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

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

Apartment Refresh to Come

Hello all! I hope the start to your new year has been fun and productive :) So far for me, I have looked into classes at NYSID and FIT, although NYSID has more class options for me to take they are so darn expensive so this next week I will be narrowing down my options and deciding which one's will be worth it. I would love to take classes with credits, just in case I decide I want to pursue a degree, I can put them towards it. As for learning Spanish, I have not dug too deep into that yet but I plan on using Duolingo to get started soon! As for painting more, I plan to turn my eat in kitchen area into a "studio" space which excites me. One last thing is that I plan to refresh my apartment this year in order to kill two birds with one stone - 1) we are in need of some new pieces and 2) it will be the start to my portfolio that I'd like to create this year so I think it's worth a little investment. The key to all this being...saving money! :) In the meantime, below are some items that I am hoping will make it's way into our apartment soon many of which are on sale right now!

1 /  Nea Rug - Cream / $2,149 / $1,289 / RH Teen 

This rug is a viscose, cotton and wool blend. I plan on ordering a swatch to see if this tone works in my space and isn't too light because it is mostly viscose which could stain more easily but I am loving this option! 

2 / Mira Coffee Table /  $599 / $449 / west elm

 Currently I have a bone inlay table with a metal origami base and I looove it except it is just too small. We need a larger table, with no wood because we already have a lot of wood (floating shelves behind sofa, media console, and side table) so I would love an option like below to break that up. The top is a black and grey marble which I feel would be durable (more so than white) because of it's variation and dark hue. I just love this one!

3 / Austin 62" Media Console / $999 / $899 / Crate & Barrel

Finding the right media is not easy - well, it would be if it was just up to me buttttt 

it's not :) It has to be a lot of things like 1) open shelving 2) can hide all wires and 2) the right size and ideally a solid wood. This solves all of those things and I'm loving that it's solid walnut with exposed dovetail joinery.

4 / Capitola Stripe Pillow - Fog / $98 / Serena & Lily

 Camille Diamond Medallion Pillow Cover / $78 / Serena & Lily

What I love about pillows is that they are such a simple way to change the look of a space without spending a fortune. This one especially is a natural linen and created using an ancient Japanese dyeing technique that makes each one original and authentic.

5 / Parsons Bone Inlay Floor Mirror / $549 / $411 / west elm

We have a space in our living room where I currently have a round brass geometric mirror in between two windows, but I would love to switch it out if I end up going with a coffee table with a brass frame. Our current coffee table is a bone inlay one, which I love except it is just too small. So I thought of incorporating the bone inlay that I love and do a leaner mirror instead. This one would be perfect.

In the next few months I am looking to make these changes and hopefully will have after photos for you. Stay tuned!

xo,

Lauren

A Not-So-Teen RH Teen Bedroom

I have to say I've had my eye on some (many) pieces from the RH Teen assortment for quite some time now. Working for Restoration Hardware, I get to help create dream spaces for clients and their homes. I don't include RH Teen as often as I could for a few reasons - we don't showcase it in our gallery, many of my clients are looking for our core brand or RH Modern pieces for their home, and clients just don't know about it. When I do introduce the line to clients, they are blown away because there are so many amazing pieces that are offered that aren't only for teens. The line is meant to be sophisticated and transitional for the younger generations - something they can love now and love later. Not to mention, many of these pieces are at a lower price point than RH main brand. I've put together a bedroom (because...why not?) that I would happily live in myself. Take a look, click on the links, and check out this amazing line! 

1 / Merritt Wide Dresser

2 / 18th Century Venetian Glass Round Mirror

3 / Sheer Linen Cotton Drapery

4 / Callum Platform Canopy Bed with Storage

5 / Sato Rug in Grey 

6 / Metallic Knit Cotton Pouf

Braided Metallic Leather Pouf

7 / Kenzie Small Side Table and Low Side Table

8 / Industrial Pipe Single Task Sconce - Dark Steel

9 / Beach Photography

10 / Wood Gallery Frames

11 / Geometric Geo Metal Bookends

RH is known more for their effortless way to use symmetry to create balance. For me, I like to create eclectic spaces that are balanced, not symmetrical, with a play on different textures and materials. I'd say this bedroom does just that. What do you think? :) 

xo, 

Lauren 

My Office Design

I think I've been pretty good about this blog thing lately ;) If you haven't followed along until now, I've been on the search for pieces to complete our new(ish) apartment in NYC. There are many things we still need but overall it has been coming together -- more pics to come. I've just been itching for my own office area. We only have a one bedroom right now and even though our living area is quite large, my boyfriend has his desk set up there. So I've been thinking and although the kitchen table has been great, I'm off to create my own little office in our bedroom. That way I can have my desk where I can sketch and blog but also set up my easel to paint. I've already purchased my desk from CB2 and my desk chair which I got from Wayfair. I am on a budget and for those two pieces so far has cost me under $300 which is not bad for a desk AND chair that you love, right?! I would of loved to scope out flea markets but I just don't have the time right now let alone a vehicle to transport items like that. SO I've gathered the pieces I've picked out so far to complete my "office". One of those pieces is an original abstract art piece by Jen Ramos from Made by Girl. The exact painting I am referencing below has been sold but I am most definitely getting one once there are new ones to purchase. Definitely check out Jen's page when you can because it is amazing and so inspiring. I can't wait to see it all come to life! Stay tuned.

desk / cb2

chair / wayfair

pelt / rhteen

palm print / society 6 by the aestate

beach print / society 6 by fit + fab

abstract painting / made by girl by jen ramos

lamp / joss & main

frame / lulu & georgia

geometric decor / west elm

calendar and notepad / sugar paper la

metal paper organizer / target

xo,

Lauren

Hello 2016!

Well hello everyone. It's been quite some time since my last post! Thanksgiving, the Holidays and the New Year flew right by. 2015 was a great year for me all around - I painted often and participated in art shows, moved back to New York (although I dearly miss CA), started a new position with Restoration Hardware, and my sweet niece and Goddaughter, Andriana, was born. I cannot wait to see what 2016 has in store for me. My goal is to push myself to take my art and blog to another level and focus on growing in the design field. I'd love to see where it can go if I truly put my all into it. In the meantime, I've had my eye on some new pieces for our place so I wanted to share a sneak peek. Stay tuned for which ones end up in our home :) 

1930's Martini Side Table / RH 

Go-Cart White Rolling Desk / cb2

Mini Industrial Cage Lamp / west elm

Parisian Cornice Single Shelving in Black Oak / RH 

Reclaimed Russian Oak Parquet Coffee Table / RH

Vintage Steel Desk Chair in Antiqued Brass / RH Teen

xo, 

New Obsession: RH Teen

Okay guys, I'm about to show you some serious eye candy. Just last month Restoration Hardware announced RH Teen -- and just by the teaser photo, I was already so excited. Now with the new website up and running, there is SO much to be excited about and it's no joke. These pieces can be used in adult spaces as well as teen. Pricing is less than RH Home but that's not saying too much but at least you DO know the quality is there. These pieces are truly something teens can grow into and have for years to come -- that's what excites me most. Here are some of my favorite photos from the new website ( I have to come up with a list of my favorite items). Oh, and for those of you who don't know I now work at Restoration Hardware so I can't wait to get my hands on some designs where I can include some of these items. Definitely check the new RH Teen website out for more! 

How amazing are these spaces? I'm loving it all but the decor is especially 

on point. Enjoy!

Xo,