Odds are, most of you were unable to spend the holidays with families and friends last year. I hope things will be different for you this year. Holiday celebrations and gatherings can be the best way to put the last two years behind. Amen! Time to fill the holiday season with dining, laughing, and shopping! […]
Wallcoverings today are not like your grandparent’s wallpaper anymore. Today they are bolder and more expressive, and one of the most prominent statement mediums for the home. The latest trends offer much more than the typical patterns you might have viewed in the wallpaper books at the paint store. Frankly, wallpaper has been having a […]
Area Rugs: Soft, Cozy, and Colorful. An area rug is the centerpiece of a room. It creates ambiance and adds a nice warmth while defining a conversation area. Creating an atmosphere. There are several things to consider when choosing to include a piece of woven art in your home. Area rugs are more than just […]
Craftsman and Artisan Sculpted Furnishings Why they make a difference At LJID, we look for the best quality furnishings for our clients, and commissioning a handmade piece is a terrific experience. We start by sourcing the finest quality materials and construction for our given budget. This is the kind of collaborative experience that I look […]
Repeat, repeat, and happily repeat again. This was the third consecutive home we were asked to design by our long-time client. I had to tease them a bit. As the family gets smaller with kids living their lives and off to college, their houses keep getting larger! This house had much more square footage than […]
Hanging Artwork Is A Challenge. As a residential interior designer, I have installed many kinds of art for clients and hire the best installers to ensure that the work is done properly. Have you ever had the experience where you just completed a wall, you step back, and notice that one piece is 1/4″ […]
I can order vitamins from Amazon Prime and get them that day. Why does it take six months to order furniture? I think most of you get it. COVID has changed the world… forever. It has undoubtedly changed how things get done. For the home industry, it has had an enormous effect, so I thought I […]
It was Sir Isaac Newton who, in 1666, discovered that when pure white light passes through a prism, it separates into all of the visible colors. He also found that each color is made up of a single wavelength and cannot be separated into other colors. Given the prevalence of color, the study of its […]
Last month we did a primer on the art and philosophy of Biophilic Design. A study unto itself that may have left you asking, what could I do in my house to evoke a similar, visceral response? Let’s look at a few creative ways to realize a ‘green’ space of your own. After a full […]
Integrating Greenery Into The Home For A Naturally Healthy Interior. The garden—magnificent and restorative—is resplendent when incorporated into the home. The advantages are more than just aesthetic; they provide stress relief and wellness. In today’s new landscape, the home serves as many things; the workplace, school, a dining establishment, a gym, etc. It must, […]
A Marriage Of Color Revealed As Pantone’s “Color Of The Year” 2021 How two contrasting colors can create a dynamic union. “As people look for ways to fortify themselves with energy, clarity, and hope to overcome the continuing uncertainty, spirited and emboldening shades satisfy our quest for vitality.” PANTONE COLOR INSTITUTE The […]
Let’s look at a few projects by Lauren Jacobsen Design Kitchen transformations are one of my favorite remodels because they change the lives of every homeowner, every day. Nothing feels better and makes as big of an impact. Nothing. Modern, Minimalist Design This was the before on a recent project with good “architectural bones” […]
I chose to highlight the natural world this month, not only because we find ourselves indoors more than usual these days, but because it is springtime, and my personal design style comes from infusing the natural world into my projects. Nature has always been a big part of my life, and my work is inspired by it. I […]
To our valued readers and clients, the new year has brought unexpected and uncertain times for us all each day with the outbreak of COVID-19. At Lauren Jacobsen Design, we hope you and your family all remain healthy and safe. Back in January, I attended the 2020 KBIS show just prior to the outbreak, it was one […]
Every year we take an in-depth look at Pantone’s Color of the Year as they forecast a color that they believe will affect global color trends for products in home furnishings, industrial design, fashion, graphic design, and product packaging. The color experts at the Pantone Color Institute select a distinctive hue using color psychology, trend analysis, and […]
The Holidays—the time of year many people find strength in their beliefs, gratitude for blessings received, wonder in the beauty of the world around us, and hopefully, peace within self, or at least within the family. LOL! Will you be entertaining this year? With so many holidays to observe, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, New Years, etc., […]
Without question, the use of quality door hardware enhances the style of your home—interior and exterior—design. It is an item that can uniquely dictate the character of the room and for this designer, one of the more expressive architectural features in interior design. • • • The history of the door handle is somewhat elusive. […]
This month we’re going to have some fun with some must-haves in accessories and furniture that are great fun to share. I selected these pieces because they are bold, stand-alone, or, terrific accents. I also chose them because they are all available right now at retail. So yes, you can purchase them yourself, and they’re […]
We’ve All Heard Of Minimalism, But What Is Maximalism In Interior Design? Basically, you could say it is the exact opposite. In interior design, maximalism design stems from the mindset of “more is better,” creating rooms that are often punctuated with bright colors, numerous patterns, textures, and a sense of luxury. The antithesis of minimalism, […]
You read that right. We’re talking about the speculation over the 2020 Pantone Color of the Year, in July. You ask why? Because it is rumored to be inspired by the ocean, my favorite source of inspiration for all things creative and personal. A nature-inspired palette. A Footwear News article reported that Laurie Pressman, Vice […]
“Before and After” projects are always so dramatic, and this one is no exception. This home was a mid-century style located in a nice, quiet residential neighborhood in Los Angeles The entire project started with a very dated kitchen. It reached way back! You can see linoleum floors and Formica countertops. I think the cabinetry […]
Choosing the best interior colors for your project can be one of the more personal and challenging decisions you’ll make. There are many dynamics and nuances to consider and to apply. Light and the surrounding colors have the greatest effect on our perception of color. The base color, texture, and finish will also effect the […]
What’s new for 2019? Let me give you the insider’s tour. February was a fun month for me as I made my yearly venture to the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas. KBIS has been the showcase for the latest products, trends, and technologies in the kitchen and bath industry for more than […]
Chinoiserie In History And In Our Homes Today Porcelain is a ceramic made of a fine clay called kaolin. When mixed with other materials and fired at high temperatures, kaolin produces a hard and durable ceramic. The Chinese began the development of porcelain towards the end of the Han dynasty (25-222 B.C.). Our continued use […]
Announcing Pantone’s Color of the Year 2019 Each year the color experts at Pantone comb the world to find their inspiration for the color that will influence and create color trends for interior design, fashion, homeware, and industrial design, with the culmination resulting in what is called the Pantone Color of the Year. This year […]
My Favorite Decor Finds For 2018 Whether you celebrate for religious reasons or as tradition, the Holiday season is truly a special time of year. It is time to celebrate the season and enjoy the spirit of it all, even those ugly sweaters. Well, maybe not the sweaters. With all the holiday decorating I have been doing […]
Craftsman & Artisan Sculpted Furnishings. Why they make a difference. At LJID, we look for the best quality furnishings for our clients. It is a delight to commission a handmade piece that is designed specially for the homeowner. We want the furniture we put into each client’s home to last. A work of art, lighting, or a […]
“Design is a plan for arranging elements in such a way as best to accomplish a particular purpose.” –Charles Eames Our purpose? A celebration. THE HOLIDAY SEASON is, by my definition, a time to celebrate, reflect, give, and to share good tidings. It is also the best time of the year to DECORATE! I never weary […]
In previous posts, I have discussed how I infuse natural influeces in all of my designs. This is not only a favorite aesthetic but, a personal and emotional preference that feeds my soul and artistic instinct. I RECALL THE PLACES OF MY YOUTH—the textures and fragrances of my grandmother’s garden, wild grasses, rich soil, the […]
KITCHEN APPLIANCE AND FURNITURE PRICES ON THE RISE! If you’re considering purchasing new furniture or remodeling your kitchen, you may want to act sooner than later. President Trump has recently applied new tariffs on the steel and aluminum suppliers overseas. The 10% tariff on aluminum and 25% tariff on steel will affect manufacturers who utilize […]
I LOVE THIS COMBINATION. It is one of my favorite color palettes and perfect for summer. It is versatile, pairs beautifully with an array of other colors, and is gorgeous when muted. It can also be incorporated into different styles, from traditional, to modern, to eclectic. In some studies, the psychology of the color blue […]
Interior Design Trends – 2018. What’s in, and now out. As an Interior Designer, I have my own design conceit—and I do not follow trends. I may incorporate things I like and see into my own vocabulary. With that in mind, I put together a quick list of what has been done and what to look foward to […]
With the new school year in full swing and schedules filled to the brink, you may be thinking about what you can to help your kids get better grades. A personal and effective study space that encourages them to be creative and productive is certainly a positive step. It should reflect their unique personality and be […]
Asking the right questions can make or break the flow and outcome of a project, in any profession. This month, I would like to address some of those questions and encourage you to organize your thoughts and stimulate ideas behind the questions you should keep in mind when taking the step to hire a professional […]
You might be ready for your child to start their new life or college experience but, an empty room that was full of your child’s spirit and personality is a reminder of what is now missing: those half-eaten sandwiches, sports paraphernalia, dirty clothes on the floor, and surfaces smothered in unnecessary paper and candy wrappers. It […]
X I am enjoying the resurgence of paisley in interior design today. Not only because of the points I touched upon in our June Newsletter but, because the work designers and artisans are creating today offer so many different resources for extending the use of the pattern, such as reversing and mixing them with contemporary styles […]
Art Deco—a style that is synonymous with glamor and luxury—is something that can be achieved with as much or as little decor and styling as you desire. Eichholtz Being a streamlined and structured foundation, the one thing you will want to remember is symmetry. If you have a room with a symmetrical structure, you’re off to […]
Just a quick note for you. The use of animal prints in interior design is always a bold and wonderful enhancement but, of late, we are seeing more tribal influences to go with them. In fabrics, decor, and furnishings, offering more opportunities for interior designers and homeowners to create very personal and bold environments at home […]
Creating a luxurious and relaxing Master Suite, Los Angeles designer Lauren Jacobsen gives neutrals a new spin with patterns and textures that make you want to stay in bed all day. x Global Views Studio|A Home Califonia Faucets Wetstyle
Greenery, is meant to capture the hope and transformation yearned for each Spring. In this post, I would like to add some of the colors Pantone pairs with their bright and vibrant hue. One of the best things Pantone offers are more palettes from which to pull from when designing around their choice. I have […]
Introducing Shadow, [2117-30] a member of the aubergine family. This color is dramatic and bold, and it exudes self-confidence. Quite the contrast from last year’s choice of Simply White. It is one of 23 colors in the expansive Benjamin Moore 2017 palette. photos courtesy of benjamin moore “It ebbs and flows with its surroundings, and […]
According to the Pantone Color Institute, color trends are taking on well-defined, gender-neutral, and nontraditional tones this fall. Pantone has released a single color forecast for both men and women and whether in fashion or for the home, their choices are lush and smart. Blue, yellow and reddish-browns are the dominant story—all in an effort […]
In this post, we have warm colors from the 2016 Pantone Fall Color Report and although there are ten colors that complete this palette, today we will focus on three. I have chosen bold colors this year. PANTONE As in the last post, the images below feature fabrics and wallcoverings from Duralee and Robert Allen. […]
The use of ‘art therapy’ as a profession began in English-speaking and European countries in the mid-20th century and published accounts of that work describe the influence of the aesthetics in psychiatry, psychoanalysis, rehabilitation, early childhood education, and art education. Art Therapists use art media, the creative process, and the resulting artwork to explore their […]
I’d like to stir up your creative juices by sharing a few things that spark mine. When something catches my eye, I find it exciting and motivating. From the avant-garde to the conventional, one of the best parts of my job is experiencing the work of others. In previous months, we have looked at things in […]
Lamps are critical to good interior design and they often support the ‘wow factor’ in a room because they can be ornate, structural, simple, modern, eclectic, you name it—there is a lamp for every style. They are a necessity but not just for looks but for function as well, which makes choosing more difficult. This […]
New paint may be just what is needed to spruce up a room, so let’s do a primer on testing and selecting color for interior walls. As you may know, light and surrounding colors have the greatest effect on our perception of color. xx For example, notice the shift in color when placed on different backgrounds; […]
Prior to the 17th century, seating in European homes was limited to trunks, benches, and beds. Then craftsman of the day re-imagined them and sofas in dozens of styles were invented. It is believed that the earliest surviving sofa was made in England in the 1690s, referred to as “double Windsor chairs without a division.” […]
Over the last decade, LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology has advanced at light speed. In addition to their high-efficiency, low radiant heat and long source life, the progress is also giving us more options in their brightness and intensity, they are more resistant to shock and vibration and can be more easily controlled and programmed. […]
I thought we might have some fun showcasing some beautiful decor and styling in interior design. This month I am beginning a new ‘feature’ within my Blog posts that we will call Lauren’s Picks. These posts will give me an opportunity to show you some of the great work being done in home furnishings today. From fine art, lighting, […]
Let’s continue looking at what is being forecast as trends in 2016 for home furnishings. The best part of being and interior designer is having the privilege to work with fine artists and craftsman who create incredible works of art to put into the home. It is always amazing to see what they are doing. ARTISTS AND NATURE Fortunately, […]
Pantone Colors of the Year 2016 The new year brings us a new Pantone Color of the Year. Let’s take a look at what the experts at Pantone have chosen for their color trend in 2016. This year we have two colors to celebrate and is the first time Pantone is blending two shades. Although not a palette […]
colin cadle photography You may be hosting family or friends over the holidays so a few reminders on setting up a guest room might help. The thought of a fine hotel room comes to mind and your company would love that experience as well. I like to have open space in a guest room, […]
At the end of every project, I thoroughly enjoy adding the finishing touches to the home. The “styling” phase of the design—adding the clients’ personal items, artwork, new décor and accessories—working collaboratively to perfect the space, is great fun and very satisfying. Giving your home that festive, holiday flare when hosting a meal or having a party is a […]
With the launch of our new website, we have taken some time off from blogging to work on internal restructuring. One of the things we are doing is learning more about online photo usage rights when featuring other designers’ and artists’ work on our site. Our blog will be back in action next week so […]
