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

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

Fall 2016

Happy fall! I am absolutely loving the new fall collections some of my favorite stores are introducing this year! Even though they can be very different, I feel like they all have a stylish comfort about them. There is something so simple about these pieces, yet still elevated and intriguing. I'm especially drawn to all of the natural materials, textures, and tone-on-tone color palettes. I've only posted a handful, but I would recommend checking out the full collections on the stores websites. I can't wait to start using them in my designs! Enjoy :) 

1 / leighton pillow cover + peruvian stripe pillow cover / serena + lily

2 / parks end table / room + board

3 / alexis tufted bed / rh teen 

4 / organic capiz bowl / z gallerie

5 / avec chair / cb2

6 / holden accent lamp / rh baby + child

7 / graydon shagreen media console / rh 

8 / muir coffee table / west elm collection 

xo,

Lauren 

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,

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,

DIY Terrarium: Before & After

A couple of months ago at west elm I fell in love with their new wood and glass terrariums -- I had to get one! The base is natural wood and the top is handblown recycled glass melted against the base -- each one is completely one-of-a-kind so when I saw one that I loved I knew I had to scoop it up because who knows if I could of found another just like it.

I've never created my own terrarium before but I new I wanted to include unique succulents, rocks and sand. Succulents are great because they retain their moisture so they don't need to be watered as frequently as other house plants -- when the soil is dry to the touch you can water them which is about every 7-10 days. You really can do many different things with a terrarium but this is what I purchased to create the look I wanted:

- 1 small succulent 

- 1 medium size succulent

- 1 bag of potting soil 

- 1 small bag of white sand

- 1 small bag of small rocks

I was able to find my succulents at west elm, sand and rocks at Michael's, and potting soil at Home Depot. Click the links above for actual product.

1) To start, I filled the glass (just the bottom layer) with the rocks. 

2) I then added the sand (I ended up using the whole bag of rocks and sand but you don't have to use it all. I wanted my terrarium to fill up the inside so I used all of it.

3) Then I added just enough soil to plant the succulents on top. I pressed the soil down and made sure soil was all around each succulent to hold them in place. 

4) I added some water and DONE....

If you have made your own terrarium I'd love to see how it came out! It really is super easy and inexpensive. I splurged on my terrarium which ended up being around $50 but all of the materials came to around $25. Plus, Michael's always has coupons, too. 

Happy Terrarium Making :)

Xo,

Coastal Living Space

I've been having an obsession over sea glass blue lately so I decided to create a mood board.  Not to mention Pantone's Hemlock is on their Spring 2014 Color Forecast which I didn't even know before creating this. When I think of sea glass, I think of the beach - so I decided to create a coastal living space with sea glass accents. I chose beachy yet modern furniture made with natural materials such as jute, burlap, linen and raffia which go really well with this color scheme. Now all I need is a beach house to decorate! 

1 / Natural Curiosities Capistrano Saudi Blue / Shopcandelabra.com 

2 / Malibu Chandelier / RoShamBeaux.com 

3 / Behr Water Mark Paint Color 

4 / Halsten Sofa Antique White Linen / Serenaandlily.com 

5 / Regina Andrews White Ribbon Coral Lamp / Laylagrace.com 

6 / Polo 1 Drawer Side Table / Bungalow5.com 

7 / Arteriors Cormac Glass Jute Lantern / Shopcandelabra.com 

8 / Thom Filicia Safavieh Blue Hand Tufted Rug 8x10 /Rugstudio.com 

9 / Blake Raffia Coffee Table / Serenaandlily.com 

10 / Seafoam Green and Burlap Pillow Cover 20x20, Coral Linen Pillow Cover 18x18 / Etsy.com 

VRugs and Home Maya Seafoam Pillow / Laylagrace.com

Xo,