Client Plan: New French Country

"Chicken with its head cut off" would hardly even describe my true state this week...  We've been running around like mad with pre-holiday final appointments and presentations and installs.   I actually love it when it's like this (haha maybe taken down one notch) but my body (more my throat) does not.  I'm one of those people who doesn't sleep well when I'm super-busy so I guess that doesn't help.  Although have you noticed that some of your best ideas come late at night?? 
Anyway, I thought I'd share a little peek of the fabrics in a client's plan we've been working on.  Although you know I'm not big on "themes," she loves French Country so we decided to do a more modern / less obvious version of  for her not-so-French home located in Northern Virginia.  The design needed to work for the here and now and not look like something trying to be what it's not, so we included some more graphic modern fabrics and are keeping the furnishings fairly classic. 




The striped dark brown velvet will go on this sofa (below) and the curtains are in the tapestry floral.  English arm chairs will be in the golden embroidered paisley and the black & brown graphic print will be on an unpholstered bench.  Other fabrics might work their way into pillows and walls are a soft beige-cream.
(Sofa available through Lauren Liess Interiors}


I looooove this pillow option.  Fringe typically isn't my thing but it will work beautifully in the room: 


{China Winds pillow also available through Lauren Liess Interiors}

On another note, over Christmas I'll be working on my design proposal for the DC Design Showhouse this Spring..   We had the walk-through and I chose my space.  I've started work with an insanely talented artist, Matthew Moore    and super-innovative lighting designer Rick Singleton (both introduced to me by Eddie Ross - thank you E!!) and am staying up late at night thinking of the space I'm competing for.  I'm seriously nervous- there was so many talented designers at the walk-through- and haven't wanted something this badly in a long time.  The panel of judges/ board will look through all of the design proposals/boards and make their selections in January.  I fell in love with the room I'm after and the house itself is just so incredible.  I've been debating about mentioning this on the blog- there is a huge chance I won't be chosen- but it's tough for me to keep anything I'm really excited about off of the blog.  At first I thought I'd be embarrassed to tell you if I didn't make it, but I pretty much lay it all out on here and figured you wouldn't hold it against me if I'm not accepted. (And send hugs my way  haha)


Anyway, let's just hope that this little door of opportunity is ready to open...  because I'm so ready.
eeeeeeeeeeeek ;)

xoxo, Lauren
If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about our design services.

27 comments:

Mary said...

They would be nuts not to select you. You're the best designer out there. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you.
Oh...I love the fabrics chosen for your client. I'm anxious to see how you turn them into French Country style and the finished room.
Have you finished the family room for your client, Sandy? It had all those beautiful blues.

Janell @ House of Fifty said...

All the best with the design house, I certainly hope you get this fabulous opportunity!
Janell

Danielle Sigwalt Interiors said...

Oh my, oh my...hugs and wishes of luck are coming at you right now!!!! That is soooo awesome Lauren and I have a strong feeling it's gonna be yours...you are amazing at what you do and you are so sweet, so I think you totally deserve it! xxDanielle

Lovin That! said...

Those fabrics are beautiful!

Good luck with the design proposal - good for you!! Very Exciting...

C.J. said...

my crystal ball says you have it in the bag. Its yours, so relax and enjoy the holidays. The fabric is so wonderful!

Stephanie Sabbe said...

good luck with the showhouse! sounds exciting

Domestic Engineer said...

You're a sho in for the show house. Thanks for sharing; you know we'll be cheering for you.

Rebecca Gibbs said...

best of luck to you, Lauren! You definitely deserve it!!!

Kathysue said...

Beautiful fabrics!!! Love the sofa fabric that is so classic. Good luck on the DC house, I am sure you will make it. You are very talented and they will be lucky to have you there!!
Kathysue

Gretchen O. said...

First of all the fabrics are just beautiful, I love the subtle pinks. AND most importantly...GOOD LUCK with the Showhouse. I might have to make a trip to DC to visit family so I can see it!

Layne & Everett said...

I'll be rooting for you! My sister lives just outside DC in Virginia, so I'd have to come out for a visit if you are chosen.

kayce hughes said...

If you don't get it it would be their loss. The only shame is in not going for it. I do sooooo hope you get it. PS Have you ever used melatonin to help with sleep? It is natural and some people swear by it.

Vintage Home said...

..Great scheme for your client ...can't wait to see it!...Best Wishes for the DCDS!

traci zeller designs said...

Ooooohhhh, I am rooting for you!!!! xoxo!!

debra @ 5th and state said...

lauren

so glad you told is about your dream. some how throwing yourself "out there" makes it seem so real. and now you have a cheering section!

my "life quote" is;
leap and the net will appear"

go girlfriend!
xoxo
debra

Anonymous said...

Just have to say that I'm with you on the "theme" decorating! (Just wrote about something to that effect this morning on my blog, in fact!) It's so much better when a room is an interpretation of its owner, and not a themed "box" that constrains its inhabitants! And there's nothing more deflating than to force a specific style into a framework that doesn't comply! It'll be fun to see what you come up with for your client! You'll do it in a lovely way, for sure! Good luck on your proposal for the show house! So exciting, indeed! I know yours will be fab!

Kathy said...

Lauren, I think you are so talented! Good luck!! I would love to hear about how the process works, I am new to all of this!! Kathy

Cindy said...

Sweet Lauren,
I have my fingers crossed for you! I picked up the December BHG magazine yesterday and there you were, your beautiful self and your lovely family. WOW! A big congratulations for getting your pretty house in there and a mention of your business, that might help! Your tree and everything looked so pretty. I have always admired your entry way and the way you have decorated it, as well as that gorgeous lantern you have hanging there.
I always enjoy visiting your blog! Have a beautiful, joyous Christmas and many blessings in 2011!
Hugs, Cindy

SHERRY HART said...

Lauren...that is a beautiful room plan and a nice different touch on french country. No red and yellow with roosters :)
Hope you get chosen for the Showhouse!

howsweetisthat1 said...

I've been lurking in the background for a while - I love your style - but today I was moved by your enthusiasm and trepidation about your upcoming opportunity - claim it. I I send positive thoughts and energy your way.

AnneHH said...

Oh, your French Country scheme is gorgeous. I absolutely love the linen with pink toile. Seriously, one of the prettiest fabrics I have ever seen..........
Also, your sofa for that room is stunning!!!!
Fingers and toes crossed for the Showhouse.
xoxoxox
Anne

Karen said...

Lauren,

You are so talented, I'm certain they will want your ideas. BTW, I love the fabrics you've chosen and am impressed that you are helping your client see that she can have the feel of the French Country with a more classic, timeless selection of furnishings and fabrics. Good luck on the showcase house.
Karen at Garden, Home and Party

Linda@ Lime in the Coconut said...

Love your choice of fabrics. As far
as the showhouse...best to you!

pve design said...

I do hope that there will be a table of sweets in that room....It reminds me of dangerous liason...lots of little petit fours....and dishes of sugared almonds....
wishing you all the best and take care of that throat of yours. Try to rest when you can!!
pve

Lynda @ Happenstance Home said...

I really love the mix of fabrics you selected. The masculine with the feminine adds so much interest! Best Wishes that you get the showhouse opportunity! Sounds challenging but so fun. My mom and I love to visit home tours! Merry Christmas and thank you for so much inspiration this year!

3 Peanuts said...

Lauren, I am going to say a little prayer that you are chosen. Your designs are fresh, real and unique. I get so sick of seeing all the same designesr doing the same things in these houses. It is time they choose someone like ...YOU! Keeping my fingers crossed. And if by chance you are not chosen...be proud that you went for it. Really, that is worth celebrating!!!!

Kiim

Loretta Fontaine (EcoHappy Blog) said...

Lauren- How I'd love to see your designs in the DC Design Showhouse! Go for it! I checked out the website of Matthew Moore and Rick Singleton and you have an amazing team. Matthew's detailed luminous paintings and Rick's cool repurposed lighting are dreamy to design with, I'm sure.

Can't wait to see what you will do. I have a feeling the door will swing open for you!

Loretta