One of my favorite ways to update a space is with paint. It can completely transform a room and it’s relatively inexpensive if you do the painting yourself. For most people though, the challenge isn’t the actual painting, it’s picking the color.

A few days ago I was talking with an interior decorator that said before she paints someone’s home, she goes into their closet and looks at all the colors they wear. Because we tend to buy colors that compliment our own skin tone, we also gravitate to similar shades when decorating our home. Based on the colors she discovers in their closet, she is then able to help them select the perfect paint color. This makes sense because if you’re going to be surrounded by a color, it’s going to reflect on you a bit. And who doesn’t want to look their best in their own home? In a nutshell, you should pick paint colors that compliment both your skin tone and your closet.

I thought this was really interesting and figured you might find it helpful too. I honestly never thought of it! Once I finally selected a paint color for my room, guess what I did? Went into my closet to make sure it went with all my clothes, of course…

What color are your walls? If you were to paint them a color, what would it be?

In case you’re wondering, I went with a really pretty blush color. Surprise, surprise… I’ll post a photo once it’s done.

XO Lauren



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This is a photo of one of the walls in my office at Paper Crown. When we first moved in we had a lot of blank, white walls and a few brick ones too. I wanted to infuse the space with creativity so decided to decorate accordingly…by booking it! To add a textural yet whimsical vibe to the room, I tore out pages from an old book and layered them onto my wall in lieu of traditional wallpaper. This was an inexpensive way to not only add personality to the room, but provide wall cover as well.

Do you have a creative décor idea using non-traditional materials?

Let me know in the comments below. Or better yet, upload a photo to your profile page and link it in the comments!

XO Lauren

P.S. Don’t forget to follow @PaperCrownLuvsU to stay up to date on all things PC!

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I love the magical feel of the holidays. To keep it alive just a little longer, I decided to wrap my headboard with strands of Christmas tree lights. I think it’s charming and the light they produce creates a lovely ambience. I will probably leave these up for a few more weeks until the novelty wears off…but until then, I’ll be dreaming beneath my avenue of twinkling stars. 

What do you think about my starry light strands?

XO Lauren

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Nowadays, it’s all about downsizing. Many of you may soon be heading to a dorm room (comparable to the size of a shoebox) or moving into your first, lets just say “petite,” apartment… Regardless of your homeward destination, I think we can all agree on the importance of breathing room. When space is limited it’s time to get creative! So, how does one take an inch and make it a mile? The answer is clear.

One of my favorite tricks of the trade is to incorporate clear acrylic or glass furniture or accents (Plexiglas and Lucite are also nice “clear” materials). Just one see-through piece can entirely reshape a room by giving it a more spacious and less cluttered feel. I love classic pieces crafted in clear materials because they maintain a sophisticated look while giving the traditional shape a cheeky and modern spin. (Note: Be forewarned… Clear accents can be dangerous for unwary guests, so please refer to my CFW* precaution at the foot of this post.)

Have a small space? Consider clear your new BFF. If your room is particularly tight, swap out that big black desk chair for an acrylic alternative. Or, if you’re living room is just a bit too cozy, incorporate a clear coffee table or footstool (your pretty rug will thank you for the extra press).

Transparent pieces are not limited to tiny spaces though… Clear furniture is perfect for balancing out rooms that are very ornate or heavy with wood or bold colors. The weightless feel of acrylic and glass furniture allows you the practicality of storage and use as well as the beauty of a sleek, seemingly uncluttered room.

If the see-through thing is just way too space age for you, try flirting with smaller room accessories like lamps, trays (see photo on left) and vases. Even slighter scaled items make a clear difference.

What do you think about clear furniture? Are you inspired?

P.S. If you have clear accents in your home or dorm room upload and submit a photo to your LaurenConrad.com profile page and share the link in the comments below. I will share my favorite personal photos in a Member Spotlight post. Click here to learn how to upload and submit photos.

*CFW (Clear Furniture Warning): Many, if not most, unsuspecting guests might not spot that clear chair or stool amidst your beautifully decorated home. For the sake of safety and to avoid inevitable embarrassment, accessorize the clear item with something (i.e., book, throw, vase etc.). Let’s just say, I know someone who has fallen victim to an “invisible” chair after a girl’s night out... We’re still uncertain as to where to place blame. Some say the chair possessed Cheshire Cat-like abilities, while others—such as myself—believe it was due to this friend’s martini-impaired vision. The verdict is still out.

Photos: house&home, referans, decorpad