Serena & Lily Fine Art

Whoa, it's been some time since I've posted last and not once did I post in October. So much has happened -- birthdays (including mine), a trip to Boston for the first time, the launch of RH Modern in the gallery I work in, and the list goes on. It's also been 3 full months since my boyfriend and I moved into our new place and it still isn't complete. I have so many ideas but there really is no rush. I've been browsing through websites for art to complete our kitchen space and living room and came across Serena & Lily (I actually didn't go on their website for art at all but did fall in love with their art collection, naturally). I absolutely love finding and exploring new artists, especially since I'm a painter myself. I thought I'd share some of my top picks with all of you. There's way more so it's definitely worth checking out the website. Enjoy :) 

"Faceted Gem #1" by Natasha Marie

"Underwater Plantlife #7" by Jennifer Ament

"Indigo #1" by Jenny Prinn

"Flight" by Stephanie Sherman

"Stormy Sea #2" by Jerry Schwabe

Xo, 

DIY Abstract Art

Hello everyone :) One more day to get through until the weekend! Except for me, I work this weekend but today was one of my days off. I had some free time so I decided to get back into painting and create a tutorial for you all.  Abstract art is huge right now and although it takes some skill really anyone can create an amazing piece of art! If you follow me on instagram @laurenmaiorana you already saw my sneak peek of the finished product. Here is the how to:

Materials: 

blank canvas

scraping tool

thin 1/2 inch paint brush

cup for water to clean brush

white paint

any 3-4 paint colors of choice

paper plate or easel

First, start by painting the blank canvas white. This is going to be the background color. Even though a canvas is already white, it's amazing how much of a difference a fresh coat of white paint will make. 

Next, decide what few colors you want to use. I chose a magenta, gold and apricot. 

Then, squirt the paint somewhat randomly  - don't use too much in one spot, you will be scraping it around the canvas. Remember, you can always add more.

Then scrape the paint around in different directions. Now this is the part that takes some skill. It's not difficult but just try your best.

Scrape and add some more paint if needed until it will kind of look like this...

You can add more paint or another color if you would like and call it day or like you will see here you can add another element by creating dotted lines in the white areas. Now, put some black paint on a paper plate or an easel if you have one. Wet the small paintbrush to get the bristles loose, dip in the black paint and start to create some dotted lines. I totally made mine up. This is where you can really get creative...

And there you have it! Follow me on pinterest (lauren_maiorana) and on instagram @laurenmaiorana for some more design and art inspiration! 

Xo,

Spring is Here!: West Elm Spring Mood Board

Happy Spring! Even though in SoCal the weather 90% of the time feels like spring or summer, I know my fellow NYer's back at home are enjoying the fact that winter is officially over! As some of you may know I work at west elm and as a home stylist there I have my own clients and in some cases I get to create really fun mood boards for them featuring our product whether it's all west elm or incorporating west elm with their existing furniture/decor. There are SO many new items coming in for summer so I thought of creating a mood board that featured some of these items. I'm just loving all the coral hues mixed with neutrals and brass -- it reminded me of a spring/summer color palette so I thought it was a perfect day to share :) I'm especially in love with the new Steven Alan summer line at west elm. The pillows in his collection that I incorporated into this design also come in a Blue Lagoon color palette that is equally worth drooling over. Not to mention this chenille/wool blend rug is amazing -- it's a certified fair trade rug which means not only is it handcrafted but it was also made in a safe working environment for the artisans AND gives back to the community where it was made with each fair trade purchase. Such a worth while purchase, don't ya think? I hope you all enjoy this design as much as I did putting it together. I already love it and it doesn't even have the finishing touches OR an owner -- anyone want to volunteer? ;)

1 / ice cube interior-exterior paint / sherwin-williams / west elm summer collection
2 / whitewashed wood wall art 
3 / peggy sectional 
4 / steven alan centered and colorblock ribbon pillow covers
jay street ashti pom pom pillow cover
woven metallic pillow cover
silk loomed pillow cover in rose bisque 
5 / oversized metal rod in antiqued brass
6 / sheer chevron curtains in stone white
7 / palmette chenille wool kilim rug
8 / marble pillar table lamp
9 / terrace side table in antiqued brass
10 / grid frame coffee table
11 / cube sculpture
12 / mid-century media console large - white  





Which piece is your favorite? 

PS. I have some really fun DIY abstract art tutorials in the works. I recently hurt my dominant thumb (stitches--ouch!) so when I'm all healed up that's one of the first things I will be finishing. Stay tuned!




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,

My Abstract Art

Hi there! For those who do not know, I love to paint! My style is abstract, coastal and colorful although I have done many custom pieces as well. For the first time ever, I displayed my art at a local vendor event at west elm where I work. My art was for sale and I donated $10 from each painting towards St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital as part of their Thanks and Giving campaign. Other local artists and vendors were there as well that are so talented so it was an honor to have my art alongside theirs. I was also working during the event so I couldn't stay at my table to talk to too many people about my art but I did sell a painting and get my name and art out there! There were a few handfuls of inquiries about doing custom pieces as well which I love doing and am currently working on a few right now. I wanted to share some of my art with you that is still for sale unless stated otherwise but I can customize any piece you want! Let me know if you're interested! You can reach out to me via email, lmaiorana1014@gmail.com. I'm starting a new instagram for my art and interior design work separate from my personal account so i'll keep you posted on that, too! I hope you like my paintings as much as I enjoy creating them :)

{abstract waterfall SOLD / will recreate to order - price varies with size, email to inquire}

{desert / 12x16in staple back canvas / acrylic paint / gloss sealer / $45}

{waves / 9x11in staple back canvas / acrylic paint / gloss sealer / }

{ocean / SOLD / will recreate to order - price varies with size, email to inquire}

{energy / 12x12in staple back canvas / acrylic paint / gloss sealer / $50}

{carribean / 18x24in gallery wrapped canvas / acrylic paint / gloss sealer / $85}

 {feather / 10x10in staple back canvas / SOLD / will recreate to order - price varies with size, email to inquire}

{ikat / 12x16in staple back canvas / acrylic paint / gloss sealer / $45}

 {lovebirds / 12x16in staple back canvas / acrylic paint / gloss sealer / $45}

{pink clouds / 10x10in staple back canvas / acrylic paint / gloss sealer / $35}

{lips / SOLD / will recreate to order - price varies with size, email to inquire}

{sugar skull / SOLD /will recreate to order - price varies with size, email to inquire}

{nyc skyline / SOLD / will recreate to order - price varies with size, email to inquire}

{abstract flowers / SOLD / will recreate to order - price varies, email to inquire}

At the west elm south coast plaza event this Saturday! 

I will recreate any piece if you would like a different size, colors, anything. Just shoot me an email so we can go over what you want and then I will be able to give a price! Thanks everyone who has supported me thus far - I love to paint but never thought people would love it so much to buy. I will also be at another west elm orange county event soon so stay tuned :) 

Xo,

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,