The 15 Most Beautiful Blog Posts on Laurel Home

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY 2023!!!

 

I hope everyone is doing well!

Every year for Mother’s Day, I do a special post to honor the woman who gave us life.

 

This year’s gift in honor of Mom is The 15 most beautiful blog posts on Laurel Home.

 

Laurel, forgive me for interrupting, but aren’t there more than 15 beautiful blog posts?

 

Thank you, well, yes, I think so. Although, I do occasionally cringe when I read some older posts. Like, did I really say that? Or, why did I post that image? What I thought was pretty fantastic 10 or 11 years ago, I would be embarrassed to put out today.

These 15 blog posts are not in any kind of order. Please enjoy the 15 most beautiful decorating blog posts on Laurel Home! I love all of these posts and the designers featured in them. (note: The numbers go from 1-12, but there are at least 15 beautiful blog posts linked to in the post.)

 

1. The Exceptional Interior Designer You’ve Never Heard of

 

Furlow Gatewood ceiling fans - beautiful blog posts

photo by Rod Collins

Well, that’s what I said in 2016. However, if you’ve been following me for a year or more, you’ve definitely heard of Furlow Gatewood, the incredibly talented antiquarian and interior designer.

 

One Man's Folly, The Exceptional Houses of Furlow Gatewood

If you only get one interior design book, One Man’s Folly, The Exceptional Houses of Furlow Gatewood is at the top of my list.

 

2. No surprise here. It’s the follow-up tribute post to Furlow Gatewood

 

This post has all new imagery I published a few days after Furlow Gatewood passed away at 101. Incidentally, if you don’t already know, his full name is Timothy Furlow Gatewood. You can see his home empty here.

 

3. A16-Color Spring-Inspired Whole-House Paint Palette

 

John Singer Sargent, Lady Agnew of Lochnaw (1865 - 1932) spring-inspired paint palette - beautiful blog posts

John Singer Sargent, Lady Agnew of Lochnaw (1865 – 1932)

 

I wrote this post in 2016, shortly after the Laurel Home Essential Paint Collection came out. The 16 colors in this post are all in the LH paint collection of 144 Benjamin Moore colors. The LH Paint Collection is a guide I’m exceedingly proud of. It was like giving birth for 18 months, however. lol

 

I’m unsure how I toughed it out, but I think it was worth it.

 

There’s a companion guide where I put all the colors in palettes and make mood boards using 40 colors. You can find out about this unique palette and home furnishings collection here.

 

Okay, sorry to interrupt, but we’re doing a little “fundraising.”

 

LH Flash Sale

 

And, to that end, I’ve slashed the prices of all of my interior design guides. Please start here for more information. The discount is 10%, plus an additional 20%. In addition, if you purchase any of the bundles, the prices are reduced even further. This is an exceedingly rare opportunity. I’ve never discounted them this much. This sale ends Monday, May 15, 2023, at 11:59 PM.

 

***I’ve extended the flash sale until Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at 11:59 PM

 

If you already know what you want but were waiting for a sale, please go to the order page here.

 

Okay, back to the 12 most beautiful blog posts on Laurel Home.

 

4.  20 Stunning Lifestyle Instagram Feeds You Must Follow

 

beautiful blog posts - gncgarden on instagram

How can you go wrong featuring these superb designers and photographers who post unique content on Instagram? I delight in finding these incredibly talented people. I save my favorites in my electronic notebook. I’m sure I have at least another 100 accounts that are amazing. So, sometime this year, I need to update this post.

Above, the jaw-droppingly wonderful Danish gardener Gina (GNCGarden) on Instagram.

There are a lot of pics showing dozens of potted hydrangeas. Mad respect. I have only two potted hydrangeas and struggle to keep their insane thirst quenched in the hot summer months. She must have one wicked irrigation setup.

 

HOLY CRAP!

 

Sorry, Guys, for another interruption, but this is BIG. I have signed the contract, and my renovation is set to begin on June 5th, 2023! Therefore, I am open to all of the hand-holding available. Virtual handholding also works.

 

5. The Secret to Getting Cohesive Room Colors and Furnishings

 

Maura Endres m.o.endres on Instagram - beautiful blog posts - green room

This is the most recent edition of my feature on Maura Endres’ gorgeous home in New Jersey. Please be sure to follow Maura,  m.o.endres, on Instagram. I discovered Maura while in Italy in 2016. Or rather, she was commenting on my pics of Italy on my feed. So, I nonchalantly looked at her feed and was blown away by her effortless-looking style and exceptional taste! I want everything she has!

Please note that I haven’t included a direct link to another fantastic designer from New Jersey, Nancy Keyes. But that’s because many posts link to her and her beautiful home. But, just in case, this is my favorite post which features Nancy’s timeless and drop-dead gorgeous kitchen.

 

You can also find Nancy Keyes on Instagram. Please follow her there.

 

 6. Secret for Creating a 25-Color Whole House Color Palette

 

Lady Rose Downton Abbey - 25 color whole house color palette - beautiful blog posts

This one’s another super-beautifuldecorating post featuring some excellent paint colors and palette inspiration.

 

7. The Best Neutral Color Scheme – How to Get it Right

 

Best neutral color scheme - white walls - Steve Cordony - Rosedale Farm Living room - blooming branches-gateleg table- beautiful blog posts

Part I  of this post features the incredible home of Steve Cordony in Australia.

Part II is how to get Steve Cordony look for less.

I adore his timeless, fresh, new-traditional rooms.

 

8. No list of the most beautiful blog posts on Laurel Home would be complete without the incredible Gerald Bland, his gorgeous NYC shop, and equally magnificent homes.

 

This reminds me; I was looking up Fine paints of Europe earlier today and saw a kitchen that reminded me of Bunny Williams’ sophisticated and very dark kitchen.

I’m including the Youtube video created by Stacy Bewkes of Quintessence and video partner, interior designer, Susanna Salk.

 

YouTube video
 

While all of it is terrific, the part I want you to hear is Bunny explaining how she chose her cabinet color. It ties nicely with Wednesday’s post about the best white cabinet colors. Sorry for the cliché, but the struggle is real!

 

9. A Novel Way to Get Priceless Art Masterpieces for Cheap

 

detail Marco_Ricci_(Belluno_1676-Venice_1730)_-_Landscape_with_a_Woman_and_Child_-_RCIN_406989_-_Royal_Collection

 

I adore gorgeous European art. I don’t know why, for I was raised in the middle of a cornfield in southern Indiana (Evansville). That certainly explains the corny jokes.

Incidentally, since this was written, I did locate a company that can blow up an image to be quite large without losing any resolution. I’m sorry, I don’t have that information right now. I’d have to spend some time digging for it.

 

10. My Tribute post to Darryl Carter

 

Darryl Carter, a lawyer turned interior designer (and amongst a large group of designers arrested in Florida), has a unique style people adore or dislike. I belong to the group of adoring fans. Darryl’s sophisticated monochromatic rooms are like little lessons in creating interesting spaces without a lot of riotous color OR pattern. Like, zilch.

However, you will always find variations of his tones and accents of black and gold. And sometimes, a little color. I never get tired of looking at his designs. And I do believe they will never look dated.

 

11. Mark D. Sikes

 

These are my two favorite Mark D. Sikes how-to get-the-Mark-D. Sikes look posts.

Living Rooms

Bedrooms

His work is the epitome of beauty, as signified in his book, Beautiful, and the sequel, More Beautiful.

 

12. Color Palettes from Nature + Springtime in Boston

 

Beacon Street Boston Beauty in Spring

This might be the most beautiful blog post of them all. Bostonians will most likely recognize this stunning Beacon Street beauty, above.

 

Isabella Stuart Gardner Home 150 Beacon St

And, the gorgeous gated entrance, next door to the home Isabella Stuart Gardner lived in as a young bride. Actually, that is not true. Her home was in the same location. However, it was torn down in the early 20th century. This is after she moved to the top floor of what is now known as the Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum.

 

Below is Mrs. Gardner and her husband’s home in the late 19th century.

 

back bay houses - home of Isabella Stuart Gardner - beacon street-152-ca-1867-hawes-athenaeumvia Back Bay Houses – home of Isabella Stuart Gardner – beacon street-152-ca-1867-hawes-athenaeum

 

There’s a plaque posted on the fence. Here’s what it said:

 

Again, this is not the home where the famous art heist took place. However, I have visited the Gardner Museum four times, and it is the coolest place ever.

 

John Singer Sargent The Spanish Dancer

I took this photo of John Singer Sargent’s Spanish Dancer when I was there in May 2017

Courtyard Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum

And, I’m closing with a photo I took during that visit of the breathtaking courtyard at the Gardner Museum. I want to revisit this fantastic place very soon.

Well, I hope you enjoyed what I think are some of the most beautiful blog posts on Laurel Home. I can’t believe my renovation is actually going to begin in 22 days!

xo,

 

PS: Please check out the newly updated HOT SALES

 

LH Flash Sale

Also, another reminder is that the sale is ending soon to your Laurel Home Guides at the biggest discount ever.

Below is a brief blurb about each one. However, on this page, you’ll find other links about the products in great detail.z

 

Below is a brief description of my rockin’ interior design guides!

 

best of etsy 3rd edition 2023

 

This is the all-new 222+ Best of Etsy Home Furnishings Sources. It’s the culmination of dozens of hours of research. You won’t get anything extra, but you’ll get the updates for free, and you won’t have to pay the higher price that’s coming in January.

 

333 decorating rules and tips you need to know - holiday gifts for 2021 - Interior Design Books

 

Next is 333 Decorating Rules & Tips You Need To Know – This is a terrific guide crammed with measurements and proportions you won’t find anywhere else. Well, I couldn’t.

 

paint-collection-paint-palette-collection-bundle

These two guides are sold together. The Laurel Home Essential Paint and Palette Collection. This is a 2-volume curated Benjamin Moore Collection. You can read about Part I here, the paint colors, and Part II here, the paint palettes. Part II is where you’ll see a bunch of glowing testimonials. There are more, but how many do you need to read? lol

 

six figure income blogger book cover 3rd edition for 2023 - final

 

The blogging guide is for everyone who has a website or is thinking about starting a website, making money on the internet, or earning a living by working in bed, working in your PJs, and not taking a shower. (if you don’t feel like it) This is the Six-Figure Income Blogger Guide.

It’s also for anyone who wants to get more business via their website.

But, don’t let the word “blogger” trip you up.

 

A blog is a great idea for your business website because a blog is what keeps your website fresh in Google’s busy eyes and automatically raises your business above your competition that has a boring “dead” website.

 

And, no, you don’t have to blog as much as I do.

 

However, once or twice a month is a must. But, there’s also so much you don’t know you don’t know. I mean, I didn’t. And, I was spinning my wheels, not getting anywhere for 19 months, because I made every mistake and then some. This guide will save you a lot of time and help you to create a more successful business.

In addition, you’ll be able to read my entire internet story from Laurel the Luddite to Laurel, the world’s most unlikely geekette. It’s only a few pages, and I guarantee you’ll laugh.

 

Finally, the crown jewel, but only because my name is in the guide’s title. ;] And, it was the first guide I wrote way back in 2015.

laurels-rolodex-final-book-cover-master 9th edition 22-23

Laurel’s Rolodex. Recently updated with many new sources and is now in its 9th edition! This is where I spill ALL of my secret and not-so-secret sources. If you’re in the interior design trade or want to be and don’t have this resource, I can guarantee that you’re leaving money on the table—a LOT of money.

It took me over ten years in business to understand that using a middleman to get terrific furnishings for clients is not always necessary. Sometimes, yes, but not nearly as much as I was.

You always get FREE lifetime updates for Laurel’s Rolodex! A new edition comes out every November.

***

I’ve also created many new bundles, which you can see on the purchase products page. These will save you a lot of money, too!

 

Also, GIFTING IS AVAILABLE for all of the guides!

 

Look for the gift icon.

How does it work?

It works super well! You’ll quickly see a gift box icon when you click on the link to place your order. Click on that, and it will prompt you to enter your recipient’s name and email address. You’ll then be asked when you wish your gift to arrive. How cool is that!

Please go here to learn more about my rockin’ guides. You will find links to give you more information, but they are the same links as here. Please use the purchase products page when you are ready to order. There are links on all of the pages, usually with buttons.

*Please note that these are digital downloads.

 

Looking for the terrific Samplize peel and stick paint samples? – Please click this link to order your samples and get 10% off the entire month of May.


10% off Samplize May orders to Email Subscribers

35 Responses

  1. Great post, Laurel. It’s a handy guide for first-time readers (like me). Sort of like a sampler at a restaurant so you can get a taste of several different items at once. 🙂

    BTW: That “cringe” from reading old blog posts? Very common! I think anyone who’s blogged for any length of time can relate. I started back in 2005, and I alternate between “Wow, that was pretty good” to “Oh my goodness, that’s horrible” whenever I read my old stuff.

  2. The very first picture of a dining room by Furlow Gatewood has a ceiling fan!! I’m so happy. And Happy Mother’s Day to everyone.

  3. Laurel,
    In my opinion you have the most fabulous blog going! I absolutely love every episode. I too am an architectural interior designer – for the past 35 years. It is so refreshing to have the opportunity to read your information and suggestions that are CORRECT and make sense. You are providing your readers with information you have studied, used and learned in a manner that would be very hard to find, in such a concise manner, anyway else. What a blessing!

    I have loved following your progress as you begin your remodeling. As it happens I have just sold my 1888 home in Franklin, TN. Needed a bit more room to house a granddaughter. And am taking on a builder basic as a super challenge to see if I can make it wonderful. Fingers crossed. Franklin sold the
    first day so I haven’t thought much of it yet.

    Again, thank you for all the wonderful knowledge you supply to the design community. Every example you use is one I have pinned or loved, every comment confirming your lovely taste – and my most favorite – I rarely find anyone as obsessed about proportions as I. Go girl! You are spectacular. And Happy Mothers Day! JoAnne

  4. So happy you will be starting your renovation in 22 days. All your planning will definitely pay off with a great end result. I love your sense of humor and always enjoy reading your posts. Happy Mother’s Day.

  5. Happy Mother’s Day. Congratulations on signing your contract. You’re one step closer to the final reveal. I can’t wait to hear progress reports.

  6. We too are working on a kitchen remodel along with bathrooms. We are purchasing my great grandparent home on family property. We have been doing lead paint mitigation, put the original French doors back in on the exterior and rebuilt the porch. Now that it is time to start the “real” renovations I’m just paralyzed. I am afraid any decision I make is going to be the wrong one. How do you decide where to start? I have been reading your blog obsessively for a year and have Pinterest boards for weeks. I also have a great contractor. But I just can’t make a single decision on anything!!

  7. Thankyou for the lovely special Mothers Day post. All of your posts are lovely and uplifts my spitit. Your photos always transforms me to a beautiful place! You’re fantastic! I always look forward to your mail.

  8. Hi, this is off subject, but i’m painting my door and sidelights. The door is mainly glass. Do i paint all the same color? just the door is painted green and sidelights are white… what do you think? Also there is a double window in the front as well. The house is a southern cottage,,, Thank you so much!

  9. Happy Mother’s Day, Laurel. You certainly made my day extra special! I am truly flattered that you still find my little old home inspiring. All my best best- Maura xxx

  10. Happy Mother’s Day, Laurel. Your blog is filled with so much beauty. This post was pure pleasure. Thank you!

  11. Hello, love your designs, tours and content. The insert that mentions”Freaking over paint colours” has 4 colours of paint. White, French grey, Stone and Ivory, what brand of paint are those colours from? Thank you!

  12. Dear Laurel, my life has been so richly blessed by discovering your blog a few years ago. Thank you for all that you do – sharing your knowledge, humor, and inspiration! Happy Mother’s Day to you and to all the wonderful women (whether they have children or not) who read your blog!

  13. Hi Laurel,
    Happy Mother’s Day. Thank you for all the work you put into your blog. I’ve learned so much. I sure appreciate you sharing your knowledge.

  14. I love the green and blue color composition in the room by Maura Endes. Just beautiful. I adore Furlow Gatewood. There are so many talented interior designers and artists that many people are unaware of. I wonder if you would consider doing post(s) on Gregory Hucek, and Carolyn Quartermaine. I suppose Carolyn is known more for her textile designs, and I don’t know how I would classify Gregory Hucek. He defies classification. To me, his work is fantasy realized. Happy Mother’s Day, Laurel.

  15. Thanks Laurel, the posts are beautiful! I love the soft colors from Downton Abbey. I have a question for Nancy Keyes. Your kitchen cabinet color is beautiful and thanks for sharing the formula. Is the formula for a quart or gallon? Happy mother’s day to all.
    Patty

  16. Loved this post but wanted you to know that theFurlow Gatewood
    home is in Americus GA not Americas…sp.

  17. Laurel, have I told you how I luuuurve you and your gorgeous blog? It’s always the height of my day when I see your mail in my inbox. I can dreamily wander through your pages for hours. Happy Mothers’ Day to you and all mothers reading here, and many more.

  18. So glad you included Furlow Gatewood. I have his book and pick it up from time to time just to relax and be amazed.

  19. Thank you for another wonderful post, you never disappoint. Happy Mother’s Day Laurel!

  20. Happy Mother’s Day, Dear Laurel! You can imagine my surprise and delight to see our home, once again, with some of my favorite designers of all time. Thank you so much for your beautiful words. They mean a lot! Enjoy your day.
    Love,
    Nancy

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Welcome To Laurel Home!

laurel-aarons-18th-e1456449963926

Hi, I’m Laurel, and Laurel Home is the website and blog for Laurel Bern Interiors.
I’ve been creating new-traditional interiors since 1988. The blog is where I share all.

New Edition, November 2022! Get The Indispensable Guide For 100s of Home Furnishings And Interior Design Sources That Everyone Is Raving About

laurels-rolodex-final-book-cover-master 9th edition 22-23

laurel home archives

Categories:

Please click the image below for more info about my rockin’ Interior Design Guides for 2023!

Laurel Home Interior Design Guides 2023
Amazon ad

please click below to check out my favorite decorating & design books

Laurel Bern's Favorite Interior Design and Decorating Books
Subscribe To The Laurel Home Blog And You Will Receive A FREE Guide Where I Share How To Get Your Paint Colors Right, The First Time.