ON THE BLOG//
archive
Home Sort: Closet Edition
For those of you that know me know that organization is the key to my heart; the Container Store was my second home when we were moving into ours, label makers are dreamy, glass pantry containers are way better than packages, and organized closets and cabinets and drawers are top priority. #sos! All of that to say, when Home Sort reached out and wanted to ultra-organize my closet, I was all in and legitimately was counting down the days until the transformation. There was something about my closet that I couldn't get fully right, so I knew their magical touch was all it was going to take!First of all, the Home Sort sisters, Ryan and Brandie, felt like immediate friends when they walked in the door. They have the most contagious joy and they are just so much FUN. I love their love for people and organizing and serving others through their job. It is truly refreshing + they get the job done! I was so blown away when I walked into my closet that I held back tears (insert laughing emoji).All of that to say, all Californians, call them ASAP. They are mastermind organizers and will exceed your expectations! I also love that if you are on a budget, you can pay for their master plan, and you do the work for such an affordable flat fee. See their services here. Also, scroll down to see the entire process! xo
BEFORE
THE PROCESS
THE REVEAL 
Video by Scott Allison Films // see him on InstagramPhotos by Christy Johnson Photography // see her on Instagram
Finding Comfort
Over the past few years, decor & interiors have become something that we are really passionate about here at LSK. Decorating a home is such a special, personal process and results in a haven that is uniquely yours. How cool is that? It is fascinating to us how everyone's home is entirely different; a collection of one's past, things that they love and are drawn to, plus items and pieces that they see as inspiring, practical, beautiful, and comforting, or a combination of all of the above.
We definitely believe that as people, we decorate our homes and make certain interior design choices with the goal of finding comfort. Consciously or not, we seek comfort in all areas of life; sometimes though it is just not possible, since the reality is that discomfort is a very normal part of life. However, our prayer is that all of our homes can be a little corner of comfort for us in this world. No matter what you call home, we pray that it is a place of comfort, rest, safety, and peace for you; a little sanctuary where you start your day and end your day, finding peace and hope no matter what sort of day you had or are having .
When we discovered this chair from Bakarian Studio, we knew that it had to be a part of our home. The unique design, beautifully simple aesthetic, and comfort factor caught our attention immediately. We had been searching for the right chair for this corner of our guest room and this one fits perfectly and finishes the room just the way that I hoped it would. My wish is that guests find comfort in this corner while staying at our home; curling up with a blanket to enjoy a cup of tea before bed, reading a book, or making a phone call. Thank you, Lauren, for this amazing addition to our home! Also, friends, be sure to follow Bakarian Studio on IG- their feed is so beautiful and inspiring.
OUTFIT DETAILS:
denim (c/o) | tee | jacket (c/o) | the chair (c/o)
images by felicia lasala
Favorite All-Natural Cleaning Product Brand
Clean Air For A Peaceful Mind
As you probably know by now, making and keeping our home a clean, pure, toxin-free environment is so important to me! I have become really passionate about it and it brings me so much peace and joy to know that the air we are breathing and the products we are using are clean as possible. Even so, there are still pollutants, allergens, and gases that exist. When Dyson reached out about sending me their purifier: the pure hot+cool link, I was so thankful and excited to add the technology to our home. Dyson continues to amaze me with their cutting edge technology, as they are truly creating state of the art products that are purposeful , effective, powerful, and useful with a design strategy that is exceptionally modern and minimal. Last week I shared my experience with their supersonic hair dryer, so definitely check out that post if you missed it. Their hair dryer has seriously changed the state of my hair for the better!
Since I spend most of the day hours in my office, I decided to put the purifier in there. It has become my routine to turn it on everyday while I am at my desk. Since starting that routine, I've had such peace of mind and comfort, knowing that it is working to clean the air around me as I focus on my work. It is pretty mind-blowing to realize that air pollution isn't just something that we should be concerned about outside, but it is an indoor issue as well. What is especially incredible about the hot + cool link, is that while it purifies the air and captures pollutants, it also heats or cools your indoor space, depending on the temperature. How cool is that! If you are interested in reading more facts, click here. The Dyson site has a quick video that describes the power of of the technology behind their purifier so well.
*images by Felicia Lasala. Thank you, Dyson, for the purifier!
Coffee Table Styling
One of my favorite parts about going to a friend's home is seeing how they style their coffee table. Similar to someone's wardrobe, a coffee table represents a person's style, aesthetic, and gives you a peek into their interests and personal taste. From coffee table books to candles, a well-curated coffee table is truly a work of art in itself. Coffee table styling is a personal experience and there is no right or wrong way to do it, which makes the process that much more fun and enjoyable. Make it yours and let it make an authentic statement in your home! Below are a few of our styling tips, but again, you do you. xo
---
DESIGN BOOKS
There are so many beautiful design books (like this one + this one) that serve as great coffee table accessories and house guests absolutely love them. When you are gathered around the table, it is fun for people to flip through the books and be inspired.
FRESH BLOOMS
Fresh flowers add so much warmth and love to a home. We love picking up blooms regularly and adding them to our coffee tables. Much like a centerpiece on a dining table, the coffee table serves as a centerpiece to a living space, so adding fresh flowers will definitely make a welcome, homey statement. We are loving these vases to hold the beautiful blooms.
STATEMENT CANDLE (c/o)
Capri Blue is our absolute favorite brand of candles! They smell wonderfully, are long-lasting, and have a clean, stylish look. This one is pictured above, but we also love this one and this one.
CUTE COASTERS
Having coasters on a coffee table is a must! Guests always appreciate when coasters are readily available, but they also make a table look complete & will protect the table from glass rings. We are especially loving these coasters from Anthro- we both have them!
KEEP IT TIDY
Last but not least, an organized table is a beautiful table! However, depending on your taste and style, the coffee table might be more full than others, or you might like the minimalist approach. Either way and regardless of how many things are on the table, it is nice when everything is kept organized and looks put-together, even in an effortless way.
[show_shopthepost_widget id="2822957"]
Cozy Home Items from the #NSALE
We are so inspired by beautiful interiors and love the simple, cozy, and comfortable aesthetic. Last week we shared five ways to make home a happy place and today we are sharing cozy home items from Nordstrom's Anniversary sale, early access happening now!
SHOP: one | two | three | four | five | six | seven | eight | nine
Shop the collage above + additional favorites below. If you don't have a Nordstrom card, don't fret. The sale will open to all at the end of this week! xo
[show_boutique_widget id="620025"]
Bar Cart Goals
Is it just me, or do you guys have a bar cart obsession too? There is something so put-together, organized, and party-ready about bar carts that make me absolutely love them. If you like having people over, or you just enjoy a cool set-up, a bar cart is definitely something for you. The below items are currently all part of the Nordstrom anniversary sale (early access for now, with your Nordstrom card) and the deals are so good. Plus, talk about bar cart goals! That gold frame + mirrored surface is a dreamy combination, and the style is very timeless, simple, and chic. Links are below to shop, enjoy. xo
THE LINKS
Five Ways To Make Home A Happy Place
Today we are sharing five ways to make home a happy place. We are big believers in filling our homes with things that we love and creating an atmosphere of love and peace. From fresh blooms to cozy throws and everything in-between, below are five ways to make your home the place that you love to be the most.
BLOOMS
There is nothing that brings us more joy than fresh blooms. We love the way it adds color and life to a room in such a pure, natural way. It is easy to fall into a routine of only shopping for blooms when having guests over, but we encourage the idea of buying blooms just because they make you and your home happy.
NEAT AND TIDY
Keeping things orderly is key for a happy space. The way to achieve this easily is to not have too much stuff and make sure that everything has a "place". Doing so will prevent clutter and make it easy to put things away. A neat and tidy space makes for a clear and focused mind! Plus it is so much easier to relax and unwind in a room that is free of unnecessary clutter.
COZY AND COMFORTABLE
Bring on the pillows, rugs, and throws. Having cozy textures and soft things to snuggle up with on the couch or bed is so important. It is so comforting and peaceful to unwind after a long day on a cozy couch with a warm throw. Soft textures definitely create a sense of safety and comfort which are both home-y feelings that everyone desires inside a home.
BEAUTIFULLY IMPERFECT
No home is perfect and that is such a refreshing truth. There is such a beautiful, authentic, and real thing about a home that is clearly lived-in and enjoyed on a day-to-day basis. Yes we are against clutter, but there is a certain element of imperfection that makes a house a home. For example, don't fret if you haven't vacuumed when you should have or if there is some laundry back-up occurring. This is life! Embrace it and let it go :)
ALL ABOUT THE LOVE
When it comes down to it, it is not the things in your home that matter; it is the people and the love inside the home that are most important. The true substance of a home is the love that is found inside and the positive, loving, encouraging, and happy atmosphere that is found within the walls. If you live alone, this is possible as well! Love yourself and show love to others by inviting people over, calling loved ones, and having loving thoughts. A home filled with love is one that you will look forward to coming home to day after day.
a few home things that we are loving...
Meet the Artist: Lindsey Meyer
Jason and I have absolutely loved choosing art for our home - it makes your living space so unique and meaningful. It is such a personal choice that brings joy to the soul + it is extra sweet doing it together. It definitely does not happen over night, but it is extra special when you find the perfect pieces for the right places. I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Lindsey Meyer last year, and she happens to be a fellow Dallas-ite! She has so much purpose in her creativity, is a precious mama to the most beautiful little ones, and is able to balance her talent with being a present mom and wife. I learned so much from Lindsey by reading the answers to the questions we sent her way - scroll down to read about her beautiful perspective on art, family, and life + see the painting in our home!
When do you first remember knowing that you were in love with art and painting?
I have vivid memories of art being my favorite class as a child. My mom painted an artist’s palette and a paintbrush on a smock for me to wear during class. I loved it! The smell of crayons brings back so many early childhood memories.As an adult, I decided to return to school a year after graduating college to study graphic design. I enrolled in a watercolor class the first semester back and it sparked in me a crazy love for painting. I began painting every minute I had time. I knew then that I was on to something.
What is the creative process like for you?
I am not really a process person. I basically get in my studio, pray that the work that is done that day would be pleasing to God and turn up some really great music. I'll flip through some inspiration I had set aside and pick out a color palette that draws me in in that moment.
What inspires you the most?
I would have to say that fashion and interior design inspire me more than anything. I am a clotheshorse! Chic put together outfits spin my mind into ideas for a painting and Architectual Digest brings me inspirational overload. Getting lost on a Pinterest rabbit trail does my soul good too!
Before painting, I worked as a buyer for a small clothing boutique, an assistant for an interior designer and designed invitations for a card company. Design is in my bones and each of my work experiences have helped me so much as an artist.
What do you love most about abstract art?
I love the freedom of abstract art. For me, it’s all about color and the movement of a piece mixed with the relationships of space. I like to paint my mood and bring in the thoughts and feelings of the day into my art. Looking back at pieces and remembering what was going on in my life is an amazing way of remembrance.
Your paintings are truly beautiful! Do you have a favorite piece or a favorite project that you have done? If so, why is it your favorite?
Thank you so much. I just recently finished a painting that is my new favorite. It was quick and free and just felt really good. Like a sipping a smooth glass of wine, and I had sand and water on my mind!
The colors that you use are gorgeous. How do you go about determining the color scheme for a painting?
That is the ultimate compliment for me, thank you! There is a quote from Keith Crown that says, “Color is a language of the poets. It is astonishingly lovely. To speak it is a privilege”. I could not agree more. It’s almost like color is God’s love language to me. I have stacks of inspiration all over my studio that I shuffle through. I’ll pick an idea that begins the painting that day and the direction comes and go from there. There in no real plan or premeditation.
What do you love most about painting? What about it brings you so much joy?
Art is so exciting! I love the feeling of standing back after the day and literally seeing my creations. It is simple but completely gratifying. I am so grateful for a job that is flexible and allows me to be a present mom and wife, but also feeds my soul as a creative.
It has been such a joy and privilege for me to be able to use my gifts to give back to organizations that I am passionate about. After the adoption of our daughter two years ago, the Lord began laying on my heart the desire to help support and be an advocate for other orphans/adoption here and abroad. It has taught me so much and given my work an immense purpose. #artforadoption
Do you have a favorite place to create your artwork? If so, where is it and why?
We recently built a studio behind our house where I work. I share it with the paraphernalia that comes with having three children! I am so grateful for my own space to just be. It is my first real studio and I love it.
Who are some of your favorite artists? What do you love about their work?
I recently went to the Dieberkorn/Mattise exhibit at the SFMOMA and it blew my mind. I was literally standing in the presence of sheer brilliance. I love Joan Mitchall, Helen Frankenthaler, Ivon Hitchens, Gabriel Goddard, Charlotte Seifert to name a few. Each of these artists use color with ease and genius. The greats were paving a new way in their time. Gabriel Goddard has a way with landscapes that in my opinion, no one can match. Charlotte Seifert is a friend of mine and is one of the reasons why I wanted to be a professional artist. Every new piece of her work takes my breath away.
What piece of advice would you give to a young person who dreams of becoming an artist?
If I had any advice to give someone who aspires to be an artist I would tell them to be patient, pay your dues and be true to yourself. It takes time to come to the place of knowing which path you want to take. What medium do you feel at home with? What style of composition do you want to make your own? What genre does your art reflect? All of these questions and others will be answered with hard work, failure and time.
What is your advice on choosing art for your home? What is the importance of it?Choose art that makes you happy and evokes an emotion in your soul. Ask yourself the question, “What would I love to walk into a room and see on my walls every day?" I believe that artwork is the crowning glory of your space. Let it be the component that allows your personality to shine!Check out her artwork here, and follow her on Instagram here!