Happy Monday!! Today’s pretty roundup includes flashes of navy. From the cutest ankle-tie sandals to Serena and Lily’s sling chairs. There are so many great ways to incorporate navy into your everyday. Have a great start to your week! Xx. Lauren
Kate Spade New York Table Set // Saint James Hoodie // Tory Burch Bucket Bag // Anchored At Sea Monogrammed Notecards // Illesteva Sunglasses // Serena and Lily Stools // Raffia Ankle-Tie High-heel Sandals // Sling Chairs
When it comes to kitchen back splashes or bathroom interiors, there is one look I’m loving which is subway tile. I’ve noticed subway tile popping up more and more across different spaces including my moms backsplash in her kitchen.
Whenever you mix a classic white wash with clean lines, it’s not hard to believe that subway tile has been able to withstand the test of time and not go out of style. My mom has always said subway tile is low maintenance and long lasting – pretty much a no brainer if you’re looking to renovate or do a major overhaul of a kitchen or bathroom. Subway tile has this hard wearing nature that creates a solid, waterproof barrier for humid places such as bathrooms. In addition, since subway tiles are made out of ceramic it makes them perfect to resist heat. Winning!
While perusing different spaces utilizing subway tile, I’ve noticed there are SO many different colors and ways you can use subway tile in your home. I personally love when people arrange the tiles in a specific design whether that be a mix of vertical and horizontal or in a herringbone pattern. Not sure about you, but will definitely keep this in mind for my future home renovation. Have a lovely Thursday, friends! Xo. Lauren
You know I’m a fan of lucite furniture, particularly ghost chairs and stools. I wrote about the classic Louis Vuitton Ghost Chair back in March of 2014 when I first relaunched my blog and discussed on whether or not we should splurge or save (I chose save, obviously). And I’ve also written about how lucite future is key when maximizing small spaces. Lucite is easily one of my favorite materials to use within a home. Whether you have a small studio apartment or sprawling kitchen in the suburbs, lucite furniture has the ability to up the modern factor in just about any room.
I’ve noticed ghost stools are really having a moment as seen in Monika Hibss and Jen Ramos’ kitchens below. I love how the lucite stools compliment the white kitchen countertops and cabinets quite easily. Am I right?
Similar to my High vs. Low Ghost Chair discussion, ghost stools can be just as pricey or inexpensive. After doing a little research I’ve discovered a few high/low options on where to shop the best ghost stools. Design Within Reach is an obvious destination for high-end quality furniture and the price tag reflects it as their ghost stools cost a cool $450 dollars per stool. Although I’m not a huge Ebay shopper, you can find quality ghost stools for $219 dollars like Jen Ramos. OR you can shop a set of 2 for $216 off of Amazon (winning!). What do you think of the lucite trend? Are you on board? Are you willing to splurge or save? You can find a few different options below. Xo. Lauren
Where to shop:
CB2 Vapor 30″ Acrylic Bar Stool $199
Design Within Reach One More Counter Stool $450
Amazon Transparent Acrylic Bar Stools (Set of 2) $216
Kellan Barstools (Set of 2) $312
When it comes to living in New York City, it’s crucial you learn how to maximize a small space.
This past weekend I had the chance to speak at the Lovely Happenings conference. When Jaclyn and Rachel (the founders of the conference) asked me to speak on interiors, I instantly thought I should speak on small spaces since the majority of the girls attending the conference are New York based.
Since I live in a one bedroom convertible with a roommate, of course I’ve picked up a thing or two on how to maximize a small space. So let’s get to it, shall we? My top 6 tips on how to maximize a small space below!
Whenever shopping for furniture in a small space, keep an eye out for pieces that can double as something else. Bar carts are a great example. They can double as an end table in a living room or as a statement piece in an entry way. You want to invest in pieces that can be re-arranged to transform the use of a room. Make every piece count, ladies!!
Imagine all of the things we do in one space. We eat, sleep, work and relax all within a certain square footage. I love establishing separate zones for each of those activities within my apartment. Plus, this will also make the room appear larger – bingo!!!
When it comes to designing a space, it’s all about tricking your eye. Think vertical! This is crucial when moving into a small space. Invest in floor to ceiling curtains. Take book cases and cabinets all the way up. Create a gallery wall around your flat screen TV. Strategically place mirrors within a room. Invest in “see through” furnishings. Lucite pieces are a must for small spaces (i.e. lucite coffee table or ghost chairs). They don’t feel bulky and help the room appear larger.
Real talk: I spent so much money at the Container Store when I first moved to New York! Creating smart storage spaces is one of the best things you can do when moving into a small space. Favorite storage units include their underbid storage containers and storage boxes that I’m able to stack on one another in my closet.
Last but not least, if you do not have the black velvet hangers – please do yourself a favor and buy them! You can thank me later.
Clutter can easily build up in a small space. Make sure that all of your belongings have a dedicated space. Use hooks for coats and bath towels, decorative trays for jewelry, perfume or books, ginger jars for hiding random knick knacks. It
I once read in a design book to use the number three as a general rule of thumb. For the most part, I have stuck to this rule. Whenever you are using decorative objects to style a coffee table or book shelf, group objects in three. You don’t need to fill every inch and this will allow the items to “breathe”.
I also use this rule when it comes to lighting in a room. In my bedroom, I make sure to have three sources of lighting besides the overhead light as it helps create a better ambiance.
What are your favorite tricks in maximizing a small space? Let me know below! Xo. Lauren
