Omg. How is it Sunday already? How was everyone’s Halloween? I spent the entire weekend in CT and let me tell you, it was much needed. Saturday we basically did nothing…unless a Blacklist marathon counts – do you watch? It’s one of my favorites. Anywho, here are some lovely links that I enjoyed this week. See you tomorrow! Xo. Lauren
Jena put together the most amazing, half-assed fashion halloween costumes.
I have many a design board on Pinterest. My favorite is easily my Design Eye Candy board. This one has been around the longest, ever since I joined Pinterest back in…2011? Crazy. I also launched Small Spaces, Big Style and a Lovely Kitchen board to start getting more niche with spaces and design ideas I love.
When I pinned the image below, I instantly thought that I could sleep here.
Neutral color palette, a huge tufted headboard (yum), white crisp linens and a cozy throw. This bedroom screams cozy oasis + it’s not too expensive to recreate! Insert this side table from Target for only $100 dollars. I can’t get enough of the Safavieh collection.
I also found a similar faux fur throw on Restoration Hardware – I have been shopping for the perfect faux fur blanket for the past two years and Restoration is the winner (I love the thickness and quality).
Whenever I give advice to friends on how to style a new space or update their current one, I always suggest them to find images of bedrooms/living rooms/etc. that they like to help them mentally picture the room. Insert my friend Steph (this is the second time I’m talking about her apartment on this blog, btw) but I love helping her with her gorgeous Greenwich apartment. She is trying to figure out the best pillow scheme (with color, mind you) to compliment her very neutral/gray space. It’s much harder, though, for her than it is for me to picture what her couch will look like with colorful pillows with different patterns.
When I first started blogging on interiors, I also found this also quite hard – imagining what or how a space could come together with different products vs. the images I saw in magazines. Nowadays, I can get one of these posts done in 20 minutes. It’s become second nature for me to pull a photo of a space I love and find the products that correspond. I think this has a lot to do with the fact that I’m constantly searching for new products on a daily basis but it’s like a have a mental roster of where to find certain products (scary?). I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of finding inspirational images when it comes to interiors and trying to re-create the look, whether it be for myself or friends. Which brings me to today’s post. I found this image below and I thought it was too pretty, not to re-create. I also think your nightstand is one of the easiest and cheapest spaces to update. Do you agree?
When I saw this nightstand, I instantly thought of West Elm and their sleek Mid-Century dressers. Although I love the hardware more on the dresser in this photo, it would be quite easy to swap in new knobs on the one I found below. I also think West Elm’s Task Lamp is pretty identical to the one in this photo. Serena & Lily is my go-to resource for all things bedding. I’m obsessed with their border frame bedding for a classic, chic look. Last but not least, your nightstand is the perfect place to display your favorite reading materials. Insert Alexa Chung’s “It” book as shown here. Do you like this nightstand look? Let me know in the comment section below! Xo. Lauren
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!
