natural fiber rugs / October 8, 2014 by Lauren Andrews

Since these are all natural fibers, they absorb anything that is spilled or dropped on them. I live for sisals and jutes, but you have to be cautious around these rugs because they will stain and be difficult to clean.

My client has grandchildren who will not only spill on occasion, but also wear down the material. So we went with a seagrass for his breakfast nook because this material has a natural wax layer that helps slow down the staining process. It is easily cleaned if you catch a spill early with the wax layer protecting the natural fibers.

Secondly, we went for a wool and sisal combo for his stair runner. This is a softer alternative since it has the wool woven into the sisal. Not to mention, wool is one of the most cleanable fibers you can find as far as carpet and rugs go, so we love that! When looking at the weaves and patterns, we had to take into consideration the pile heights of the wool vs. sisal because we don't want wear patterns over time. The tighter and more balanced the wool to sisal content is, the more durable the rug will be.

A great way to find an affordable natural fiber rug is to call up some local rug stores to see if they have overstock in their warehouse. Some stores that have custom capabilities will stock bolts of material and sell it at a discounted price. Then you have the option to create your rug at the size that you want. And who doesn't love that?

Don't be afraid to have fun with the binding colors and sizes of your rugs. I can't help myself - I always make my rugs as large as I can, usually a foot off of each wall, to ground the space. So don't be scared off by the natural fiber jabber, just be sure to select the best option for your lifestyle and enjoy your timeless space!

:: up & running :: / September 25, 2014 by Lauren Andrews

Lauren Andrews Design is finally up and running this week. I am excited and look forward to spending a lot of time in this space!

Going through the process of setting up my own office really got me thinking. It seems that I am constantly faced with questions like: "What do you do? What is the process? Why an Interior Designer?"

I'm always stumped on how to address these questions because there is no quick answer. Although a huge part of our expertise includes decorating, choosing paint colors, bringing fabrics and textures together, it also encompasses so much more.

When I approach a new project I do as much information gathering as possible. It is critical to know exactly how the client will be using the space, what their needs are, and what the budget is. From there, I measure their home or single space if they don't have current drawings. I develop my own drawings that could include space planning, elevations of cabinetry, design details, reflected ceiling plans, electrical and lighting layouts, and finish plans depending on what is required to complete the job.

Once a design is agreed upon, you are able to shop for hard finishes, plumbing, appliances, etc. It is important to know the characteristics of different materials and how they will react to your lifestyle once installed. On top of having a knowledge base in terms of hard construction items, we overlap into the decorating side that includes all of the furnishings and fixtures appropriate for your space while considering the scale of each piece. We specify and procure window treatments, fabrics, furniture, decorative lighting, you name it.

It's a lot to remember, right? Designers have the background and experience to leave no rock unturned. I enjoy getting into all of the nitty-gritty details and documentation to be sure that there is a seamless transition from start to end. My very favorite part of the process is the initial design phase where you have all of the information laid out in order to collaborate and begin putting ideas on paper. I also love the opportunity to work as a team with architects, builders, and the clients to create the best possible end product.

It is a rewarding and fast-paced field where we as designers are able to utilize our creativity and education to take a space to the next level.

exterior update / September 19, 2014 by Lauren Andrews

Things are finally coming together around here and I am so excited to share the progress. I still have a number of items on my to do list (i.e. front landscaping, staining the walkway), but I am at a point where I am content with the final product and so happy to see it everyday.

If you remember from my first post, the exterior was in terrible shape. The painters spent weeks scraping, sanding, and power washing the siding in order to get it smooth enough to take the primer and paint. We replaced and relocated the front sconces, installed a new post lamp and mailbox, and in general cleaned up the curb appeal. We are still waiting on our new front door, but I painted our existing door to hold us over until it arrives mid October.

The house is so much brighter and noticeable from the street now. Before it felt dark and heavy with the drab blue and deep red-orange accents. Now we have a light, fun Florida bungalow that we can enjoy for years to come.

So drum roll please......

powder bathroom inspiration / September 17, 2014 by Lauren Andrews

Powder bathrooms seem to always fascinate me. They are small spaces that can pack a lot of punch when done well. They are a place where you are able to push the boundaries and experiment with wallpaper or dramatic tile to infuse your personal style.

But lately I have seen a trend in laying out plumbing in an unexpected way. It seems like I gravitate towards spaces where people have scrapped the traditional lavatory setup for interest and character. I love how out-of-the-box these bathrooms are, utilizing outdoor spigots for faucets, planters for sinks, and their overall creativity while remaining timeless and classic.

vintage canopy pub bar / September 15, 2014 by Lauren Andrews

Currently I am working on a renovation for a client who is completely updating a historic home in the area. In order to bring a really fun and interesting element to the space, we are hoping to locate a vintage canopy pub bar for their study.

After a ton of research, I have run across some really cool things. These carved, wooden bars have so much personality that new custom cabinetry would not possess. I can envision their friends and family posting up at the bar during football games and holidays while enjoying a pint.

Personally, I love the bars that have the original side doors and quirky details, like the brass "bank door" above. You can make a few updates, such as adding stone countertops or changing out the lighting, that will customize each piece. I am looking forward to the final product and providing an extra special place for their home.