Decor Advice from Lauren Conrad

Some things come naturally to certain people: baking, drawing, decorating a room… For the rest of us, it takes an education. When I decorated my first apartment, I knew what I wanted but had trouble bringing that vision to life. I guess you could say I was overwhelmed. The daunting task of pulling together a space that wasn’t just a bedroom in a fully furnished house, seemed like an impossible chore. As with all things, it took practice, a few moves, and some divine (design) inspiration to finally feel comfortable decorating my home.
Whether your space is simply a room or an entire house, there are a few things I’ve learned about interior design to help you conquer your design demons…

#1: Personalize your space.
Your home (or room) should reflect who you are. If someone were to walk into your home, they should know that it’s yours. The best way to achieve this is by including accessories that reveal your hobbies and interests. What’s important is that you distance yourself from what the stores are telling you to buy. Often times we are drawn to ideas that are trendy or pre-done: “Of course this white lacquered elephant statue would look great in my bedroom!” But is that really you? Maybe not. Instead, aim for pieces that compliment your personal clothing style. You may be surprised to discover that styling an outfit isn’t too different from decorating a room. So take a look in your closet. What colors are you drawn to? Do you prefer mod or modern? Clean cuts or lacy ruffles? Use your taste in clothing as a style guide for your home–it’s an easy way to ensure your space is 100% you.

#2: Work with your surroundings.
It’s important to understand your design limitations. Be familiar with the size and scale of the room. Also, consider your environment and respond to it. Whether you’re in the city or the countryside, it helps to take a cue from your surroundings. In turn, you can narrow down your choices based on the context of your space.

#3: Keep comfort in mind.
Have you ever purchased a piece of furniture simply because it was pretty, only to discover that it’s painfully uncomfortable (or useless)? I don’t know about you, but I am definitely guilty of this offense. Nevertheless, the silver lining of this mistake is that I learned an important lesson: comfort is key. When I think of “home sweet home,” the first word that comes to mind is cozy. Making your home comfy and cozy is a must. Nothing is worse than going to a friend’s house and awkwardly balancing on their post-modern chair. Your space should be inviting and comfortable.

#4: Stick with the classics.
There’s a reason classic is, well, classic. Incorporating pieces that have withstood the test of time gives you the freedom to translate them as your design style evolves. Using classic furniture, prints, and fabrics provides you with a basic foundation to build on with trendy or personalized accessories and finishes. Let’s say you find a gorgeous antique credenza or a traditional armchair. You love the shape and feel of the piece, but the finish or fabric is all wrong. In this situation, I say: invest! There are plenty of ways to transform an older, classic shaped piece of furniture. If it’s a sofa: reupholster, add throw pillows… An aged dresser: paint it! The possibilities are endless when it comes to updating a timeless piece.
#5 Less is more.

Keep it simple. You don’t want to overcrowd your space. If you edit the items in each room, the area will appear to be cleaner and even bigger. Just remember, you can always add more!
I hope you find my tips helpful the next time you find yourself face-to-face with an interior design project.

XO Lauren

Vertical Gardens

Working for architects made me appreciate not only gorgeous interiors but also historical and modern buildings created by talented professionals. Being an owner of Organic Interiors and loving everything natural and green, I am always on a look out for something close to nature and i am absolutely in love with this stunning architecture and vertical gardens used in the interior and exterior. Here is amazing selection from Vogue Living, all designed done by french botanist Patrick Blanc

The Oasis D'Aboukir in Paris.

Laminex Trend Forecast 2015

By Neil Sookee

The 2015 Trends Forecast from Laminex Australia embraces international layout trends and adds a hint of regional flavour to inspire Australian homeowners and renovators. 3 essential themes – Essence, Impulse and True – will influence interiors in 2015 and past. The 3 themes strip back to the bare essentials, inspire mixing colours, patterns and varieties and embrace imperfections in all-natural resources.

Trend 1: Essence

Interiors that Inspired me this Week

Im inspired by kitchens this week and industrial pendant lights, romantic French country elements and whites, turquoise, red colours palettes and traditional pieces

 

  

The 10 Things You Must Have In Your Home By Age 30

I absolutely love this article from Elle Décor. If you are in search of must haves for you home but not sure what to get, here is your ultimate checklist.

1. Art You Love

"Art stays with you for a lifetime, and each piece marks a place and a memory," says Todd Nickey of Nickey Kehoe. "Start collecting when you're young—it doesn't have to cost a fortune, it just has to speak to you."

 

2. An Organized Bookshelf

Consider the bookshelf an inspirational place to display everything that's uniquely you—then you can personalize and change it over the years as you see fit.

3. Matching Towels

Buy at least two sets of towels that you're happy to use and proud to lend to house guests.

4. A Plant

"Even if you're in a rental, a plant will make your home feel more permanent," says designer Grant K. Gibson, who recommends choosing something tall and substantial over many smaller houseplants.

5. A Nice Mattress and Headboard

"Invest in your bed during your adult life," says Gibson. You'll want to choose a quality mattress for comfort, and a headboard for character

6. A Collection

"Start a collection when you're young," says designer Sara Story. "It's great to pick up things you love from your travels—especially art and furniture."

7. Bathroom Accessories (That Aren't Plastic)

It's time to say goodbye to anything you bought at a dollar store and upgrade to something with real heft and beauty.

8. A Favorite Candle (Or The Knowledge That You're Not A Scent Person)

"A beautiful candle adds scent and personality to a room," says Gibson. Of course, this tip is the ultimate personal preference—if adding a candle to your home is your worst nightmare, stick with your instincts. 

9. Two Bedside Tables

A bedside table on each side provides optimal personal balance (according to Feng Shui) and a mature, cohesive look.

10. A Luxurious Throw

"A good throw is an investment that adds a finishing touch to your sofa or chair—even if they're not your 'forever pieces,'" says Gibson.

 

Decors that Inspired me Today

Today I am inspired by these gorgeous images. A bit of French country, a bit of glam and famous ghost chairs

Industrial Pendant Lights

Im in the process of choosing industrial style pendant light for client's office kitchen. I love industrial, and I am even more excited about this because the kitchen is black. I am on mission to create a sexy, rustic yest very sophisticated look for this kitchen.  And here are some beautiful lights and dark wallpapers I have found recently

  

6 Ways to Spark Your Creativity

Test your boundaries
Stretch your limits and get uncomfortable! Immerse yourself in something you find intriguing and slightly scary. Study a foreign language or do something risky and get your adrenaline pumping. Jump out of an airplane, hike a mountain or run faster and harder than you thought you could. The added benefit to taking the exercise route is that it send a rush of dopamine to your brain — an essential component to forming ideas and new connections in your mind.
Turn off the TV
This kind of mindless activity is not one that fosters brilliance. One study reveals that watching pointless shows actually makes us dumber…
Find Inspiring Tools
What gives you inspiration and fires up your imagination? For some it’s music, for others, it may be looking at a photo, picture or symbol. Perhaps it could be communing with nature, reading a certain passage or quote. Inspiration comes in many forms and it’s important for us to know what gets our creative juices flowing. Whatever it is, use the stimulating tool of choice to help launch creative thoughts.
Use your nose
When your head’s not working, your nose might be of assistance! One study found those who were exposed to rosemary aroma had higher concentration and cognitive performance. Cinnamon and vanilla scents have also been linked to increased creativity.
Daydream
Stop feeling like you’re a slacker! New findings find that flashes of insight often come when your mind is relaxed on completing a specific task.  Simply allow your mind to wander! You can read more on Day dreaming in our article HERE.
Criticize later 
Or some part of your mind may feel threatened and shut up and withdraw. Just let ideas flow out, No idea is silly! It’s important to keep an atmosphere of openness when trying to generate ideas and being creative. You can sort the ideas later and determine which ones may be of best use.