I have been a fan of Amber Interiors for quite some time. What I love most about her work is that you can tell the spaces she has designed without even clicking on a link to find the source or looking at the watermark on the photo. This is probably one of the most important things I’ve learned about blogging and what they teach at all the blogger conferences… “Create a signature look” so people can tie the image back to your brand. Given her modern, California-cool aesthetic combined with globally inspired pieces, for me at least, it’s quite easy to identify her work.
I came across the above entry-way while working on another post for this week and thought it’d be super easy to re-create the look for less. My favorite piece in this entryway is the modern mid-century console table from West Elm that can easily be used in multiple rooms within a home. Of course, one can never have too many coffee table books (try Elements of Style or Made to Order). And incorporating natural wood elements is one of the easiest ways to achieve that “california-cool” aesthetic. Happy Sunday, loves! Xo. Lauren
Back when I was redesigning my bedroom for the One Room Challenge, I was very interested in custom designing an x-bench for under my desk. Given the exact dimensions of an x-bench, I knew it would be the perfect space saver in my tiny New York City bedroom. Well in case you are just tuning in, the One Room Challenge is a SIX week challenge sooooo it doesn’t give much time for custom upholstered furniture! Note to self, start earlier next time around!!!!
I wasn’t going to give up on a custom x-bench so I opted for a Hans Wagner Chair (knock off, of course) as seen below to hold me over until I could get my hands on the perfect x-bench in the meantime.
So I started researching a few different custom furniture makers across the US and came across Etsy shop Liven Up Design. I emailed Jen and told her the exact look I wanted. I can’t tell you how helpful she was throughout the whole process with sharing exact yardage, how much time it would take to develop and ship.
Now it was time to decide on the fabric. I reached out to Decorators Best who was also just as helpful when it came to fabric options. Decorators Best is one of the top sources for the latest in wallpaper and fabric from the top designers in the industry. As I’ve blogged about before, I am a HUGE fan of textile designer John Robshaw. Given that I was going for a Montuak inspired look, I knew I had to have a John Robshaw print for my x-bench. I ended up selecting a super bold print, Duarlee’s Fazil Blue fabric (now on sale!) and mailed it to Jen.
Now that things have calmed down after the holidays, I finally had a chance to shoot my updated desk space and of course I had to show you guys!!
What do you think? I moved the Hans Wagner chair to another room in my apartment and figure I can use both the chair and x-bench in several different rooms in the future. Hope you love as much as I do! And if you’re in market for custom upholstured furniture, be sure to reach out to Jen at Liven Up Design. She is the best!! Xoxo. Lauren
If you need a little help giving your space a refresh in the New Year, do yourself a favor and create an inspiration board! I love inspiration boards for so many reasons – I had one in both my Chicago apartment and here in New York before I re-designed my bedroom. I mostly used it to hang pictures, quotes and cards. It’s not only the perfect space to hang your favorite magazine tear outs, cards from family members or pictures from past travels, but it’s a sure way to get inspired on a daily basis. I’ve rounded up 5 tips for creating your 2016 inspiration board in no time!
One.Start collecting your favorite images whether it be magazine tear outs, quotes, cards, print outs before pinning on your board. Once you have enough images laid out, it will be easier for you to get an idea of the theme and colors your eye is drawn to for a more cohesive inspiration board.
Two. Keep your inspiration board to a confined space. A New Year means a fresh start, you don’t want your 2016 inspiration board to look cluttered or messy! Am I right?!
Three. Go big or go home. I love inspiration boards that take over a whole wall. This is an easy way to make a statement within an apartment or office space. I’d stick to 2-3 different colors here to ensure a cohesive look.
Four. Incorporate your 2016 inspiration board as part of a gallery wall. Don’t be scared to hang frames or artwork around your inspiration board. I recommend doing this if your inspiration board is on the smaller end and you need to take up more room on a wall. Also, I love how Grace incorporated pieces of jewelry for an instant glam inspiration board!
Five. Mix it up. The best inspiration boards are full of prints, fabrics, images and quotes. What you pin in the beginning of 2016 doesn’t have to stay up all year long! Be sure to mix up your inspiration board throughout the year to ensure you know…. you stay inspired!!
If you have been following me for a while, you know I am slightly obsessed Pinterest (you can follow me here!). However, I’m actually not a fan of how Pinterest has changed their API where they pick pins for you. I find images from large retailers, recipes and ads taking over my feed more often than not when I really only want to see images from those who inspire me. As a result, I have found myself going to people’s pages who I actually follow. Do you ever find yourself doing this? As a result, I rounded up my top 10 Favorite Interior Design Pinners on Pinterest! Who do you love to follow on Pinterest?
I have been following Sue for what it seems like forever! Her Pinterest page is a personal favorite including snaps from her preppy Connecticut home, beautiful blooms and we both have a thing for ginger jars!
This Salt Lake City design firm is a personal favorite of mine. Shae McGee’s use of custom bamboo shades, vibrant prints and nautical elements has me always checking back for more!
I’ve blogged about this husband and wife team before after seeing their home featured on Lonny. Based in Nashville, TN this duo is known for their modern sensibility and their work has been featured everywhere from Domino to Southern Living. Take a peek at their Pinterest page for fun wallpapers, perfectly styled shelves, and beautiful exteriors.
Based in Austin, Texas, this girl is known for her preppy-chic aesthetic and southern sensibility. You will be sure to find beautiful spaces full of vibrant prints and a whole lot of color on this Pinterest page. You can take a peek at her official website here.
