Laura Covington Interiors

I hope everyone is staying warm in this snowy weather!

People are always traveling during the holiday season.  Whether you are visiting relatives in another state or vacationing abroad, remember to slow down a bit and soak in the details around you.  Inspiration can be found in the most unexpected places- believe me!! All of my best sources of inspiration have come from my travels.

This past August, my husband, Thomas, and I traveled to Italy.  Around the bend of each cobblestone road there seemed to be a new texture, color or pattern that made my heart race.  I kept a catalog of ideas that I couldn’t wait to share with my clients.  It is amazing how the smallest of details can drive the design direction of  an entire room.  I spent my days visiting museums, churches and private homes on the hunt for special antiques and textiles to inspire. Of course, you cannot truly experience Italy without enjoying the AMAZING food and wine.  After a day of walking (and my husband likes to call it hiking) around the glorious cities of Italy, we enjoyed kicking up our heels and sipping on a fabulous Chianti.  You know what they say….”When in Rome….”.

Here are some pictures from our trip-  Enjoy!

First stop: Florence! The architectural phenomenon, the Duomo, is just as awe-inspiring from far away as it is up close.  Look at all of that marble!

I have always been obsessed with the art sold on the streets in Italy.  I am always drawn to the impressionistic watercolors that capture the romantic landscape of the country. On every trip I take, I set out on the quest to find the perfect new piece to add to my collection at home.  The watercolors are inexpensive, but once you put a nice frame on them, they hold their own against more important art.  When hung in a group, they create a big impact! You can’t beat the price or the memories they evoke….they are truly timeless and authentic treasures.

I have always found that beauty is in the details.

We drove out to the Chianti countryside and stayed in a villa that dates back to the 14th century.  From the Italian Renaissance architecture to the breathtaking gardens, vineyards and olive groves, I was inspired at every turn.

My favorite dinner was a picnic in the private gardens.   The fabulous wine, food, scenery (and not to mention- company) was unforgettable.  I was in heaven.

We didn’t want to leave these fabulous grounds….or our bright cherry red rental car!!!

And when we thought things couldn’t get any better….Capri!!! The vibrant greens and blues of the lush landscape and calming sea were amazing.  I took it all in like a tall glass of ice water in the middle of summer.  It was utterly refreshing.

The interior of our hotel embodied the casual-chic feeling of the island.  The white linen upholstery, blue and white majolica tile and relaxed sheer curtains seemed to  blurr the division between the indoors and outside.

Of course…. I couldn’t resist capturing the beautiful entrances to a few private villas on the island.

Last stop- Rome!  This historic city was the perfect ending to a fabulous trip.

xo, L

Due to its great success, the Antiques & Interiors Sale has been extended for one more day.  That’s right, the warehouse will be opening its doors on Monday from 9am-6pm.  There will be additional mark downs from the vendors, plus 10% off purchases under $500 and 15% off purchases over $500.   There are some great deals that you don’t want to miss!

LC Interior Design is participating in the Antiques & Interiors Sale Event.  This 5 day sale  is being held  in downtown Raleigh……there are some great finds, so grab your tape measure and check it out!!!

So many people these days are asking for a more comfortable and functional living room…..a space that they can actually use and enjoy.  Design trends are moving away from the formal living room (you know, the kind that you only use on special occasions) to a more relaxed and approachable look.  For the way that people live these days,  formal  rooms just aren’t as necessary or practical.

I am a huge advocate of using every room in a house, so when a young family asked me to transform their formal living room into a multifunctional space where they can relax, read and entertain, I could not be more excited.  As many of you know, I stress the fact that you do not have to compromise style for comfort.  You can have both- I promise!! I wanted to give this family a room that is sophisticated enough for a formal party, yet comfortable and functional for everyday living.

Here is what I came up with:

The tight back and soft, curved arms of the sofa give it a dressy look; however, the rich velvet makes it very luxurious and inviting.

I used different hues of orange to give the room a “pop” of color (note: damask pillows, shagreen tray, oushak rug)

…and the antique French desk chair!

I designed these custom bookshelves. We painted them the same color as the wall color to soften them up a bit. The embroidered linen club chairs are on swivels, making it easy to watch TV.

I especially love the antique French iron floor lamps….their patina adds so much depth to the room. The linen lampshade creates a warm and soft glow.

Doesn’t this room make you want to cozy up with a glass of wine and enjoy a good movie?  I think so….

ps- the window treatments are still to come….I’ll update you as soon as they are installed.