Happy Tuesday! How was everyone’s weekend? I cannot believe August is half way over. Can you? I spent this past weekend in East Hampton with a few of my coworkers. We lounged by the pool, dined at Moby’s and enjoyed some cocktails under the twinkly lights at Ruschmeyers – my fav. This week is jammed pack (mostly with work related activities) so bare with me if I’m not posting as frequently this week.
I’d like to start this post off with the fact that I’m not a fan of purple. I think I get this mostly from my mother but for whatever reason, I just don’t like the color when it comes to clothes, interiors – basically anything. My intern, Molly, however inspired me when she mentioned her go-to nail polish of the summer has been Lilac by Essie. I have been seeing this color pop up more and more when it comes to interiors. I especially love it when it comes to bedding and flowers. What do you think, are you a fan of lilac? Xo. Lauren
Although summer is almost over, there is still plenty of time for outdoor entertaining. Whether you prefer laid-back barbecues or more formal dinner parties on your patio, I’ve rounded up my seven tips when it comes to outdoor entertaining.
1. Set The Mood: I love creating a sepcial atmosphere when it comes to outdoor entertaining. I strongly encourage utilizing different sized candles , twinkly lights and lanterns. To light up your party, try: Pottery Barn’s globe string lights or brass lights. I also love PB Teen’s hanging circle paper lanterns.
2. Make A Statement: If you have a garden, make a simple statement by pulling some of your favorite flowers to create a stylish centerpiece. Peonies, hydrangeas and pink roses are three of my favorite flowers to incorporate into an outdoor table setting.
3. Delicious Wine for Guests: Summer entertaining is the the perfect time to take advantage of your favorite wines. I have Seven Daughters Crisp White Winemaker’s Blend and their Merlot currently in rotation.
4. Smartly Dressed Tables: Utilizing outdoor-friendly fabrics is a great way to create colorful and attractive table coverings. I love Serena & Lily’s outdoor fabric options, particularly the Rockport Print and the Jamesport Stripe for a nautical theme. Vinyl-coated oil-cloth linens are also a great alternative for table linens and allow for easy clean up.
5. Set Up Sitting Areas: Depending on your party size, you’ll want to ensure you have enough seating for everyone in attendance. One of the most stylish ways to incorporate more seating is to use large blankets or multiple Turkish towels with outdoor cushions/pillows. I love these Turkish towels from Design Darling.
Another great way to incorporate additional seating is with benches. This Serena & Lily Riviera Bench in Poppy is one of my favorites.
6. Summer Soundtrack: Creating summer playlists is one of my favorite ways to help set the mood. Click here to listen to my ultimate summer playlist!
7. Come One, Come All: Outdoor entertaining is a great way to accommodate large groups. Collapsed tables can be set up and broken down relatively easily and adding white linens automatically adds a chic touch. My rule of thumb – the more, the merrier!
*This post is brought to you as a part of my collaboration with Seven Daughters wine as part of their Savvy Seven. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting brands that support lauren-nelson.com!
I first discovered Maggie Stephens Interiors when I pinned one of her images to my Pinterest board. I wanted to do a “get the look post” with this image and clicked around to find the source. Insert Maggie Stephens Interiors. If you browse through her portfolio, you will find gorgeous photos and so much design inspiration. I also love that Maggie first got started with her design blog back in 2008 which eventually expanded to her taking on design clients online and local projects (this already has me thinking for some future projects down the road).
I applaud people who can take their passion and seriously turn it into a full-time gig even if they’re not “formally educated” in the space. So today I bring you coffee talk with Maggie! Be sure to follow along with her on her blog, Twitter and Pinterest!
1. What are your top three interior design tips and tricks?
A. Diversify your lighting sources. From chandeliers to pendants, I like to use a mixture of table lamps, wall sconces and ceiling fixtures. I recommend using lower wattage bulbs spread across three or four lamps instead of one lamp with a high wattage. It creates a cozier atmosphere.
B. Buy bigger rugs. Try to place rugs a foot from the walls. Most people by rugs that are too small. However, for renters I break this rule. I recommend 8×10’s or 9×12’s because they are more likely to fit in your next home as well.
C. Rooms need history. Spend some time at flea markets or antique malls and buy something vintage or antique that catches your eye. I love pairing new upholstery pieces with vintage tables or lamps. Mixing older pieces in a room makes the room feel less like a catalog.
2. Favorite Color Combinations: I love neutrals the most but I can’t resist a good tomato red paired with lavender. It always feels fresh to me.
3. What are three of your favorite products on the market right now? The Aerin Lauder Collection at Circa Lighting is amazing. I’m dying to use two of these chests in my bedroom in lieu of nightstands.. sadly they are too big! This little bench is quirky and charming.
4. Coffee Table Staple: Books, a tray, something weird.
5. Best Piece of Advice You’ve Ever Received: It’s only failing if you stop trying. Also, write everything down.
6. Must-Have Coffee Table Books:An Eye for Design by Allegra Hicks, Vanity Fair Portraits (everyone loves looking through this one), and my new favorite (being new to California) is California Design, 1930-1965: Living in a Modern Way.
7. Motto: Dream bigger, work harder, make time for fun.
8. Magazine/Go-To Sites:House Beautiful Magazine has been awesome lately. I still prefer glossy to online! Pinterest of course and recently discovered Domaine Home.
9. Guilty Pleasure: Chocolate or anything covered in cheese. Also, binge watching shows on Netflix. My husband and I are currently obsessed with Adventure Time.
10. One Interior Designer You Look Up To: I have loved following Lauren Liess and her firm. She has a gorgeous, unique style and her work continues to get better. She had a similar start in the business as me (i.e. we both took a leap to follow a passion) and I consider her a role model!
This summer I have seriously relied on simple summer basics. There is just something about throwing on your go-to jeans and a striped tee. I also have been traveling quite a bit and find that the trains tend to be freezing so I always almost wear jeans to the train.
I picked up this striped sweater at the J.Crew outlet last summer at Woodbury Commons (side note: if you live in the New York/CT area, you have to go to Woodbury Commons. They have every single designer/retailer you could think of a.k.a a little slice of heaven). The jeans I’m wearing I picked up at AG in SoHo. Although I do have my favorite Paiges, Sevens, etc. I tend myself reaching for my AG‘s more likely then not. More-so because I can wear them multiple times without washing (gross?), and I find they have the best fit for my body type. Do you have a go-to travel outfit? Have a great Tuesday, loves! Xo. Lauren
