Lauren Liess

I’m so excited today to have a blog contribution from Lauren Liess, owner and writer of “Pure Style Home”.  This year, if you haven’t been with us before, I am doing a series of  “design rules.” Top designers from all over the country use them to make their homes (or the homes of their clients) not only look good, but function while looking good.  My hope is that you will take this advice to heart, love it, and be able to use it in some form in your own home!

Lauren has also graciously let me use some of her photographs from her home, so enjoy the beautiful photography (done by Helen Norman) and her wonderful design advice!

“One of my tried-and-true design rules is to take at LEAST one risk in every room.  No one likes a boring room and the only way you’re not creating one is to take risks and do things that are a bit outside the box.”

“Now, what’s out of the box for one person may not be outside of the box for another, so just make sure you do something that’s just a tad outside of your comfort zone.  It might seem scary, but in the end, it will make the space and you’ll love it.”

“You need to walk the line between what you’re comfortable with and what excites you and makes you a little nervous.  It doesn’t have to be something big and bold.  It can be something as low-key as mixing different design styles or choosing a patterned sofa for your living room or going with an all-white palate.”

“Your design riskiness is different from anyone else’s and your tolerance may be higher or lower than the average person.”

Thanks so much Lauren!

Now you go and do something daring with your home! It will become your favorite spot!  Have a wonderful Monday!