Styles We Love: A Relaxing Lakeside Adventure March 06 2017, 0 Comments

Fortunately for you, we have a ton of recommendations to bring that cozy and homey feel everyone loves to your lodge decor. Any of our bedding options will keep your guests in good spirits on the way to bed and warm through the night. Our wide selection of bathroom essentials will have that perfect piece to then tie it all together. The best part—these looks work for any season, so even the adventurous winter wanderers will be able to appreciate the entire experience you are providing. Together, we can make sure that every moment of every trip is spent in rustic tranquility.

Most recently, our very own customers furbished the bedrooms of their rental home in South Lake Tahoe, California, with some of our top lodge-themed picks. Check out the photos below or take these duvets for a test drive (or should we say, a test sleep?) by renting this home for your next getaway! [Link below!]

LOOK 1: WELCOME TO THE LAKE shown in 2 king-sized duvets and 4 king-sized pillow shams

Prepare yourself or your guests for a day filled with outdoor activities like skiing, boating or hiking in the woods with our “Welcome to the Lake” bedding pieces. This fun design features classic lodge-themed words and images that will bring the excitement of the outdoors indoors. (Also available as a shower curtain and various other items.)

LOOK 2: CABIN RULES shown in a king-sized duvet and 2 king-sized pillow shams

After a day of fun and exploring, bring the spirit of the cabin inside with our “Cabin Rules” bedding pieces. Remind yourself of what is really important for a relaxing time back at the cabin with this playful list of vacation rules. The calming hues of brown of blue tones will add warmth to your decor. (Also available as a comforter, shower curtain, memory foam rug, towels and various other items.)

Keep in tune with the theme of the abundant nature that surrounds with our “Lodge Patch” bedding pieces. This fun, quilt-inspired design features wilderness-themed imagery and words in rich earth tones. The icons let you bring home and show off some of nature’s majestic creatures. (Also available as a shower curtain and various other items.)

We all want to fill our days with great, memorable experiences and come home to comfort and warmth. Those of us who are planning our annual family excursion to our favorite ski resort should be able to expect no less than a fully immersive lodge experience. And for those of us who are opting for a more modest vacation-at-home option this year, the cabin-in-the-woods experience is still totally doable. So do your best to keep the actual number of bedrooms and bathrooms in mind as you look through our selection of lodge-themed decor before you find yourself purchasing them all!

And keep us in mind the next time you want to redecorate—we’re always looking to inspire and be inspired.

Tahoe Keys Home on Lagoon https://www.turnkeyvr.com/south_lake_tahoe-ca/tahoe-keys-modern-rustic-4br-2.5-ba-home-w%2f-view-of-water-and-freel-peak?&adults=12

Multi-Purpose Shower Curtains August 13 2015, 0 Comments

We believe there should be a number of ways to fill your home with art (in addition to framed pieces and canvases), which is why all of our bed & bath items here at Laural Home are artist-designed. We've translated our artists' visions into shower curtains, for example, so that you can bring a relaxing landscape, a pop of color, or inspiration to your bathroom. These designs aren't specific to the bath, and you can even use the curtains in different rooms — they're multi-purpose! This is particularly helpful for college living, where space and resources may be limited. See below for some ideas on creatively using your shower curtain to personalize your room. Keep in mind that if you live on campus, some dorms have restrictions on hanging fabric from the wall or ceiling.

Use a shower curtain as a decorative wall hanging.

Bring a pop of color to boring white dorm walls! With a large decorative hanging serving as the focal point of your room, you don't have to worry about covering your walls with smaller decor. A shower curtain can be an inexpensive alternative to a large framed art piece or canvas wall art. Try it in your suite's common area or hallway.

For the world traveler: hang our North America Map Shower Curtain on your wall!
Create a vignette with carefully curated old-fashioned items for a vintage look.

Our Enjoy the Ride Shower Curtain looks
awesome in our customer Nate's entryway!

Make an artistic room divider.

Use a shower curtain as a fun room divider. If your bed is lofted, you can hang a curtain from the bed's edge and create a private workspace by moving your desk here, too. Even if you don't have a roommate, a divider can be a fun way to create more "rooms" within your space.

We love how our customer Veronica used our
Marrakesh Shower Curtain as a divider in her common area!

Cover your closet.

Many dorms have open closets, but you can use fabric to cover this up. No matter how organized they may be, closets often look cluttered, so a decorative cover will help your room look more pulled together.

Awesome idea from our customer Stacy, who used our
Pink Kaleidoscope Shower Curtain to cover up her laundry area!

Use them as window curtains.

You can easily insert window curtain hooks into the openings at the top of our shower curtains. If your dorm comes with neutral-colored curtains, you may want to replace them with a bolder print. College is the best time to have fun with decorating! Try a colorful abstract or floral design, a world map, or an inspirational phrase.

Show us how you creatively use shower curtains in your dorm! Email us at info@lauralhome.com, or tag us on Instagram @lauralhome.

Trends We Love: Bohemian July 08 2015, 0 Comments

Bohemian decor is a great way to create a warm and cozy atmosphere while expressing an easygoing, free-spirited personality. It's all about conveying an eclectic, "collected" look. People might get the sense that you've carefully scoured all the antique shops, and that it's taken years of hard work to find these unique prints. All you need, though, is to incorporate some decor with an ornate boho-chic print — there's no need to go thrift shopping, if that's not your thing. Think bold and varying colors, embellished patterns and mixed textures. 

The great thing about this style is that it's all about mixing, and there's not too much emphasis on matching. Mix different pattern styles like floral, graphic, paisley and aztec; mix modern and vintage. Keep layering and adding whatever catches your eye.

You can create a bohemian sanctuary with some of our favorite Laural Home decor below.

This duvet cover will be your bedroom's centerpiece and will instantly transform your room and give it an artsy feel. We love how these warm, deep colors are blended together with paisley patterns to create a unique look. Shop the look: Persian Nights Duvet Cover and Shams

Feathers are a popular image that convey the free-spirited attitude that boho is known for. You can get the same effect by using an inspirational word or phrase, like the one below. Shop the look: Pink Feathers Decorative Pillow, Watercolor Flowers Laugh Decorative Pillow, Stars Canvas Wall Art

Have any tips for getting this look? Show us how you #Lauralize your home and let us know in the comments below!

-Amanda

Coastal Crab Decor June 23 2015, 0 Comments

My family's beach house is full of crab decor. And it's not just because it's a common coastal symbol. We just really love crabbing, so whenever there's a chance to stylishly incorporate this image into our home, we'll do it. We're constantly on the lookout.

 

This decor gives me a touch of nostalgia; I think of old memories of summers at the beach with my family. I'd run down the dock every day when I was younger, chasing after my dad, eager to see what we caught. My brothers and I must've scared a lot of them away as we were constantly pulling the traps out of the water, even after they'd just been checked. Our favorite thing to do, though, was watch my dad's Uncle Ernie — he was the expert. Like clockwork, he'd drive to our house every morning, and then again in the evening, to check for crabs and transfer the "keepers" — which he could recognize with a quick glance — to our holding trap. He was fearless. He never hesitated to grab a crab by the leg and toss it into the bushel, despite the fact that he'd sometimes get pinched (in which case, he'd curse like a sailor). No one loved crabbing more than him, and it was evident in his apartment, which he filled with crab-adorned knickknacks, kitchen items and other decor. Whenever my family spots a crab decoration, we think of him. 

I've always believed you should decorate with what you love. And I'm not just talking about using colors, patterns and designs you find are nice to look at. Those things are important, of course. But I also enjoy surrounding myself with decor that has meaning to me. Whenever I can, I try to incorporate symbols and images that hold significance. Crabs are a classic coastal image often used in beach houses but for my family, in addition to being stylish decor, it helps us remember our uncle. (This symbol also helps us embrace summer; we love the beach!)

The coral and navy in this shower curtain by Stephanie Marrott give this bathroom a fun, stylish look; it's a classic coastal color combination. The wall art (Fresh Seafood II & Fresh Seafood IV)  makes us feel like we're at a crab shack down by the beach!

A lot of people have certain images that they choose to fill their homes with, for whatever reason. Maybe it's something that held significance to one of your loved ones, or something that symbolizes an important period of your life. These are the kind of things that help make your house a home. 

Is there an image or certain type of decor that you love to decorate with? Let us know in the comments, or send us pictures to be featured on Laural Home! :) 

-Amanda

Celebrate Dad with a Festive Dinner June 15 2015, 0 Comments

Father's Day is quickly approaching, and what better way to celebrate than with a home-cooked, festive dinner? You can add your own personal touch while avoiding the hectic, crowded restaurants on this busy holiday. And Dad will surely appreciate the effort!

Easy Ways to Update Your Bath June 08 2015, 0 Comments

I'll admit it: my bathroom is often a mess, and it's not my top decorating priority. But I've recently decided I need to change my attitude and habits when it comes to this part of the house. Just because it's tucked away from public view doesn't mean it's not important. It's where I get ready for the day so a tidy, well-decorated space is crucial for getting off to a good start. It should also be a relaxing spot to unwind at the end of the day while I get ready for bed. 

So, now that I've realized the value of this room, I'd like to make some changes — but I don't want to renovate. Luckily, there are easy ways to do this. Here are some tips if you'd like to update your bathroom, too.

1. Change up your textiles.

The easiest way to completely update your bathroom is by changing up your textiles. A shower curtain, for example, can really help transform the room's look and feel. It's often the fist thing people will notice when they walk in and it's an easy thing to swap out. You have so many options — just decide what type of mood you'd like to set. Coastal decor is a popular bathroom theme that'll leave you feeling inspired and calm. Florals or abstract art can also help create a sense of tranquility. Or maybe you'd like something more energetic, like an inspiring quote or colorful map to help you wake up in the morning. A new rug or window curtains will also help your room feel brand new!

Enjoy the Ride Shower Curtain; Bold Anemones Shower Curtain

2. Clean up and get rid of clutter.

This might seem obvious, but it's a crucial step. If you're redecorating, no matter how small the changes may be, your first step should be to clear out your space. Not only will your bathroom seem cleaner and newer, but it will also look larger. It's very easy for unwanted items to pile up here. Take this opportunity to throw away anything past its prime: old toothbrushes, rusty razors, worn-out towels, etc. Do you have half-used shampoo or makeup bottles that you haven't touched in months? While you don't want to be wasteful, be honest about what you're going to use.

3. Add some smaller new, unexpected items.

Now that you've done some cleaning, you have more room for new decor! In addition to changing up larger textiles, like your shower curtain or rug, focusing on smaller items can really help refresh this room. Plants are an unexpected touch that are nice to look at and also help clean the air. Bath salts, bubble bath and soaps in glassware are both pretty and practical. You can even repurpose some unused items from your kitchen or bedroom — such as sugar holders or jewelry boxes — as decorative containers to hold cotton balls or Q-tips. And don't forget about art! Canvas art is a great option, as it won't fog up or get warped by condensation and temperature changes.

Le Petit Spa II; Le Petit Spa I

- Amanda

Trends We Love: Coastal May 18 2015, 0 Comments

 

 

Decorative pillows are a great way to play up your coastal theme.

• If color-coordinated correctly, patterned pillows, such as a hatch cross and a chevron, can work exceptionally well together.
• Simple patterns or bold, solid colors would make great backgrounds to the vibrant designs on Laural pillows, such as the classic red, white and blue Nautical Pillow Collection above.
• Layering them shows depth and offers more comfort.
• Shop the look: The Lighthouse Dream; Two Boats; Nautical V; Nautical IV; Nautical VI

 

Understandably, coastal is a hugely popular design theme in bathrooms. The feeling of serenity from a calm day on the beach translated into the bathroom creates a welcoming environment for getting ready in the morning or unwinding at the end of the day. The wonderful thing about coastal decor is that it can harmonize beautifully with another theme: floral, classic coastal, modern coastal, vintage coastal — the list can go on. Think about what type of coastal theme you want to see first thing in the morning.

• Do you want to be energized first thing in the morning with bright colors and bold patterns? Opt for nautical stripes paired with bright coral accents. It's time to get pumped for the day!
• Maybe you prefer a gentler morning wakeup. Go with soft blue and green pastels, and decorate with flowers and seashells. Keep to a minimalist approach so you can start your day uncluttered and free of stress. 
• Shop the look: Dream Beach Shells; Chamomile Spa; Coral Beauty Light I; Coral Beauty Light II 

 

Shop the look: Chamomile Spa; White Flower Spa; Freesai Spa; Lily of the Valley Spa

Whatever you do, be true to yourself! You have your own unique vision for your coastal décor, so get inspired and go for it!

—Rose :)

The Love of a Dog March 26 2015, 0 Comments

"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole."
—Roger Caras

We are thrilled to present Laural Home's new Dog Bed Collection! More than just a home decor item, our dog beds give your best friends a comfy, warm place to rest their heads for naps, slumbers and belly rubs. All dogs deserve a section of the room they can call their own and still stay part of the action.  

Our Dog Bed designs range from bright patterns and colors to mantras about the love of a dog. Made here in the USA, they are filled with a 100% polyester insert and come in two different styles: a fleece top with a heavy cotton bottom for cuddling at nap time, and a water resistant top with a heavy waterproof bottom — perfect for sunbathing in the backyard. Don't worry if your buddy gets a little messy either — both covers can be removed by a side zipper and are machine washable! 

Not many things can compare to the love a dog. Theirs is unconditional and they have the potential to become your lifelong companions and loyal friends. Unfortunately, some dogs are not presented with the opportunity to have a loving owner, or even a bed to sleep in. Thankfully, there are organizations that make it their goal to prevent this and rescue those in need. The first step for many of these animals is a foster family — people who can't commit to a forever pet but are able to help by taking them out overcrowded kennels into their homes while they await adoption.

So, when an opportunity came up to foster a puppy from a shelter in Kentucky, I couldn't say no! Timid at first, Sage is now an energetic, happy puppy who loves to cuddle. I can't imagine this sweet girl in a kennel or worse. As we look for a forever home for her, she is comfortable and loved, thus bringing out more of her wonderful personality — something that would have definitely been suppressed if a foster home was not available.  

As printed on one of our dog beds:

We are excited to launch this line as we believe dog beds should not be an eyesore but a beautiful addition to your home decor. Not only will your dog be thrilled with their new place to lounge, your inner interior designer will be satisfied as well. ;)

-Rose

Use Color to Boost Your Mood! February 15 2015, 0 Comments

What you choose to surround yourself can have a major impact on your mood, and one of the easiest ways to manipulate this is to take advantage of color psychology. Each color has a different effect, so when choosing decor for a certain room, you can think about what feeling you'd like to convey — whether you'd like the space to be calm, stimulating, etc. There's no need to change wall colors or entire color schemes; just a couple accents, such as a wall art piece or decorative pillow, will do.

Blue creates a restful and meditative environment. Use it in a bedroom or bathroom for a serene setting. Studies have shown that it also promotes focus, making it a great hue to incorporate in an office or study. Just keep in mind: dark blues can evoke feelings of sadness, so opt for warmer, lighter blues instead.

Waverly Lotus Lake (Pool) Creative Art Canvas

Green is another color with a calming effect. Because it's known to make people feel restful and balanced, health spas and doctors' offices often use it in their waiting rooms. Green would work well in a kitchen, living room — really, anywhere in the house.

Waverly Charismatic (Honeysuckle) Creative Art Canvas

Red is the color of passion. It raises energy levels and excitement, and it's even known to stimulate appetite — making it an excellent choice for the kitchen.  

Waverly Belle of the Ball (Punch) Creative Art Canvas

Orange is a warm, welcoming color. It's also known to stimulate creativity. Energetic, yet cozy at the same time, this color can be incorporated into a bedroom or dorm.   

Waverly Artistic Twist (Agave) Creative Art Canvas

 -Amanda

Leaning Art for Commitment-Free Arrangements February 03 2015, 0 Comments

Waverly Canvas Wall Art: Ute Mountain I (Gem), Ute Mountain II (Gem), Four Corners (Gem) 

As a college student, I'm never in one place for too long. Between dorm room changes, a semester abroad, a couple off-campus leases, and breaks spent at my parents' house, it seems like I'm always settling in somewhere new only to pack up my things and start over shortly after.

Despite this, it's important to me that wherever I'm living is well decorated — no matter how temporary it may be. It's also critical that my decor is easy to move and display. I used to rely on taping posters and photographs to my walls, but my tastes have matured. I've since started growing a collection of canvases and framed art.

A lot of dorms and leases don't allow nails in the wall, so I've learned that leaning pieces against the wall is a convenient and stylish solution. When artfully placed, it'll give your room a cool, casual vibe. It's an easy way to add dimension and interest, and it allows you to make as many adjustments as you'd like. See below for my favorite tips for this decorating technique.

Lean art in clusters. Group different pieces together and arrange them at different heights, layering your artwork by leaning smaller pieces on top of larger ones. For a sleek aesthetic, cluster art with similar content and colors. Or try displaying different frames, canvases and colors together for a fun, casual look.

Create vignettes. This is my preferred method. I'll lean my favorite Waverly canvas on the back of a dresser or tabletop, pairing it with plants, stacked books and other accessories.

My favorite Waverly Wall Art: Belle of the Ball (Delft)

When working with vignettes, try to develop visual interest by playing with scale. Some diversity in size is desired, as it creates texture and energy. But if the variation is too great — even a small canvas on a large piece of furniture — the art will get lost.

Make use of shelf space. You might want to consider dedicating a shelf or two in your home specifically for leaning art. Yes, installing a shelf requires some work. But then you can add or remove as much as you like, playing with different arrangements. For a gallery-like display, display art with similar sizes, styles and colors.

-Amanda

Creating a Gallery Wall January 29 2015, 0 Comments

Canvas Wall Art: The Rocks, Lava Flow, Fire & Ice

We have so many different wonderful patterns and art categories here at Laural Home. From abstract to coastal to inspirational, we want to decorate with all of them. Luckily, we don't have to choose. Gallery walls allow us to display a lot of art in our homes while showing off our different interests and tastes. See below for our favorite tips on incorporating one into your home:

What to hang: You can display pieces with similar colors or a common theme for a clean, cohesive look. But if you'd like to give your wall more visual interest and dimension, try mixing different colors, mediums and frames. And you don't have to limit yourself to just art: mirrors, posters and any other trinkets you can find around the house will do. It'll give the impression that your gallery wall was curated over time, adding an element of charm.

Where to hang: Gallery walls can go in a living room, bedroom or even a bathroom. They look great in compact spaces — at the end of a hallway, above a piece of furniture, etc. Art clusters also look well displayed down a hallway or staircase. 

How to hang: Lay everything on the floor and try different variations, snapping pictures with your phone as you go. We also love the idea of tracing the frames or canvases onto wrapping paper and then taping the cutouts on the wall. It's easiest to start with the piece or pieces that you'd like to be the focal point. Hang it in the center and add more artwork, working outwards. 

-Amanda

Swap Winter Blues for Colorful Hues January 26 2015, 0 Comments

Winter days on the East Coast have a certain beauty to them but with the short days and bitter cold, it can get a little dreary. Much of the color is drained out of nature leaving a lot of dark hues and greys. The crunch of ice and snow is a familiar sound and only the hardiest vegetation survives.

While flowers might not be growing outside in the winter, that doesn't mean they have have to be absent in your life! Floral home decor brings the beauty of flowers into your home. Where plant life hides in the winter, floral decor can brighten your home all year round! Similarly, bright colors and interesting patterns energize you from the inside out. What better than to come in from the dark dullness of winter to a house that is full of just the opposite.

Kick those winter blues out the door with Laural's colorful home decor! Here are some of my favorite bright and cheery items from Laural!

A classic but fun floral design from the renowned Waverly brand. These colorful flowers and bright birds are sure to brighten up any room! Try hanging in a room with a lot of windows to let the winter sunshine illuminate the vibrant colors of these canvases. (Shop: Candid Moment I; Candid Moment II)

While the background to these gorgeous canvases is a little dark, it makes the creamy white petals of the flowers pop, giving them a realistic quality. The light color and sensual lines of the petals give a sense of rebirth and innocence, therefore symbolizing the spring to come. They are perfect centerpiece in an otherwise dreary room. Try hanging these on light walls in an entranceway. (Shop: Gardenia Blossom; Magnolia Blossom)

Floral caricatures can give a young and energetic feel to any room. The vivid, clear colors pop off the canvas and are sure to bring out a smile on even the coldest winter day. These would go perfectly in a kitchen, closed porch or close to a vanity to remind yourself every morning that spring is right around the corner! (Shop: Jar of Sunshine I; Jar of Sunshine II)

While bright canvases are the perfect thing for blank walls, make sure you don't forget about the rest of the house!

Bright floral pillows can bring an old couch or armchair back to life! One of the great things about these pillows is that they are reversible. This makes it possible to mix and match sides and allows you to change it up every once in a while with a simple pillow turn. This pattern is fun, summery and a perfect way to lighten up a room. (Shop: Summer Floral I; Summer Floral II)

Playful pillows don't have to be kept in kids' rooms! These charming pillows would be perfect in a reading nook or on an office couch. Additionally, blue is a calming, meditative color that can soothe and help focus. Again the reversible aspect makes for great mixing and matching so it never gets boring! (Shop: Sunshine Moonshine; Sunshine)

Nothing says spring like pinks and purples! I just love this pattern; it reminds me of a vast sun-drenched country field filled with delicate flowers. Pair these with large solid pillows to really get them to pop. (Shop: Couleur Printemps II; Couleur Printemps III)

You may think shower curtains aren't important but they are! Shower curtains are almost always noticeable and are typically the centerpieces in a bathroom. So, with that in mind, what better way to revive a boring bathroom than with a statement shower curtain? First you want to figure out what mood you want to set, and think about who is going to use it. Is it for a teen? Go with something something fun and bold to let them express their personality (or inner angst). With guest bathrooms go a little more traditional — but not too much! Pick a curtain that will please any guest and make them feel at home; a bright floral or fun pattern always works. (Shop: Seasons Change; Good Day)

What better than to come in from outside, shivering and cold, than to crawl into a bed of flowers! These two duvet cover and sham sets are light and bright, great for adding a little color into any bedroom. From curling up with a book mid-afternoon to sleeping in on a snowy Sunday morning, they are sure to bring cheer, comfort and warmth to the room. (Shop: Flowers & Ferns; Hand Lettered US Map Color)

-Rose

The Kitchen is the Heart of the Home January 16 2015, 0 Comments

The kitchen is my favorite room in a house. And no, not just because it feeds my love of food (pun intended). But it's true, the love for food, and the love for cooking, brings family and friends together — whether it's a holiday, special occasion or just a casual weekday dinner.       

Wednesday nights have become kind of a fun and special night for three of my closest friends and me. What started out as excitement over a new Crock-Pot has turned into weekly dinners made alternately by each of us. Each week we go to one of our houses for dinner and while the meal is typically prepared ahead of time, we spend most of our time in the kitchen with the cook, laughing, talking and enjoying each other’s company. We congregate around the counters, sample the food, help out with any preparation and excitedly wait to eat whatever the hostess of the night has whipped up! 

The kitchen plays a big part of our ritual and brings us all together. People tend to forget about decor for the kitchen but it is important to make your kitchen warm and welcoming! You never know the impromptu dinner parties, Christmas cookie baking or culinary discoveries that could occur. The kitchen truly is the heart of the home!

Spice up your kitchen with Laural Home's NEW Canvas Wall Art Kitchen Collection!

Perfect for:

- The Barbecue Master -
Hands off the grill! They've got it under control. Typically found with a "King of the Grill" apron, covered in charcoal dust and with an insane gleam in their eye.

- The Veggie Lover -
Carrots, peas, peppers — no one makes a veggie stir-fry like this person. They can chop onions like a pro and their ratatouille brings tears of happiness.

- The Gardener -
No meal is complete without a little bit of fresh seasoning from the garden! Whether they're using thyme, rosemary, mint or parsley, they know the perfect pairings to make a dish really pop.

- The Morning Bear - 
The "Don't-Even-Look-at-Me-'Til-I-Get-My-Cup-of-Coffee" person. It's best to avoid this person until they are at least well into their second cup — but after that they are a ray of sunshine!

- The Chef -
You don't know how they do it, but every meal looks straight out of a five-star restaurant! Typically a combination of all of the above, they rule the kitchen!

 -Rose

Make Your Art Look Great in Your Space January 13 2015, 0 Comments

Waverly Charismatic (Delft) Canvas Wall Art

Whenever I bring home new artwork, I can’t wait to unwrap it — to add a new, unexpected touch to my space, some added personality and welcome change. But when it comes time to actually hang it up, I start to panic. I worry I won’t display it correctly, and I want to make the piece look as great as possible in my space. Luckily, there are lots of online resources with tips for arranging art. Here are some of my favorites:

1. Think balance.

Relate your art to wall size. A small canvas or frame typically works best on a small wall space, while a large piece or arrangement suits a large wall. There should be at least several inches of empty space around each side, so remember to give your art room to breathe!

Most Laural Home art is offered in a range of sizes, so you can keep location in mind when choosing a canvas.

2. Mount your wall art at eye level.

The center of your piece should sit about 60 inches from the floor. If you’re hanging a pair of canvases or frames with one above the other, treat them as one large picture and find the center point between them.

3. Hang your canvas over furniture.

If you’re unsure of where to place your art, try hanging it over a couch, fireplace mantle or bed. Hang it about 6 to 20 centimeters above the furniture to maintain proportion. If there’s a big gap between the two, the eye will be drawn to the empty space rather than the artwork. Use a canvas that’s smaller than the width of your furniture — about 3/4 the size.

4. When in doubt, keep it centered.

Wherever you’re hanging your art, whether it be on a wall or over a piece of furniture, a good rule of thumb is to place it in the center. This will pretty much always look nice and if you use a tape measure to find a precise center, it takes the stress out of finding the right spot.

5. Group artwork together.

Before hanging a group of canvases up on the wall, lay everything on the table or floor and experiment with different arrangements. To get an even better idea of how it will look, trace the pieces onto wrapping paper and tape the cutouts on the wall. (This method is helpful for hanging a single piece of artwork, too!)

How do you decide where to display your art? Let us know your favorite tips!

- Amanda

Holiday Traditions with Laural Home! December 22 2014, 0 Comments

Canvas Wall Art for the Bathroom December 19 2014, 0 Comments

About three years ago I took a road trip up to Vermont during the peak of the fall foliage. A friend and I had decided on a whim to go visit Burlington and feast our eyes what nature had to offer. We spent a wonderful, albeit very cold, weekend exploring Burlington, visiting with friends and enjoying the scenery. The morning of our journey home, we stopped at a farm surrounded by mountains of bursting color. As we wandered around the farm munching on donuts and sipping hot apple cider, I snapped pictures with my old SLR camera. Though I was using B&W film, the way the light bounced around the valley as the sun rose in the sky was spectacular, and made for great picture taking.

A while later, I developed the film and spent time in the dark room picking the perfect picture to print. I decided on a picture of a broken-down tractor surrounded by trees and mountains, which paired nicely with a thin black frame that complimented my red, black and white bathroom color scheme.

After a while, I started to notice some changes to the print. It started to buckle in the middle. The glass would fog up after showers and the condensation would stay stuck behind the glass, obscuring the picture. Some time after that, the print started to bubble with water damage. Utterly disappointed with my poor bathroom decor planning, I took the print down and was left with an empty wall and an unsightly nail sticking out of it.

Ugly nail+blank wall

My search for a suitable replacement took a while, now that I was wary of what could happen with framed pictures and prints.

Turns out, the wall art from Laural Home was the perfect answer. The Bedazzle Ebony Waverly print coordinated beautifully with my bathroom color scheme. You may be thinking … canvas?? How will a porous material such as canvas hold up to bathroom wear-and-tear?? Well, Laural Home’s canvas wall art is gloss-laminated, so it is protected from crazy bathroom weather patterns. I didn’t have to worry about any fogging up or any weird warping. If it gets too much condensation on it? A simple, gentle swipe with a clean rag takes care of it in less than five seconds. It is durable enough to withstand the constant temperature changes that are bound to happen in a bathroom.

Looks awesome!

So, even though my picture I had taken did not fare too well in the home I picked for it, I now have a lovely and high-quality canvas that will last me much longer. Guess another trip up to Vermont is long overdue! 

-Rose

A House is Not A Home Without Laural December 19 2014, 0 Comments

“Home is the nicest word there is.”

–Laura Ingalls Wilders–

Making a house a home doesn’t happen overnight. It can takes months, years, sometimes a lifetime of changing, adding, subtracting and reimagining. The pictures you hang and the trinkets you place on shelves each tell a story, building a home within the four walls in which you reside.

When you have the freedom to do whatever you like with your imagination and are able to paint your personality through the rooms, you form a certain connection with the walls that are around you.

Here at Laural Home, we strive to help make your house feel more like a home, whether you are finishing up a renovation, recently moved in, or even just need something unique and fun as a finishing touch. Our collections don’t stop at just canvas wall art. We have wide variety of bed and bath textiles, such as cozy duvet covers and trendy shower curtains, that are sure help bring your personality out in your home.

In this blog we will share our favorite home decor tips, DIY projects and updates on our company!

From our home to yours,

Laural Home