Designer: Lauren Liess
Photography: Helen Norman
Publication: Country Living Magazine, Summer 2014
I’ve been a faithful reader of Lauren Liess’ Pure Style Home blog since 2009 and her work is refreshing. She’s local to the Washington DC Metro area and it’s crazy to see how much her career has grown since I first started following along nearly 10 years ago (!!) — to now having an upcoming HGTV Show with her husband, Best House on the Block. I knew the very first ‘charming space’ I wanted to share would be one of her beautiful designs.
The Charming Details
Here are top 3 things I love about this charming Blue Bungalow Dining Room in Del Ray, Alexandria VA:
- Layers of blue color – as someone who leans towards neutrals and toned down colors, this room really challenges me to use more bold colors! I love the way Lauren uses different shades of blue, creating a layered look that is exciting and isn’t contrived at all. The use of these unexpected vibrant blues creates a cheerful mood to what might be an otherwise more serious, traditional dining room.
- The contrast of the dark wood and black against vibrant blues against the candlesticks and black wood kitchen cabinetry) against the vibrant blue colors of the slip-covered dining room chairs, walls, and drapery.
- A traditional dining room, but collected and relaxed with a mix of textures and shapes in furniture and decor pieces chosen. The dining table has clean, modern lines but the hobnail milk glass pedestal dish used a floral centerpiece nods to charming traditional decor. I love those little charming details.
Aside from being a crazy-talented designer, when you read Lauren’s writing, you truly feel that she is sharing from a place of complete authenticity and a pure heart. I found so much joy reading about her projects and overall design journey, as she generously shared about the design process of different projects and even business advice related to the industry. If you enjoy a regular dose of nature-inspired beauty and charm (and geese love stories!), I’d go follow her on Instagram!
Read more about this featured ‘Charming Space’ on Lauren’s blog, Pure Style Home.