LAUREN LOUISE DESIGN

HONORING THE PAST, BUILDING YOUR FUTURE

LLD REVEALS: OVERHAULED HISTORIC

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One of my most shared pins, and most requested content is the finished kitchen from this post about it’s design. The time is here folks! I was finally able to get into this kitchen to photograph. I’ll do my best to share sources but if you have any questions I’ll be happy to answer!

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Bright white classic kitchen designed by Texas interior designer Lauren Louise Design47.JPG

This kitchen was a complete gut - you can see the plans in this earlier post. Absorbing space from the pantry, an adjacent bedroom closet and an enclosed porch we were able to create a beautiful, functional and light-filled space. Large 24”x12” slate-look tiles from Thorntree set the foundation for the design. The faucet and pot-filler are both from Delta in their “Champagne Bronze” finish. The carerra marble island is just over 9’ long and 3’ wide and painted in a contrasting shade of blue-gray. The perimeter countertops are sanded and sealed walnut butcher block. Once a month (or whenever they need a little TLC) the homeowner will wipe down the counters with a food-safe butcherblock oil and no matter their starting condition they look brand new. The exposed brick chimney would have been the flue for the original wood burning stove. We uncovered it during demo and it was such a pretty reminder of the home’s history.

S H O P T H E L O O K

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Bright white classic kitchen designed by Texas interior designer Lauren Louise Design104.JPG

On the west facing wall we removed a pair of windows in order to put in a floor-to-ceiling custom millwork pantry. If I could put pantries like this in all my kitchens I would - at just 16” deep you can see everything no cans of tomatoes getting lost at the back for 3 years. Another of my favorite features of this kitchen is the custom console we built in under the windows. Shallow drawers store linens, extra napkins, and one drawer has note pads and pens - perfect for jotting down a quick grocery list and below that open “crates” store produce and dogfood (in a perfectly sized OXO Container.) The homeowner has a little 5lb Yorkie so the food doesn’t take up too much space! Finally below that a stained, slatted, shelf allows for storing larger bowls and serving platters. Aside from function this entire wall of storage is shallow to allow for a generously sized eat-at island complete with four playfully blue barstools - that are used to access the upper cabinets in a pinch!

S H O P T H E L O O K

This kitchen was actually mostly completed almost FIVE YEARS ago! Hard to believe because it’s still one of my absolute favorite kitchens! That does mean that a lot of the pieces we used are no longer available (re: the Pottery Barn pendants and the Delta faucet to name a couple) so I did my best to select pieces I would use if I were to design it again today (like these amazing Circa Katie Acorn Pendants!)

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Bright white classic kitchen designed by Texas interior designer Lauren Louise Design12.JPG

This kitchen is truly the heart of the home. Everyone gathers around the island - it makes the perfect buffet and everyone can be involved, but out of the cook’s way.

This is one of my favorite kitchens I’ve ever designed. See even more images from this shoot with Madeline Harper Photography in my portfolio.

ROUND UP: NORDSTROM SALE PERSONAL PICKS

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1 | MY ALL TIME FAVORITE SUNSCREEN

If you know me at all, you know I am obsessed with sunscreen. Supergoop is the best of the best. Their superscreen is like the most magnificent moisturizer and SPF all rolled into one - it feels like the ultimate luxury to put on in the morning and it protects against blue light damage too! I can’t sing it’s praises enough and I will be stocking up - the included Play sunscreen is an added bonus!

2 | LITTLE GOLD HOOPS

Nothing dresses up a zoom meeting outfit or makes you feel more put together than simple, beautiful jewelry. I have worn the #3 studs everyday since I got them in last years sale and I think it’s time to switch things up.

3 | TWO CARAT CZ STUDS

Like I said above, I bought these in last year’s sale after seeing Things I Bought and Liked preach about them the year before. I have worn them everyday since and will likely throw a pair in as a Christmas gift this year. You can’t beat that $26 price point and they look GREAT.

4 | CRESENT MOON NECKLACE

I love layering delicate gold necklaces and this would make a beautiful edition to my stack. I would pair it with the Madewell necklace at #6 and a mid length gold coin necklace (I love this one from none other than Amazon!). Again, a great way to dress up that basic tee you’ve worn 4 days this week.

5 | GOOD GENES by sunday riley

I have been wanting to step up my skincare game since I’m wearing honestly nothing but SPF these days. I hope this doesn’t sell out before I can pick it up, I’ve heard nothing but good things. Plus the $1300 tub of La Mer is just a little out of my price range.

6 | DELICATE DOT NECKLACE

In my eyes Madewell can do no wrong. I love this delicate addition to a neck stack (ah…the new arm party?)

7 | HUNTER RAIN BOOTIES

So cute, so practical. You would be surprised how often I wear rain booties. Here on the Gulf Coast saying we get a lot of rain would be an understatement, so I’m constantly reaching for waterproof footwear for dog walks, jobsite visits, gardening, errands…it’s time I upgrade to something that will last me more than a couple years. REALLY hoping I can grab a pair before they sell out.

8 | JO MALONE SET

I can’t remember the last time I wore perfume, much less purchased it. I’m obsessed with all things Jo Malone and this set right here is going to help me find my new signature scent.

1 | JO MALONE SET

THIS one is not sold out and man do I want it, need it. ok?

2 | SPERRY DUCK BOOTS

It’s hurricane season in Texas. Even if it’s sunny in the morning, it’s raining by the afternoon. These are a perfect alternative to my full on rainboots from above.

3 | BARBOUR RAIN JACKET

When I can travel again I’m headed straight for the west coast. Give me all the foggy mornings, damp woodsy hikes, and fall-turning-into-winter chilly nights around a fire pit. For now this jacket will get me stylishly through dog walks in hurricane season.

4 | COTTON BUTTON DOWN

You can’t go wrong with a classic white button down and I love that this cotton version brings in some casual texture.

5 | MADEWELL SLIDES

The fall transition shoe I can’t wait to get my hands on. I love this small dot pattern, but the listing has a full on leopard that is beautiful too.

6 | SUPERGOOP DEFENSE REFRESH

Superscreen might be my absolute favorite - but the defense refresh spray is ideal when you already put on your full face of make up (haha, who is actually doing that these days). It sprays on lightly and gives your face a fresh dusting of SPF.


There you have it folks. A Nordstrom Sale round up with not a single chunky sweater in sight. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did putting it together! I would love to know what you’re buying or stocked up on so be sure to drop me a comment below!

ROUND UP: NORDSTROM SALE HOMEGOODS

Round UpLauren Braud1 Comment
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Ah the Nordstrom Sale…the annual late-summer extravaganza marked by bloggers posting 12,000 images of perfectly slouchy sweaters and is-it-fall-yet booties. The sale isn’t exactly known for it’s home goods and really at it’s heart it’s more of a White Sale as far as decor is concerned. Plenty of meh bedding and plain throw pillows and tons of glassware. If you’re in the market that’s great but I would argue a new comforter isn’t at the top of your list. There are actually only about 500 “home” items in the sale this year, and I decided to sort through it for you bc again: you can only look through so many poorly framed art prints and uninteresting pillow shams. After all of that I culled it down to the TWENTY home items I would consider buying. You’re welcome.

1 | LE LABO VOTIVE SET

These candles are a splurge at $98 but also the ultimate flex in a guest bathroom. I love the industrial concrete container the candles are in. All three are the same scent so you could keep one for yourself and give the others as, IMHO, excellent gifts. Pair it with the hand soap for an extra special touch!

2 | PATTERNED THROW

A great throw adds a little pattern to your sofa, side chair, or bed. I love the warm neutral pattern reminiscent of Peruvian Alpaca blankets. At least in my home this is also a necessary work from home accessory. With my husband and I both working under the same roof one of us always thinks the AC is too cold.

3 | FLUTED OLD FASHIONED GLASSES

Reeded glass is IN, I am seeing it everywhere. I also picked these because my parent’s have a very similar set and I think they always look magnificent. Textured glassware is great when you have open shelving or display, adding a little more than a basic glass would. By the way its a set of four for just about $20, what!

4 | COTTON/LINEN REVERSABLE DUVET

Honestly, I think this is just a really pretty, basic duvet in a good neutral color. Giving me Jenni Kayne home vibes..

5 | MARBLE LAZY SUSAN

A similar lazy susan was also in my top picks for registry gifts. We use ours on our coffee table to corral pretty things and I love it. This one has an acacia wood base that makes it unique.

6 | NEST DIFFUSERS

I love reed diffusers. They don’t bring as much ambiance or instant scent like a high quality candle, and I would argue they arn’t all that pretty to look at either - however, tucked away in a room they lend a base level good-smell to your home and Nest is one of the best. Also good if you have kiddos or are worried about open flames.

1 | LARGE CHEESE BOARD

Instantly soften and warm up a kitchen counter by leaning one of these against your backsplash. There are a good number of attractive cheese boards and cutting boards in the sale - this one was my favorite. In my home, I use a small cheese board to corral small, constantly used, items on my counter: a salt cellar and a pepper grinder. Elevate the everyday people!

2 | DIPTYQUE VOTIVE SET

Another luxury candle set - honestly I really may buy this one. At $55 they would make great stocking stuffers, or throw one into a housewarming gift with a dish towel some cute matches and a little plant? Hero status. Or keep them all for yourself - no judgement.

3 | COUNTERTOP GARDEN

I debated putting this on here - its a little out of my interior aesthetic, but it’s right up my personal values alley. In the time of COVID more and more people are looking into growing food in their homes and reducing trips to the grocery store. This could also double as a science lesson for those stay-at-home kiddos.

4 | CERAMIC LIDDED CANDLE

Again, not a lot to say besides “it’s pretty”. I love a candle in a beautifully made container so it can double as decor on a shelf when not in use.

5 | BOUCLE THROW PILLOW

Another trend I’m seeing everywhere is boucle. This is an easy way to incorporate the trend into your decor without jumping off the deep end and covering your couch in it.

6 | TASSELED SHOWER CURTAIN

Forever and always this Ferm shower curtain will be my favorite - but at that price point it’s a commitment (a glorious and worth it commitment but none-the-less). This tasseled shower curtain would be adorable in a kids bathroom or guest room.

7 | TERRAZZO COASTER SET

Coasters are wonderful - they protect your furniture, they make wonderful little stands for small potted plants, and I love using them under candles too. And terrazzo is great.

1 | POM POM AT HOME EURO PILLOW

Adding texture instantly makes a bed even more cozy. Pop two of these in front of your sleeping pillows and your bed is made.

2 | MALIN & GOETZ CANDLE SET

Malin & Goetz also makes my favorite shampoo and conditioner so let me tell you these are going to smell amazing.

3 | ACACIA WOOD TRAY

A good tray is hard to come by, and I know for a fact this one sold out earlier in the sale. Grab it while you can - it would look perfect corralling your favorite liquors on the counter, some pretty trinkets on your coffee table, or the perfect place to display your guest room essentials on the foot of their bed.

4 | POM POM AT HOME THROW IN FOREST GREEN

With fall around the corner this is the perfect cozy accent to keep on the couch or the end of the bed.

5 | Rachel PARCEL FAUX FUR THROW

The last throw not quite cozy enough? This faux fur throw steps up the coziness factor and is in the perfect olive color to transition into fall decor.

6 | RUST FAUX FUR BLANKET

One more throw because y’all, 2020 makes me want to hunker down under about 26 blankets and this rust color makes my heart sing.

7 | POM POM BEDDING

My guest bedroom makeover could really use this set. I’m usually a simple linen duvet girl (see this one above!) but the texture (see a theme?) is so perfect in this simple color and could add so much to an otherwise minimal room.


Thats about it y’all. Nothing you need but some fun items to consider. I think us regular people can start shopping the sale in a few days but if you have an account you can start making wishlists now. Something tells me (other than the Diptypque Candles and the Le Labo candles) the home goods won’t really sell out.

I’m going to post again tomorrow with the 13 personal items I absolutely will be buying & or stocking up on (hello deal on my ALL TIME favorite sunscreen). I hope you’ll come back and check it out!