by lauraadmin | Jun 10, 2017 | NOC
2017 has been a whirlwind; the past two months alone, I have doubled my client roster!! I have been a busy bee with lots of really exciting design projects ranging from a kitchen showroom, media room, a few family rooms, tons of kids’ rooms, a couple of formal living rooms and so much more!! I can’t wait to share my finished projects with you.
One of my favorite things about being a designer is that (for obvious reasons) no two projects are alike. Interior Design is a study in psychology, sociology, economics and fine arts. Each project is different and stretches me in ways that always leaves me feeling like a better version of myself by the end of it. I enjoy getting to know each of my clients and hearing about their lives, as well as what role they would like me to play in the design of their home.
I always begin asking about how my clients want their space to feel. I have learned that asking clients this question, as opposed to how they want their space to look, allows me to lead the design process by instinct. Since clients often have trouble articulating how their space should look (hence, my role in the process), this is the best place to start. I strive to find unique ways to achieve the clients’ dream room. I love when a client says “I never would have chosen any of this, but this is EXACTLY how I wanted this room to look!”
With all of the diverse projects I’ve been working on, I thought I’d share a quick post on things that I am loving right now.
- White Painted Rooms
Gray has completely taken over the market the last few years. It is EVERYWHERE!! I love gray; it is a great neutral. However, it has been overused and is beginning to lose the characteristics that initially attracted us to it. In addition, when everything and everyone is using gray it begins to suck the life out of a space.
I have been really loving white-painted rooms. White rooms need not translate into boring spaces. Quite the contrary; a space with white walls can be very dramatic. Painting walls in white lets you control where the focal points are and orchestrate what elements you want to showcase and what elements you might want to hide. It is no secret that art galleries favor white paint to draw focus to each piece of art. It is the same for interiors. An heirloom piece is so much more impactful when showcased in a white room.
Bright white paint with blue undertones is perfect for a modern room; white paint with pink or yellow undertones is more suitable for a rustic interior; and white with gray undertones is perfect for a transitional space.
I love the clean and sophisticated backdrop that a white-painted room provides. However, white is a very fickle color. Hands down, it is the hardest paint color to pick because of all of the undertones. When done right, it feels fresh, calm and allows all of the right elements to shine. When done wrong, it feels cold, boring and sterile.
Below are rooms where white is done beautifully:
2. Antiqued Mirrors
Antiqued mirrors are the easiest way to add interest and patina to a room. This element immediately elevates any room or piece it adorns. Adding an antique finish is not cheap, but the visual payout is HUGE!!!
There are so many antique finishes to choose from; they can range from blue, black, brown and gold. Choose the finish that best conveys the look you are going for, or that shares the same color palette as the rest of the room.
I have backed bookcases, added to cabinets and used them in a myriad of decorative ways. I can not say enough about antique mirrors; I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this finish!!
3. Lucite
This is the finish that I get the most initial push back on from clients, and the one they ALWAYS love once they take the leap. This is also a finish that looks horrid when done poorly. The key is in the material used, which usually coincides with the price. Thin, cloudy lucite looks cheap. Look for lucite that is thick (usually heavy) and crystal clear. The beauty of lucite is that it takes up no visual space; therefore, it is the perfect piece to put in small spaces or if you want to highlight a beautiful area rug or wallpaper. There is MAJOR impact in this transparent material!
4. Matte Black
I have been loving this material for months now (see my post here). There is something really rich about this color. I have always felt that every room needs some black. Black is a neutral. Whereas some neutrals move the eyes through a room, black serves to ground a space and stops the eyes “dead in their tracks”. There is something so incredibly chic about black; the matte finish adds a more current feel to this versatile color. I always compare black elements with black eyeliner. Like black eyeliner, black serves to outline spaces and creates a portal through which one’s focus is guided. This is the reason I love to paint the moldings for doorways and windows in black.
5. Overdyed Area Rugs
Like gray, geometric rugs have been overdone. I still use them when the space warrants it, but I am loving the depth that overdyed rugs lend to a room. I also love the juxtaposition and tension that an overdyed rug creates in a modern space. The saturation in the dye, as well as its absence, adds a really interesting layer in a room.
I hope this post has served to enlighten and inspire you to try some of the elements I’ve listed here. What makes design so fun, is for the most part, things are easy and inexpensive to change. If you don’t like the paint, then repaint; if you don’t like a piece, return it. Design should not be stressful.
Our home is a reflection of who we are or who we would like to become. It is within those walls that we dare to be all that we truly are. Have fun. Be bold. Stay curious.
I would love to hear what you think of some of these trends. Let me know which, if any, you have tried and loved.
XO
Laurie
by lauraadmin | Apr 25, 2017 | NOC
Every once in a while an opportunity arises that allows me to use my talents altruistically. At some point we all ruminate on our legacy, hoping to be able to contribute to the world in a meaningful way. I feel that all things whose purpose is to lift up others, is truly valuable.
Wisteria is partnering with Dwell With Dignity, which is an organization that helps families escape poverty and homelessness by bringing good design into the lives of those less fortunate. Their philosophy is so aligned with my feelings about design, that I could have written it myself; it is the belief that one’s environment changes one’s outlook on life. Amen to that!
Wisteria is hosting a contest with design bloggers to design a space using only pieces from Wisteria. The prize is collaborating on a piece of furniture or décor, where 20% of the proceeds goes to Dwell With Dignity to help those in need.
Wisteria has such an interesting and eclectic aesthetic. They carry really unique pieces that feel special; pieces that feel like you found them while traveling to the most fabulous and exotic places.
Above, is the mood board I submitted. My inspiration was the French Riviera. In my mind, this board represents a pied-a-terre where its sagacious, worldly, and captivating le resident spends her holiday. A place where the floor to ceiling windows are always opened wide, casting rays across the warm, sun-bleached herringbone patterned wood floors. The breeze circulates the soft scent of fresh cut jasmine throughout the apartment. Truly joie de vivre!!
For the most part, I put rooms together instinctually. However, I love to go back and dissect all of the relationships that each piece has to other elements. Sometimes, the pieces relate through shapes, fabrics or materials; other times, it is through texture or spatial orientation. There are definitely some “rules” I adhere to; but ultimately, a room needs to “feel” right to me. After I finished designing this board, I counted 10 elemental relationships between the pieces I chose. Do you see them?
I’d love to hear your feedback on my mood board.
XO
Laurie
by lauraadmin | Apr 13, 2017 | NOC
I love a good designer collaboration! Some retailers are masters at bringing coveted designer pieces to the masses. Target is still the leader in both fashion and home collaborations. Have you seen the recent Victoria Beckham collab? Below are a few pieces I am loving:
mint dress, black top, blush dress, black and white sweater, gingham top
Collabs give access to great design at a price point that it palatable. Sure, one can find knock-offs of most designer pieces, but great design always has at least one or two high quality (usually pricey) pieces mixed in. Higher quality pieces will also serve to elevate the budget-friendly pieces in a space.
If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you know how much I love the retailer Lulu and Georgia. (If you don’t follow me but would like to, you can find me here and here). Lulu and Georgia caters to the fashion forward, trend driven consumer. This retailer has well made furniture and on trend accessories. They have recently partnered with two designers that I absolutely love: Kelly Hoppen and Jonathan Adler.
These two designers are supremely talented; yet, their aesthetics could not be more different. Both designers have greatly influenced me and helped shape who I am as a designer. Kelly Hoppen taught me the importance of texture and balance, and Jonathan Adler taught me how to weave color stories into my spaces through the use of fabric.
Kelly Hoppen is a self-taught designer whose designs posses a far east influence. She favors large scale furniture pieces in organic materials using a neutral palette. Her furniture is masculine; however, the materials and color palette are lush, very tactile and decidedly feminine.
In contrast, Jonathan Adler is all about the drama. He started his career in ceramics as a pottery designer. His designs are bold, colorful and full of whimsy. He uses a lot of vinyls, Lucite, ceramics (naturally) and tons of color.
Below, are a couple of my favorite rooms by both designers:
Below, are some pieces from each designer’s line for Lulu and Georgia:
black accent table, cocktail table, chair, wood side table, stool
And………if that wasn’t enough, here are some more great pieces:
Chair, chandelier, chaise
Not everyone can afford to use a designer. There is no doubt that it is a luxury service. North Of Chic was born out of the desire to inspire, inform and guide all those who love to look at, read about and create beautiful interiors, without having to hire a designer. I love to share my vision and resources to help you on your design journey.
Using designer pieces is a great way to add high style to one’s room; however, copying a designer’s look robs one of his or her creativity and pride in creating a special space. Although I have many designers I admire, I NEVER “copy” any of their looks. Be unique in your approach. Ultimately, great design is creating a space that feels good to be in (for you). Begin every design concept by asking yourself, “how would I like this space to feel?”. The design will flow from that feeling.
XO
Laurie
by lauraadmin | Feb 27, 2017 | NOC
Image via Pinterest
Since I am trying to justify being in my pajamas at 11:00 on a Monday, I am going to let you in on a trend that I am loving…..matte finish home decor! I am a lover of ALL things sparkly. I LOVE, I mean really love sparkles. I have a hard time passing things up that sparkle. I used to think it was cute when six year olds would (always) come up to me and say ” I love your (fill in the blank)”. It’s just sad now.
So, I was really surprised when all of these matte finishes started trending and I LOVED them. I also really love black. In previous posts I have declared my love of black. Therefore, black + matte finish = my new obsession!!! There is something really badass about matte black. It is both masculine and tough, yet refined. It has a velvety finish that really elevates any piece into a statement piece. This trend WILL stick around!
Here is a collection of things I am loving. Topping the list are appliances. I predict matte black is going to take over the market. How gorgeous is the refrigerator below!
Faucet, Refrigerator, Dutch Oven, Pendant, Flatware, Cocktail table
Also loving matte tiles, cabinets, vases and hardware! Matte black pairs well with crisp white and gold. It lends itself to more modern interiors; however, it would look beautiful in small doses in a traditional/transitional space as well. I hope you like this Monday edit……Happy Monday to all!
XO
Laurie
by lauraadmin | Feb 25, 2017 | NOC
The internet has completely changed the landscape of design on so many levels. Being able to hunt for the perfect piece from dozens of retailers in one sitting has allowed us to expand our reach, and thus our vision as both consumers and designers, tremendously. We are no longer limited by geography.
While at the Salon today, I was chatting up my stylist about the parallels of fashion, hair and home (see my posts here and here on this connection). She was lamenting about how she was ready to redo her home and how hard it is to find good quality furniture. I have this conversation (or some variation) on a weekly basis. To which, I usually ask: “when was the last time you bought a sofa?” The reply is always within the past 5-7 years. My point being, we are such a disposable society that we no longer keep or pass down heirloom furniture. We should not look for furniture that could survive a nuclear war, or that our kids will want 20 years from now. Most of us will go through 2-4 major style changes throughout our adult life; therefore, it is just fiscally prudent to save on furniture and decorative items for your home. The most successful and interesting design is ALWAYS done with a high/low mix.
In this powder room below, I used a wall paper that is insanely expensive, but the mirror is from PB Teen, and the agate art I actually made for about $60.
Below are the three stores designers can be found on a weekly basis:
- IKEA – If I had a dollar for every time someone turned up his or her nose at the thought of purchasing anything from IKEA, I would be a rich, happy girl lounging poolside with my bestie (my beverage butler 🙂 While I don’t advocate outfitting one’s entire home in IKEA, there are undeniably stylish pieces and décor staples that I go back to over and over again. I need to do an entire blog post on all of the IKEA hacks I’ve done that ALWAYS end in “I can’t believe that is from IKEA”. The key to successfully using IKEA furniture is the way in which it is assembled. Each piece has to be reinforced with screws, and the dowels (most pieces come with) must be glued in. This retailer is a great resource and should not be overlooked. Here are some of my favorite pieces from this retailer.
The modern classic Tulip table, need I say more?
Pedestal table, DWR Pedestal table
This rug is ICONIC; so much so, that other companies knock off this design, repeatedly!! It is also one of the most pinned rugs on pinterest!
$300 for an 8 x 12
IKEA Stockholm Rug
I have used the Besta Storage buffet (shown below) more times than I can count. I’ve painted this piece (gray, black and left it white), added beautiful hardware and voila!…a really nice piece for an entryway, dining room or family room!
Besta Storage, brass pull
I LOVE this rug for a kid’s room!!! Its color scheme is very versatile.
The other things I love to get at IKEA are towels, faux succulents and art.
towels, succulent, art
2. ZARA HOME – We all know and love Zara’s clothing store. I have two pairs of jeans I wear on repeat (seen here and here) both are from this retailer. This fashion powerhouse defies all that we think we know about fashion. This brand is known world wide and dictates almost every trend we see each season. However, most people don’t know that they have a home division as well. Zara Home has a very minimalist vibe that is big on style, but not on price. Below are some great staples from this retailer.
decorative coral, WS Home Coral
Love this starburst mirror! We have seen this classic shape done in metal many times, but this style done in a completely mirrored surface is a unique interpretation. The beveled “rays” add a high end detail. At this price, this mirror is a must have.
mirror
Some other great stapes: cabinet knobs, accent table, hotel bedding and stool.
Mother of Pearl knobs,Marble accent table, Hotel banded bedding, hammered stool
3. World Market – You are guaranteed to find something at World Market. It is extremely trend driven, so this is a great source if you want to update your home with on trend pieces. I love their selection of outdoor furniture. Outdoor furniture can be very expensive, and even if it’s kept covered, it still looks worn and faded after a few years. World Market’s price point lets you get good looking furniture that you don’t have to feel bad about replacing in a few years. Below are some pieces that are a great find!
The French bistro chair is always a classic and can be used indoors or outdoors. Serena and Lily has cornered the market on this chair; however, this piece from WM looks likes a pretty good dupe to me.
World Market Bistro Chair, Serena and Lily Bistro Chair
Sectional sofa, Stool, Adirondack chair, Wicker chair
Interior Design is really about creating a space that captures the spirit of those who inhabit it, while respecting the identity of the space itself. I love the quote by William Morris, “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful”. If you adhere to this, you will never go wrong.
I would love to hear about your secret sources, or the stores that you know will always have what you need. Also, let me know what you want to read more about!
Happy Weekend!!!
XO
Laurie
