WHAT'S INSPIRING NOW?

As the tag line states "shamless forum" I am in the throws of life change. Life is split between the working world, design speak, holding space for clients who deserve nothing but the best and my baby girl Aiden who requires presence and love. This makes my experience so polarizing in different ways. I'm inspired by creative bursts of being childish, easy and spontaneous which comes from just playing on the ground a lot! It translates to my work life in that I continue to look for whimsical, resourceful and imaginative materials/items.

This one just makes me laugh and I know you who have kids know what I'm talking about. I do a full body pat down before I leave the house! It is a simple 2 x 3 rug from good ol Urban Outfitters.

xo

Lauren

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/category.jsp?id=A_DECORATE&pushId=APARTMENT&navAction=poppushpush&prevVisit=true&itemCount=80&startValue=81

RUSTIC BEAUTY REFINED AND RECLAIMED

Croft House in L.A. is a furniture source that is founded by Riley Rea. I am a family friend and when his mom Leslie sent this over to me (proud mama that she is) I went to investigate his goods. They are fabulous! The cost is approachable and they ship goods.

Read the story in the L.A. times here:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/home_blog/2011/02/croft-house.html

ECO COUNTERTOPS

We are now seeing an increasing amount of "green" surfaces. I'm posting this site because not only do I like the look of this material but by comparison to other eco friendly counters which will set you back about $60-$80 Eco Top costs about $35 a square foot. This blend of bamboo, recycled paper, and wood fiber was originally used for skateboard ramps.
http://www.kliptech.com/ecotophome.html

TIPS FOR A BABY'S NURSERY!

Once I knew I was pregnant I embarked on creating the "perfect" nursery. Well, I learned a lot about myself. I learned that while I have my own tastes and style I was designing for a baby girl and she became my beloved client. I realized that while I like subtle colors that a babies eyes develops on sharp contrast and colorful objects. So here is what I came up with....

I chose art from Etsy that was smaller scale and placed each in a black simple frame. I hung each with space between so that my baby could make out each shape.



Our crib was donated by a good friend. When we went to see it it was a light maple wood. I knew I wanted off white furniture so it was my springboard for all other items. It was painted to match the Pottery Barn shelf above and whala, a fresh start! I love the symetry of this wall. I planned on shelving to flank each side but for now I like it simple with a lot of negative space. I think it's important for the eye to rest in order to appreciate simplicity.




No childs room is complete without hanging ceiling decor! I chose these butterflies from Land of Nod to soften the room and bring the high pitched ceilings down to baby.

http://www.landofnod.com/family.aspx?c=1133&f=3165



I love antiques! I was never going to find a "changing table" that I liked. Nothing beats the charm of tall spindle legs and a built in gorgeous mirror. I can't tell you how many hours I've spent with my daughter looking into the mirror while she learned to recognize herself. It's a must for every nursery. Also she will be able to enjoy this dresser for many years to come.

Finally, the most important item in our nursery which made it complete was the ultimate rocker/glider! Like many a new mom I spent HOURS, scouring the market for a beautiful chair. I decided to spend a little more and get a chair that I was going to keep in our family for years and not want to sell on Craigslist the moment she grew out of nursing. This has a slipcover for easy cleaning (a must)!

A FEW WORDS ON SHOPPING THE INTERNET

At the start of each new project I am excited to bring fresh ideas that bring together a mix of interesting elements. I like to shop locally whenever possible. When I've gone through my local resources I turn to the worlds of ETSY, Craigslist, EBAY and 1st DIBS. These are a few of my favorites where I know I will find the unusual, non corporate items that will bring the personality and charm I look for without breaking the budget.

This vintage Suzani textile would make a perfect duvet or throw over a solid color sofa. You simply cannot find these items on Pottery Barn or West Elm. It pays to dig deeper!

BUY LOCAL AND BE CUTTING EDGE

It's a rare opportunity to specify recessed lighting that is made locally and is cutting edge design. No. 8 Lighting offers some of the most integrated and clean recessed trims I have seen to date. It is located in Sebastopol which doesn't get more local than that. The company offers square and round inset and seamless trims.

They work within a variety of installation materials such as wood and stone to name a couple and the finishes are spot on current. Check them out for yourself!

Williams Seylem Winery Project Tour

Wine enthusiasts get a landmark building! This projects interior which was completed by Lauren Brandwein Design in 2010 is now open for it's lucky members to enjoy world class Pinot. Click on the link to see a beautiful tour of the grounds, architecture and interior space. Cheers!
http://www.ktvu.com/video/25299444/index.html

Origami Party Lights

About a year ago I was on a project where the owner needed something special under a pergola. Everything I found was either too expensive at $45 per string or just not that interesting. Here is the perfect option for good weather parties. You may more or less customize your lengths and the colors are great! I'm buying a string or two for my daughters room.

Recent Completed Project: Interior Design by LBD

Follow the link to the North Bay Biz article on the recent completed Williams Seylem Winery project. Interior Design by LBD! www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/24150/new-project-profile-williams-selyem-estate-winery-russian-river-valley/

Great Things Come in Small Packages

My husband and I are both designers. It's my trade and passion and his hobby. One of the things we agree on is that living in a smaller home suits our life style. This is an a fine example of how clean, minimal, natural and warm a small home can feel. Window size and placement takes full advantage of great light and views to a minimalistic landscape which becomes part of the interior experience.

A new approach to wine barrel installation

Fontenay Wood has created a flooring made of reclaimed wine barrels. The head of the barrel is used to display the markings that are unique to the wine made inside. This is an interesting option for a winery or if your just a wine lover.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

Yes, I know this isn't everyone's cup of tea but it can make a statement in the most minimalistic environment. At only $75 how bad of an investment can it be really? I like it for a garage installation. Design and taste are subjective. There is no such thing as bad taste only taste.

Ahhhh, outdoors are for lounging!

I am in love with this intimate scene. It feels like you just stumble upon it in this lush surrounding. I want to curl up on the sofa and share a glass of wine with my husband.

Summer Bliss?

With summer here all I want to do is be outdoors. After three months of renovation to the yard and a baby born about 3 weeks into it I can now hold my head up when inviting friends over. Although there is much more work to be done I'm posting the progress photo for now. More to come later. BTW the upper image is the before so you can see the progress! The reason for the question mark is that my husband would argue that the summer has been blissful since it was his hard work that took us to this resting place. At least now we're both enjoying it!

LOOKING LOCAL- SALSA TRADING COMPANY

Salsa Trading Company’s tagline —its more than a look it’s a lifestyle, ring true as your wander through the spacious shop. The furniture, art and lighting collections are artfully arranged in room settings. The scale is intense and the style is defined, but each unique piece could also stand alone, accentuating a wide variety of home styles.

This metal table for example could be a beautiful artistic accent in a contemporary setting as well.

It is accentuated here with dried animal tusk from an creature you would not want roaming your local prairie but I could see a glass vessel with reed plants or a few great art books to bring it from south west to upper west side.

The selections have a simple beauty and timelessness, the natural materials allowed to speak for themselves.

The wood and leather have a natural patina and texture that has a rugged sexiness.

Some exhibits are so raw and real it’s a little dangerous.. art that excites the audience with a hint of fear.

Salsa offers an extensive selection of distressed leather upholstery, furniture incorporating reclaimed woods, antique doors, hand forged iron works.

They will also work with us to design a many custom pieces.

FELTING FRENZY

This pillow is a complete surprise! I don't know what it would be like as a lumbar pillow but as a conversation peice it's a fabulous and whimsical work of art! I want it! It's made of 100% wool and is handmade in South Africa. Viva Terra is a great Fair Trade resource. It's guilt free shopping.

LOOKING LOCAL - OLIVE LEAF

Olive Leaf in Healdsburg is the self described gathering place for the ecologically minded. A great space filled to the brim with collections upon collections of interesting stuff!
The wonderful finds in this store are difficult to categorize … ecologically minded and extremely eclectic!

The numerous items throughout Olive Leaf are artful organic forms arranged in creative collections. The beauty of multiples.

The American Clay display is almost as beautiful as the wall finish itself. This and many other eco friendly building supplies can be found here including the non toxic pet friendly Mythic Paint

The Keesta bed is an innovative recycled Bio-foam mattress without a box spring which can be compressed into a recyclable box for transport. Intriguing

Someone behind the creative direction of the Olive Leaf must have a flair for the French. If you look carefully amidst the collections you find a surprisingly high number of Eiffel tower memorabilia!

There are also numerous blankets and organic clothing items throughout the store. Oh and you can eat there too!

LUXURY REFINED AND TUFTED

The lines of this piece make it almost edible.. the swoooping chocolate curves of the base.. the soft luxury of the tufted top.. You almost don't want to sit on it.. just gaze upon it

SIT A SPELL

Ah, don't we all need a moment or two here.... a calming reminder to get out that summer funiture and plan to soak in the vitamin D. Bon Voyage.. to the back yard for most of us ;)

LOOKING LOCAL- LIMESTONE

Lime Stone—Live Well In Healdsburg As seen in C, Food & Wine, Elle Décor, Travel & Leisure, Sunset Magazine and more

And now Dwellingtown!

Lime Stone is beautiful collection of unique comfort items for the home. The focus is described a "around the table” and the tiny shop is full of sparkle and charm.

The warmth and glow in the photo above is not a filter– Lime Stone radiates warmth and feelings of home and hearth

Almost any style of home could find a 'can’t live without, never knew we needed it' accessory among the wide variety of texture and materials in Lime Stone’s collections.
The gorgeous artichoke tray is part of a fantastic series created by a local artist.

LOOKING LOCAL

Looking Local is a new feature for Dwellingtown where we will highlight local shops, artists and artisans to find the unique products and art forms for your projects and just for fun. Check out the links on the right hand side of the blog and keep an eye out for the latest Looking Local posts.

UPCOMING LOOKING LOCAL FEATURES

RESTORED AND RECLAIMED

Yes, it's all the rage and we're really into it. It has a place in our hearts and homes. We're doing it because it's the right thing to do and besides, it's beautiful. The textures, colors and warmth of reclaimed wood bring an element of grounding a space. I don't know if it's because it feels earthy or it just has depth of character we all gravitate towards like a great old friend.

Ancestral and adorable

We are always on the lookout for something fresh and unique. This is a wonderful chair form with a whimsical fabric. The question in my mind is always how to bring fresh ideas to the familiar and timeless looks. Fabric is one way and this example is precious! It's also a steal at $295 on ETSY!

SHOP TILL YOU DROP

My top pick for new and interesting brain drain t.v. is Man Shops Globe on the Sundance Channel! I get to spend 20 minutes traveling to rural and not so rural territory with Keith Johnson who is responsible for all the unique and sometimes bizarre housewares you see while shopping at my favorite store Anthropologie. Here he is in a London shop with a local artist who collects vintage British flags and other ephemera and morphs them into something new and usable. It's brilliant fluff!