Category Archives: OUR BLOG

Which Colors Work Best for Spring Decor?

Which Colors Work Best for Spring Decor? On my walks outside, I see magnificent colors in the Spring flowers and trees coming to life after their winter’s rest. I appreciate their renewal and they inspire me every year. So, if you are asking which colors work best for Spring, allow me to share some of […]

Read More

Advantages of a Smart Home

How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming Home Automation for a Personalized Living Experience

How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming Home Automation for a Personalized Living Experience In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is leaving an indelible mark on various aspects of our lives. Yes, it will be here (you are already using it) sooner than later at the rate it is advancing. One of the most […]

Read More

Pantone Colour Of The Year 2024 – Peach Fuzz

Pantone Color of the Year-Peach Fuzz

Happy New Year! Continuing a yearly tradition here at Lauren Jacobsen Design, we will delve into this year’s Pantone Color of the Year. For 25 years, the color experts at the Pantone Color Institute have forecasted the color they believe will convey a powerful message globally. They scoured the world for over six months, looking […]

Read More

The Importance Of Nostalgia In Our Home Interior Design

Nostalgia in interior design

Nostalgia in our homes serves several important psychological and emotional functions, contributing to our well-being and sense of identity. It often involves incorporating items from the past that evoke sentimental feelings and memories—a connection to one’s history.   The dictionary definition: “A sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or […]

Read More

7 Reasons To Hire Lauren Jacobsen Interior Design

7 Reasons To Hire Lauren Jacobsen Design Being a boutique luxury interior design company located in both Scottsdale, Arizona, and Los Angeles, California, two areas known for their exceptionally high property values, we possess a deep understanding of high-net-worth clients. Our services encompass crafting personalized designs that align seamlessly with our clients’ individual tastes, preferences, […]

Read More

The Beauty Of Grasscloth Wallpaper In Home Interior Design

Grasscloth wallpaper - Schumacher

  Grasscloth wall coverings, with their woven textures, bring a distinctive and natural element to any space. Employed in interior design and home decor, they infuse living areas with a touch of individuality and organic charm, while also introducing an air of refinement and sophisticated flair.    Traditionally made of natural gasses like arrowroot, grasscloth […]

Read More

Why Your Furniture Arrived Damaged, And What You Can Do About It

homw furnishings damaged in delivery

Why Your Furniture Arrived Damaged, And What You Can Do About It. You waited patiently despite the long lead time and damaged goods. Why? What is more unnerving than receiving a shipment with damaged goods? First, you experience the excitement of accepting the boxes, only to be completely disappointed when you unpack the cracked, chipped, […]

Read More

Stone Countertops For The Kitchen And Bath

Stone Countertops For The Kitchen And Bath

Stone Countertops For The Kitchen And Bath We are seeing a resurgence in stone countertops emphasizing their raw, unpolished look, giving a more organic feel to a room.  ©FollowTheFlow-Stock.Adobe.com Natural stone is an excellent choice for homeowners Marble, granite, quartz, quartzite, soapstone, and dolomite—to name a few—are considered the gold standard for durability and character; […]

Read More

The Power of Collaboration: How an Architect & An Interior Design Team Can Elevate The Look Of Your Home

An Architect And An Interior Design Team

In order to achieve your dream home when it’s a large-scale remodel or new construction, the best results will come from a team collaboration consisting of an architect, a builder, and an interior designer. In this blog, I am covering the architect and interior designer relationship. I will cover the builder and interior designer in […]

Read More

Pantone Color Of The Year 2023

The Pantone Color Institute has taken this idea to heart in their choice for the Color Of The Year for 2023: Viva Magenta Pantone has been in the business of color science for 60 years, and for twenty-three of those years, they have chosen a specific color each year to represent the attitude and lifestyle […]

Read More

Minimalism Design For Your Home. What to consider.

Minimalism Design For Your Home. What to consider. What is Minimalism on a personal level? Minimalism is not self-denial nor depriving one’s self. What you can bring into your lifestyle has meaning and only adds value.  The rest is stripped away. Read on to find out more about this unique lifestyle. I previously wrote a […]

Read More

A Guide To Selecting The Perfect White Paint

So you want to paint your room white. Great!It’s just that there are about 150,000 shades of white to choose from right now, and that’s just plain torture! How do you know which is the right white? Here is a guide to selecting the perfect white. These are the most popular white and off-white colors at Benjamin Moore. […]

Read More

Luxury Baths

Lauren Jacobsen Design applies extensive customization to today’s luxury bath, but I have narrowed it down to three main elements for a quick overview. We invest quality time in our primary bathrooms, and it is not surprising that the design of this room has become an essential part of a new build or remodel. A bath is […]

Read More

Why Hire A Designer?

Why Hire An Interior Designer? The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) published the results of a survey of homeowners who had hired and worked with an interior designer indicating: Nearly 9 out of 10 said their experience was “Highly Satisfactory.” Almost all revealed they would work with an interior designer again. 8 in 10 […]

Read More

Interior Design“Desert Days” Event in Scottsdale, Arizona

Design Days, Scottsdale AZ

Last month I spent the day at the “Desert Days” event in Scottsdale, Arizona. An all-day event where the showrooms at the Scottsdale Design District host an open house for designers to see the new products for spring 2022. There are lots of presentations, good cheer and what I call “touch opportunities”. These trade events […]

Read More

Lauren Jacobsen Design Welcomes Spring

I am always studying design and products.  I spend time venturing into the marketplace to see what is new and stimulate my creative senses. Doing so is more than just “product research,” it is fun and can also lift your mood. It was what inspired me to create the mood board you see above, in […]

Read More

Global Colour Influences 2022

Welcome to 2022 color influences and expressions This year, color palettes range from earthy, moody, and fantastical to honoring the past of post-modernism. The following colors represent a beautiful, wide variety of what I feel will result in many forms of self-expression for the home. I am loving them and hope you will too. Pantone  […]

Read More

Creative Wallcoverings

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 […]

Read More

Area Rugs

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 […]

Read More

Craftsman and Artisan Sculpted Furnishings

Craftsmanship blog post by Lauren Jacobsen Design

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 […]

Read More

NEW Hanging Artwork Is A Challenge.  And An Art.

  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″ […]

Read More

5 Easy Ways To Add Color To Your Home

5 Ways To Add Color To The Home

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 […]

Read More

Creating An Interior That Stimulates The Senses

©Tontechtonix for Adobe Stock

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 […]

Read More

Biophilic Design; Integrating Greenery Into The Home For A Naturally Healthy Interior

  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, […]

Read More

PANTONE Color Of The Year 2021

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 […]

Read More

Let’s look at a few projects by Lauren Jacobsen Design

  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” […]

Read More

Fun & Festive Holiday Celebrations

Lauren Jacobsen Holiday Celebrations

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! […]

Read More

Kitchen & Bath Industry Show

Kitchen & Bath Industry Show 2020

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 […]

Read More

The Pantone Color of the Year for 2020 “Classic Blue”

Pantone Color of the Year 2020 - Classic Blue

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 […]

Read More

Telling a Story With Your Holiday Entertaining Tablescape

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., […]

Read More

Door Hardware: Making An Entrance

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. […]

Read More

11 Must-Haves!

Must-Haves in accessories and furniture

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 […]

Read More

We’ve All Heard Of Minimalism, But What Is Maximalism In Interior Design?

We’ve All Heard Of Minimalism, But What Is Maximalism?

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, […]

Read More

Pantone Color of the Year 2020—Already?

Pantone Color Trends for 2020

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 […]

Read More

The story of a remodel.

“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 […]

Read More

Modern Freestanding Tubs

The history of the bathtub is a complicated subject. From a 3000-year-old five-foot long tub on a pedestal found on the island of Crete, to self-draining Greek baths, and from Roman bath houses to Victorian clawfoot bathtubs, the origin of the free-standing tub may never be known.  And do we care?  It’s their function and [...]

Read More

A Primer on Testing and Selecting Color for Interior Walls

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 […]

Read More

Chinoiserie In History And In Our Homes Today

Chinoiserie - Inspiration for Chinese style in interior design

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 […]

Read More

Pantone Living Coral

Pantone Colour of the Year 2019 - Living Coral

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 […]

Read More

My Favorite Decor Finds For 2018

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 […]

Read More

Craftsman and Artisan Sculpted Furnishings

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 […]

Read More

Prices Are Going Up

prices are going up

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 […]

Read More

Interior Design Trends for 2018. What’s in, and now out.

Design Trends for 2018

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 […]

Read More

Creating An Environment That Encourages Great Study Skills

Lauren Jacobsen Interior Design Blog

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 […]

Read More

What To Consider When Hiring An Interior Designer

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 […]

Read More

It is an emotional time when your kids grow up and leave home.

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 […]

Read More

PAISLEY – Interiors, Fashion and Fun

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 […]

Read More

GREENERY – Pantone’s Nature-Inspired Choice for Color of the Year

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 […]

Read More

Benjamin Moore Color of the Year

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 […]

Read More

Fall Color Forecast From Pantone – Cool

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 […]

Read More

Art In The Home

Art In The Home

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 […]

Read More

A Salute To The Independent Spirit

Independent Spirit in Interior Design

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 […]

Read More

Choosing A Table Lamp With Style And Functionality

Selecting a table lamp

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 […]

Read More

Choosing Interior Paint Color in Your Design

Choosing Interior Paint Color

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; […]

Read More

Interior Design Ideas: The Sofa

The Sofa

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.” […]

Read More

LED – What is it and why is it getting more popular?

LED Lighting in the Home

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. […]

Read More

Lauren’s Picks In Interior Design Decor

Lauren's Picks In Interiors

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, […]

Read More

More Trends and Style Forecasting for 2016

More Trends and Style Forecasting for 2016

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, […]

Read More

Entertaining And Setting A Holiday Table

Entertaining And Setting A Holiday Table

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 […]

Read More