Classy Coastal

Initial design board for "Almost Coastal".

Inspiration for this design board came from the client's pre-existing rug. 

When i showed the couple, he loved it but she wanted more color.

he said, "more color it is!" 

what a good husband 

{smile} 

xo lauren

Almost Coastal living room

I am currently working with a client whom i LOVE TO DEATH and who is sweeter than pie. 

her home had a little bit of nothing going on design-wise and when she contacted me to help I was more than excited. She and her husband have a love for sailboats and wanted their collections to be used in the decor, but didn't want the space to have a coastal "theme" to it. 

I think we've found the solution beautifully!

the design includes their pre-existing grey leather couches and distressed end table.

she also has these fabulous built in bookshelves which had me excited from the very first consultation!

I included some apple crates on the bottom shelves for clutter-free storage as well as to add visual weight to the shelves. the Target poufs are perfect for her kids to lounge on and read quietly {or to pillow fight with, let's be real here} and even more perfect because i found them on sale for 70% off! fist pump for Target!

 and there you have it, folks! an almost coastal living space!

xo lauren

Schelhous Living Room

this living space is special to me because it is for my very own fabulous sister! 

Nicole came to me as she was about to move into her new "grown up" apartment with her husband and asked for my design expertise. 

Her requests were yellow & teal to be the main colors used and the coffee table featured here is one she had been eye-ing on craigslist at the time so, in the design it goes! 

my sis & i have always been polar opposites. i am all florals & pastels and she is much more stripes and true colors... you feel me? that being said this maybe not my personal style, but it is beautiful and perfectly suited for Nicole!

i love that sister of mine & she loves her new beautiful space, what a win-win!

xo lauren

sweet chic - living room design board

I call this design board my "sweet chic" living room. 

isn't it fitting?

the room is inspired by this michelle armas painting. i adore her work. i noticed myself pinning her stuff again & again onto my pinterest without realizing it! i think she is a great statement for any room!

here's the specs:

blue chair // red pillow // rug // coffee table // yellow vase // blue vase // white vase // books // blue bowl // blue pillows // green pillows // sofa // metallic side table // frame // media console // mirrors // michelle armas painting // floor lamp

xo lauren

keywords: cute, trendy, michelle armas, abstract, rustic, modern, girly, mirror cabinet, wood, blue chair, gold, cream, anthropologie, west elm, vintage, chic

my decorating staples

today i'd love to share a few of my favorite decorating staples to make your homes {and in my case, teeny tiny apartment} be even more fabulous!

1. a dash of black and white

sticking to a color scheme is very important when decorating a space. however, if everything in the room is yellow, green and blue...things can get boring FAST. black & white can be incorporated into literally every space, to add interest and break up the monotony.

2. every room needs bling.

bling. it's probably my favorite trend from 2011, i hope & pray it lasts for all of 2012. whether it be an office chair, a pillow on the couch or a chandelier, it will simply make you feel better to know that your home is filled with sparkly, shiny accessories for your ADHD guests to be distracted by.

3. celebrate life

every room needs something living; flowers, goldfish, a pet. even photographs that capture your favorite memories. by incorporating these things in your decor it's possible to celebrate life in every room!

4. repetition is a powerful thing.

the mind clings to things that are familiar, which is why repetition has such a pleasing effect on the eye. so, get a set of matching lamps or acquire a series of paintings. make a gallery wall and paint all of the frames black, or use the same fabric for curtains and for a few pillowcases. the possibilities are endless.

5. fill your home with things you make.

whether it be this DIY sunburst mirror, or a DIY painted rug, it is a beautiful thing to fill your home with one-of-a-kind pieces made by you! what better way is there to make your home YOUR home!!

come visit me at peace love lauren

dreamer designer

 my girl megan & hubbin are moving into their new pad

& today she called me to be her interior designer.

i was honored! seriously, best phone call ever.

we had a lot of fun mapping out what to paint, stain, and gut.

& i just loved letting my creativity go wild.

 here's a few examples of what are oh so lauren-esque.

1. i adore the number of prints used in this room

 it makes the room so interesting, i'm a big fan.

2. i'm diggin this couch

& the chairs make me wanna die.

my oma has a pair just like them... "dear oma, please put me in your will?"

haha. but really.

3. i just love these exposed rafters, so charming!

4. this room is my favorite because of its clean, fresh lines.

so light & airy!

5. & lastly, i am building a bookshelf this large in my home. 

with my own two hands. or husband's. whatever.

all images were found via house beautiful. go for a visit,
i've honestly been spending all of my time there for a week.
all. of. my time.
it's a serious problem.
good luck!

peace & love
lauren

shades of gray

recently, i overheard my manager saying that we'd be allowed to paint our apartment.

since then, i've been dreaming in paint colors. it's pretty dangerous when i get an idea for a new project in my little noggin... travis can attest to this. i've been trying to think of a pretty neutral color for most of the walls, other than beige {because beige = poo}. while looking through some inspiration, i've fallen in love with gray.

beautiful, right? the last photo is my absolute favorite. it's so crisp, light, and airy! it looks like a home where i can just melt. i live for melty houses. travis may or may not be seeing more gray in the future! 
peace & lovelauren