Interior Lust: Lauren Conrad's Penthouse

I'm breaking away from style again today and going back to interiors and design. I intended to keep posting about interior design on a regular basis, and just didn't keep up with it... best laid plans am I right? So as I dive back into posting about pretty spaces, I had to share one of my style crushes home.

Lauren Conrad's Beverly Hills penthouse was featured on InStyle and did not disappoint! Her home was a very surprising departure from what you would expect from LC. Lauren gives off a very classic, feminine vibe and you would think her home would reflect that too. While you can definitely see her in the design, there was awesome unexpected juxtaposition of masculine and feminine elements with bright pops of color. For every bit of tufting, nail head trim, and brass, there was a very clean line or something in a glossy black that made it feel more modern. I'm going to shut up now and let the pictures speak for themselves.

Interior Style Files: Herringbone

Today's interiors post is all about herringbone detailing, mainly floors. If you spend any time on Pinterest, then I'm sure you see flooring and tile work in herringbone patterns everywhere. Now before you go rush to call it a trend, keep in mind that some of the earliest herringbone wood floors date back to the 16th century France. Herringbone is a pattern style of parquet flooring (parquet being hardwood flooring arranged in repeating geometrical patterns). So like pretty much everything else out there, it is a style resurrection that has found an updated and modern look. Herringbone adds such a bold statement to a room, and lends itself to classic and contemporary flooring. I personally love seeing it in bathrooms and in a great room or other room with higher ceilings. Herringbone is a great way to highlight and feature natural elements in the home.

all images via Pinterest

High Style, Low Cost

pillow // coral // vase // tray table // throw // candlestick // jars

Thanks to places like H&M and Zara you can now get some very stylish home decor at budget prices. A few of my favorite pieces are pictured above. All are super versatile and could fit in with different styles and color palettes. What are some of your favorite places (besides Home Goods) to find great home pieces on a budget? I'd love to know!

Loving Lately: Upholstered Headboards

Upholstered headboards are nothing new in the world of interior design, but I think the novelty behind them recently is the influx of DIY versions. Sure I have pinned tutorials on doing it, but the mechanics of actually taking on this project were always a little too much for me. I then decided I would hold out, save up and by the frame or headboard of my dreams. Enter reality. I have been looking for two years and the only one I am in love with is $2,000 from Restoration Hardware. I seriously entertained the idea for a while, but then as per usual I think of everything else I can do with 2k and am at peace with the concept of HELL NO!

I live in an apartment, albeit a nice one with lots of space, but it's not my forever home or even my starter home. I cringe at the idea of having huge furniture that fills my spacious apartment, only to move it in to my first house with small rooms that are dwarfed by immense pieces. It looks absurd, trust me. So now the idea of a DIY headboard with a price tag peaking at $150 is becoming very attractive to me. Even more attractive is that my boyfriend is now behind the idea too. He gets to work on a project and be a guy, and I get the exact headboard I want. Win win!

There are so many tutorials out there, and I haven't narrowed down the exact one we are going to use. So while I figure that part out, I pulled together some of the headboard inspiration that I really like. Obviously I want a neutral, probably nail head trim, and I haven't decided on tufting or not yet. If any of you have done a DIY headboard or have any pointers I would LOVE to hear them!

                                

all images via Pinterest

Loving Lately: Reading Nooks

There's nothing like curling up in a big comfy chair with a good book or magazine. Add a few great pillows, a cozy throw, and a place to kick up your feet and you've got your favorite little spot in your home. I adore the concept of a cozy space just for relaxation and entertainment. It can be as simple as a chair with an ottoman and floor lamp, or as intricate as a chaise with coordinating accessories. For my reading nook I would use an area rug to set apart the space, an overstuffed chaise, two throw pillows, a light but warm throw, small end table, and table lamp.

 

Can you tell I like neutrals? I find them peaceful, but pops of color would be great too.

This is the most perfect reading/nap nook I could ever dream up. I love the big windows, the fluffy chaise lounge chairs (I'm a sucker for a chaise and have been since I was little... who dreams of that kind of stuff at the age of 5?), and that it's a separate space. Can't you just imagine curling up here with a stack of magazines and a glass of wine?

Good God do I need wood floors in my life so bad. Con of rental apartments: crap rental apartment carpet EVERYWHERE!

This nook is so adorable, but not the most accessible since it's built in. I would've killed for a spot like this when I was a kid. 

all images via Pinterest

GET THE LOOK

Loving Lately: Leopard

Honestly who doesn't love a little bit of leopard? From leopard shoes to accessories, a little bit of leopard goes a long way in making a classic statement. Of all the animal prints out there, it is by far the most elegant. Although I love this pattern, it can be tricky to incorporate in your home without achieving that tween look (ala Limited Too circa 1996 anyone?). I scoured Pinterest to find my favorite uses of leopard in the home. From rugs and throw pillows, to chairs and stair runners this print gives each space that little something extra. 

             

all images via Pinterest

Gilded Glory

Target is literally killing it these days in terms of their home decor. The Threshold and Nate Berkus lines have really upped the anty in terms of style, function, and budget. Pictured above are some of my favorite items in gold tones that would jazz up any space!