'm a sucker for marble and brass so I'm really loving their Bubble Task Lamp :)

Celeste Velvet Bench / $147

Bubble Task Lamp / $98

Clive Bed / $195

Jamie Side Table / $152

Mei Porcelain Table Lamp / $175

Jeweled Terrain Framed Giclee Print - 11x15in / $99

Reina Side Table / $128

Kinsey Bar Cart / $171

xo,

Lauren

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,

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Mother's day is only a couple weeks away! I've narrowed down a list of ten gotta have gifts for every mom in your life -- grandmothers, sisters, aunts, mother-in-laws, best friends, the list goes on. I actually was thinking of all the moms in my life when I made this list! You can either buy one of these gift ideas or make a gift basket of a few -- there's no rule to this thing. No matter what budget you have, any of these items are sure to put a smile on your loved ones' face.

1 // homegrown monogram mug /$8 / anthropologie / I've had my eye on these cute lil mugs for a while (for myself though) so I've always thought they would made a sweet gift.

2 // complete garden kit / $24.95 / crate and barrel / for those green thumb momma's in your life, this petite garden kit is the perfect gift -- or even a set of planters or tools to use for plants she already has.

3 // kate spade java place large natalie make up bag / $148 / kate spade / What girl wouldn't love a new designer make up bag? This one is especially perfect for those who also travel often. Add a few of their favorite make-up items in for an extra gift!

4 // golden shadow swarovski crystal expandable bracelet / $68 / alex & ani / I have to say I've been a fan of alex & ani for a while and their jewelry keeps getting better. I know my mom loves swarovski (plus she already has a million "mom" pieces of jewelry) so this simple yet meaningful bracelet does the trick! 

5 // darcia throw / $49.80 / lulu & georgia / Why not get something your loved one can cuddle into? I know I love lounging with a cozy throw...more so when it's one of my favorite colors with a timeless pattern. My mom loves her blue so if I was shopping for my mom, I would choose this one. Lulu & Georgia are known for their accessories -- so many more great options on the website.

6 // metallic burst box, small or large / $39-63 sale / west elm / One of the cutest jewelry boxes I've ever seen. Not only will it hold all your loved one's jewelry but is also pretty to look at.

7 // teavana gift set / $70 / teavana / For those tea lovers out there (like me). I love teavana tea. This set comes with their top sellers.

8 // rose rewind candle / $28 / rewind candles / okay people, this one is a must have if your loved one loves wine AND candles. I mean that's a no brainer. But even if they don't, they will still love the scent of this rose candle! I have this candle (not a wine drinker) and I've given as a gift because it just smells so good. All rewind scents are amazing but this one is my favorite.

9 // everyday leather tote / $199 / mark & graham  / Every girl loves a handbag. These handbags are so simple yet can be personalized which makes them an even better gift idea.

10 // rosewater hand and nail set / $20 / crabtree & evelyn / Growing up my grandmother would love her some crabtree & evelyn, even till this day. Handcream and nailpolish are on a girls top ten favorite things. Can't go wrong.

If you weren't sure what to get anyone for mother's day, I hope I gave you some good ideas! Stay tuned for my next post and for more design/art inspiration check out my instagram @laurenmaiorana :)

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,

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)

Design Styles / Traditional

Traditional design may not sound the most exciting and it may not always look it either but at the same time it can be timeless & beautiful. When thinking of traditional design you may think classic, timeless, warm wood tones, wainscoting, and a tailored look just to name a few. Some people may use this design style all throughout their home and others may like to mix in some other design elements like modern, contemporary, industrial, etc. What's great about either of those is that it's easy to do both and still look amazing with traditional design. Personally, traditional is not my taste but I love having a few classic pieces to work with. Here are some pieces that I've chosen with an overall traditional look. Which one is your favorite?

1. Aidan Gray Furniture Paris Salon Chair / Layla Grace

2. Alta Bed / Serena & Lily

3. Bennett 6-Drawer Dresser / Room & Board

4. Brazoria Floor Lamp / Living Spaces

5. Francesca Bar Stool / Pier 1 Imports

6. Hand Tufted Doria Rug 5'x8' / Nuloom

7. Paidge Sofa / West Elm

8. Polished Bud Vase Set / Mark & Graham

 9. Sunbrella Devin Ikat Indoor/Outdoor Pillow / Pottery Barn

10. Traditional Amber Glass Hook / Restoration Hardware

Xo,