Rug Love

Happy Monday guys! It's been a little while since I've been busy with work and family things (haven't we all) but I am back! I wanted to share a few of my favorite moments in my home currently including our new Lulu & Georgia rug that I LOVE every time I walk into our apartment. I kept telling myself I only wanted wool, handmade, etc but I couldn't resist the style, color and price point - it was part of L&G annual 25% off sale so I had to. I am still on the search for a perfect media console but I have been scoping out Stor New York on Etsy and although the price point is higher, each media is handmade in Brooklyn and I even have the option to customize it a bit so that is all in the works :) 

By the way if you are ever in Astoria and looking for a great brunch spot, check out Mom's and/or Halsey's Tavern! We originally went to Mom's but they had such a wait, but told us Halsey's Tavern next door has the same exact kitchen and brunch menu (minus iced coffee and milkshakes). So we lucked out with no wait and delicious food :) Stay tuned for more design updates and a new post on what to look for when styling your shelving!

coffee table / west elm
shelving / west elm
decor / west elm, anthropologie, lulu & georgia, etsy, target
sofa / raymour and flanigan
chair / wayfair
side table / homegoods
planter / west elm

xo,
Lauren

Ready for Spring

Happy Monday (or we can at least pretend)! I'm actually pretty happy today because it's warming up in NYC and all the little spring touches around my apartment actually are starting to feel like spring :) I want to share my top tips with you that I like to do to start to get ready for spring. I'm still working on the rest of our apartment but I am loving how our bedroom is coming together! So here we go...

1) Switch up your textiles - I think it's important to keep your main furniture somewhat neutral so you are able to switch up the feel of your space with decor and textiles. The throw on my bed from Anthropologie has a darker blue stripe on one side, so to make it feel brighter I now fold it with the lighter stripe showing. I also recently purchased lighter gray pillow covers from Motif Pillows on Etsy that I am loving and work perfect with my more colorful handmade kilim pillow from Blue Salvage. 

2) Flip your mattress - It's not all about the way your room looks. Just like you may flip your sofa cushions for even wear, you can do the same with your mattress (if not a pillow top) to improve comfort and longevity. We've been thinking about getting a new mattress and have had our eye's on the Leesa Mattress - we've heard great things about the comfort of the memory foam which is what our current mattress is lacking. The perfect time to do this is the start of a new season!

3) Add fresh greenery - I love shopping for new succulents and plants at the farmers market in NYC, usually in Union Square. I recently just purchased this planter from West Elm for our living room and trying to figure out what type of larger plant would work best. For our bedroom, an assortment of smaller succulents is the perfect touch to make it feel more like spring. I like to place them on different areas on my desk shelving like below.  More to come! 

Those are my top 3 tips to make your bedroom get ready for the warmer spring weather. I'd love to hear what you do to get your home ready! Stay tuned for my next post on how to style your shelving....here's a peek :)

xo,

Lauren

Happy Sunday

Happy Sunday everyone! Mine consisted of getting over a cold and headache but I am feeling better and ready to start my week. My swatches from MotifPillows on Etsy came the other day and I finally placed my order! I ordered two of these handmade shibori inspired pillows for our bedroom and another swatch to be delivered. You may be thinking, "What the heck is shibori and who puts that much thought into just pillows??" Well to answer part one, shibori is a type of Japanese handmade dying technique dating back to the 8th century so each pillow made with this technique is a meticulous one-of-a-kind piece. To answer part two, me! and I am not the only one. Pillows are just one simple way to make a huge impact and quick change to a space which is why I love pillows and all textiles so much. I don't mind spending a little more for a handmade pillow and supporting small businesses! Excited for my new pillows to come in... once I can find a new rug for our living room, I'll be looking into new pillows in that space, too. Oh, and here's a sneak peak of my newest painting's palette I recently finished :) Stay tuned for the next post on my new piece!

xo,

Lauren

New Obsession: MotifPillows

I have to say I love a good pillow situation. What I love the most is that pillows are so versatile, and can change the look of a space entirely. I am in the middle of doing some apartment refreshing so switching up my pillows is definitely on my list. I consistently browse stores online and in person (when I can) and lately have been drawn the most to pillows on Serena & Lily and Lulu & Georgia. Every now and then I browse Etsy for some unique, handmade options. I came across Motif Pillows and I looove the color palettes and how many options they have. They also use a variety of designer fabrics and are all handmade. What's also great is that you can order swatches first before ordering which is what I did. I plan on getting new ones for our bedroom and living room. Stay tuned to see which ones I went with! Below are some of my faves - check out their Etsy shop for more!

xo,

Lauren

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**

Bring it On, 2017

Hello all and Happy New Year! It's been quite some time that I haven't made a post (I feel like that is the start of the last few post's I've done) but I am back! This year I am committed to doing a few things that I been thinking about for quite some time. For more than a year, I've been pondering the thought of getting my degree in Interior Design versus taking individual classes, or just gaining as much experience as possible without taking any classes. Although I have been gaining invaluable experience, I would love to take classes to learn the different computer programs which ultimately leads me to my first goal of 2017 - to apply to FIT and start classes this year. My second goal is to own my art business. Lately, I have only been creating custom paintings which aren't always what I want to paint. I would love to create one piece each month or two, and post it on my Etsy page. I have fell off of my Etsy, too, as I haven't kept it up to date at all so I really would love to take the time and create paintings that I love and mean something to me, and if someone wants to purchase it, even better :) My third goal this year is to design a whole space whether it's my own or another's and enhance my portfolio. I can create space plans and mood boards, but I would love to see them come to life in one's home. My very fourth goal is to learn Spanish. I have taken Spanish in high school and two years in college so you would think I could speak fluently by now but that's not the case. I think it's so beneficial to know another language, and this is the year I am going to try my best to learn Spanish as fluently as possible. So there it is! I know it sounds like a lot, but I feel like if I stay committed and set timelines for myself, I can reach them all. I encourage all of you to continue to follow your dreams, whatever they may be. The below quote couldn't of said it better. Stay tuned for my next post!

PS. Redesign of my blog coming soon :)

My New Art Series

Hi there! I've been working on some new art pieces as a new series of mine. It is inspired by my love for abstract art, color and the boho/tribal design style. Each one is 100% authentic. I've also updated my Etsy store with a new design and newly added pieces >> Check my Etsy store out here. Here's a sneak peek of my new series!

Thanks for stopping by -- don't forget to check out my new etsy store and if you want to browse more of my artwork click on my art page above! If you'd be interested in one of these pieces or a one-of-a-kind piece message me through my contact page! 

Xo,

Hearts on Hearts on Hearts

Valentine's Day is only a day away! Whether you're in a relationship or not, I've chose 10 items any girl in your life would love under $75. Who wouldn't love that? 

1. i love you pint glass / $10 / urban outfitters

2. heart makeup pouch / $7.90 / forever 21

3. key to my heart bangle / $28 / alex and ani 

4. love beaded pillow / $39.50 / pottery barn 

5. marble heart box / $49 / west elm

6. miss diary tiny 3 hearts necklace / $17.90 / etsy

7. opal petite stackers / $70 / lili claspe

(opal is my birthstone so naturally I would love this)

8. stars and stripes heart keyfob / $48 / henri bendel

9. valentine's canvas totes and pouches / $4.99-$14.99 / west elm

10. valentine's teeny heart dinnerware / $10 / west elm 

Xo, 

Outdoor Pillows: Fun, Stylish & Reasonable

You may have already purchased your outdoor pillows for this spring and summer season but if not here are a variety of fun, weather resistant pillows that would work in a bunch of different style outdoor spaces. What's great about pillows is that that you can buy new ones at any time and change the whole mood of your space. What's not to like about that?? 

1. Happy Chic by Jonathan Adler Outdoor Square Decorative Pillow / $12.49 / JC Penny

2. Outdoor Ogee Pillow / $39 / West Elm

3. Hello Yellow Pillow / $34.95 / CB2

4. Threshold Navy Chevron Pillow / $12.95 / Target

5. Pisa Square Outdoor Pillow / $18 / Home Decorators

6. Coral Outdoor Pillow / $35 / Grand In Road

7. Outdoor Stripe Tile Pillow / $12.95 / West Elm

8. Green and Aqua Dotted Ikat Outdoor Pillow / $24.99 / World Market

9. Calliope Jute Trim Pillow in Spice / $25 / Pier 1

10. Weverly Awning Stripe in Turquoise & Cream / $22 / Outdoor Pillows on Etsy  

There you have it - a bunch of my favorite outdoor pillows & they all come at a reasonable price. The list could of definitely went on but I think I gave you a good start :) Each site has tons more options you can check out also!

Xo,

Nautical Accents for your Home

If you're like me than you have a soft spot for anything nautical. Especially since spring is here and summer is around the corner, incorporating a few nautical pieces may be just what your home needs. Whether you are looking for some new items for your beach house or your beach-inspired space up in the mountains, these nautical accent pieces are some great finds for any space. All of these items would work with most of your existing decor such as a fun doormat and some burlap throw pillows which are a perfect way to gradually add some nautical fun into your home without going overboard (no pun intended) and will look great year-round, too. Enjoy! 

Xo,

Decorating with Succulents

I remember when I first heard the term succulent years ago watching an episode of HGTV's Design Star where a contestant planted succulents on top of a tree stump which also was used as an accent table. The judges loved it and so did I. Since then, and especially now, I see succulents used in design that provides a rustic feel & I can't get enough - I just love the way they look. You can either buy any succulents you'd like & any terrarium or pot to plant them in or you can buy them already planted. If you have children, creating your own succulent terrarium would be a fun project to do together! 

Now you may be wondering what exactly is a succulent & why use them in design? Succulents are plants, sometimes called fat plants, that have parts that are thicker than normal usually to retain water in arid climates and soil conditions. Because of their low maintenance and how they retain water, they are perfect to use in interior design - they provide a lush and beautiful look year round. Here are some of my favorite places to buy them & how to use them in design. Enjoy!

1. Placing succulents in planters on the wall creates an 

eye-catching piece with a rustic look.

 

 Shane Powers Ceramic Wall Planters / $19 - $69 / West Elm

2. Hanging a glass terrarium with hemp rope and

adding sand creates a fun, beachy look.

 

YYCustomizedGlass Succulent Terrarium Kit / $12.99 / Etsy

3. You can order pre-arranged succulents just

like this one as a gift for friends, family or for your own home.

Succulent Garden / $24.99 / 1800Flowers

4. These faceted terrariums have such a fun look,

perfect to place atop a coffee table, console or on a shelf as decor.

 

Faceted Terrariums / $29 - $39 / West Elm

5. This set of 3 geometric planters are cute & fun - 

I picture them scattered around a coffee table or atop a desk.

 

ShadeonShape Geometric Mini Planters Set of 3 / $45 / Etsy

I know you can order a variety of succulents from West Elm or from a bunch of 

Etsy shop owners here - I hope I gave you some good ideas for planting just in time 
for spring!

Xo,