Fourth Floor Walk Up

Taking a Short Break

4thfloorwalkup — Wed, 08 May 2013 02:50:44 +0000

Bridal Shower Goodies

I have been away for a while and will be until mid-June. My wedding and honeymoon are only a few weeks away and I have such little time to devote to the site. I hope you will all understand and follow along my daily activities through my Instagram account (4thfloorwalkup). Happy Spring and soon to be Summer! I’ll be back soon, I promise!

Thanks for reading. My best, Lauren

Invitations Unveiled . . .

4thfloorwalkup — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 12:30:55 +0000

Invitation Suite

For my wedding, it was very important for me to get the invites right. I wanted them to express the mood of our wedding, our tastes and of course our love of design. At times I was thinking about going the traditional route by doing all type and at other moments, doing a modern take but in the end I settled on something that is closest in description to my personal style; a Neo-Traditional route. Which means: using traditional techniques to express a contemporary design. It also reflects the marriage of Jack and myself as individuals being together. I have a love for classic design and history while his tastes lie more in the modern and contemporary age. Am I being too deep about invites? Maybe, but it’s our wedding and we’ll do what we want to, right?!

Invitation Suite

With that all said, to better breakdown my thoughts, I combined a calligraphy style font called Nelly Script (traditional) with Neutra Text Light (moderne) and Striped Caps (retro carnival feel) to achieve the mood. The imagery is also hinting at the theme, a Vintage (circa late 30′s- 1940s) French Carnival. To enhance the look, I followed in the color scheme of the event using colors reminiscent of Paris during this time period. The technique is in classic letter press and last but not least, I wanted to add a bit of glamour by pulling in antiqued gold, which can be seen in the envelopes and the edges of the cards.

Save The Date

Finally, the entire direction can be seen in our earlier Save the Dates that were inspired by the environment of the garden in which the wedding will take place. They’re definitely a labor of love but I’m so happy I did this and I’m always going to cherish them, just as I will our special day. . .

Thanks for reading. My best, Lauren

Invitations: Letterpress by Boxcar Press, Envelopes & Save the Date prints by Paper Presentation, Calligraphy by Mary Anne Wolf

*All designs are copyright of Lauren Gries 2013

Beautiful Blooms

4thfloorwalkup — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 12:30:33 +0000

Flowers are not only on my mind because it’s Spring but also because I had to settle on a look for my wedding. I recently put these mood boards together and sent them on to my florist. I’m completely in love with romantic arrangements that are bit asymmetrical and ‘undone’. What do we think? I’m swooning.

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9

Lastly, had to snap a shot of my bedside table with the sample arrangement my co-worker Alexandra gave me a few weeks ago. It was just so lovely and I wanted to preserve the memory. Alexandra is a flower designer and operates a studio in the city. You can see more of her work [here].

Kitchen Plans

4thfloorwalkup — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 12:30:09 +0000

Oh my goodness, I have a long list of things to do and tons going on but I can’t seem to get my kitchen off my mind. I wish I could just “Get it done!” I can’t though, funds are going towards other things at this time. Here’s a quick board of a few design elements that I’m planning on. Already did a bit of painting over the weekend. . . can’t handle it!

As you can see it’s okay, just needs help and appliances that actually fit the space. That will come later. Here’s to hoping something happens before summer!

Light Fixture / Paris Map Wall Image / Wall Color – Benjamin Moore, Skipping Stone / Striped Roman Blinds Image / Cabinet Pulls

A New Favorite: Crane & Canopy

4thfloorwalkup — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 12:30:34 +0000

I recently discovered this new bedding company called Crane & Canopy. They specialize in high-quality, luxury fabrics, innovative bedding and contemporary designs at attainable prices. Which is just up my alley. In addition to sumptuous duvets and pretty prints their line of embroidered designs is absolutely stunning. My favorite designs by far are the classic crisp sheet sets with the colorfully embroidered scalloped edges, available in an a range of colors the coral and mint are my favorites. Inspired by the mint embroidered sheet set, I pulled together a room that would surely welcome Spring. I may have to make a few changes to my bedroom in order to make room for one of these sets in my home. Please enjoy!

1. Watercolor Peony Wallpaper / 2. Sunburst Mirror / 3. Anthropologie Curtains / 4. Swing Arm Wall Lamp / 5. John Derian Tray / 6. Creed Cocktail de Pivoines Candle / 7. Nate Berkus For Target Urchin / 8. Ethan Allen Chest / 9. Rug / 10. Headboard / 11. Crane & Canopy Embroidered Scalloped Sheet Set

On another level, Crane & Canopy is committed to making a positive impact on the community. Recently they held an event with the non-profit group Safe Horizon in NYC. They toasted to “A Safe Night’s Sleep” Initiative where from February 26, 2013 through May 30, 2013, Crane & Canopy will donate a complete bedding set (duvet cover, shams and comforter) for every bedding set (duvet cover and shams) purchased to Safe Horizon’s shelter residents as they leave the shelter to begin a future free from violence as part of the organizations. The evening was spent sharing the amazing work Safe Horizon does all throughout New York City and sharing the impact their partnership will make in the lives of domestic violence victims. For more information on Safe or Horizon and Crane & Canopy’s partnership, please follow these links: Safe Night’s Sleep & the Press Release for the event.

Are you planning to make any bedding changes for Spring? My best, Lauren

Hop Into Spring: Bunny Love

4thfloorwalkup — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 13:30:09 +0000

Happy Friday! At last, it’s been a long week! March is hare, I mean here (had to do it) so why not celebrate the lovely bunny objects and accessories of the world? I will always love a good bunny and how great would it be to have a the ceramic one mixed into an art wall above your couch or bed?

1. / 2. / 3. / 4. / 5. / 6. / 7. / 8. / 9. / 10.

Through My Lens: February In Pictures

4thfloorwalkup — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 13:44:00 +0000

Happy March! The month when we can welcome Spring and say goodbye to winter! Although February was a short month, it was a productive month. Beginning with furniture for the wedding being sent to the upholsterer, my bookshelves getting a final coat of paint to ending it with paper being hung in my entryway. In between there were snowstorms, birthday parties and romantic evenings – remember Valentines was smack dab in the middle of the month? My how time flies. Let’s hope March is just as productive. I still have a very long to-do list!

How was your February? Were you able to mark anything off of your to-do lists? My best, Lauren

To see my daily photo feed follow me on Instagram, username 4thfloorwalkup.

Beautiful Flowers: Spring Is On It’s Way

4thfloorwalkup — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 13:30:14 +0000

Deli Tulips – photo by: Lauren Gries

Spring is just around the corner in New York and the plentiful amounts of tulips at every corner deli are a consistent reminder. I love that flowers are so accessible to us in New York and I’ve decided to take advantage of this luxury more often. Instead of picking up a salty or sweet treat, why not pick up flowers that can make my mood?

On Friday I did just that brought home two bunches of Tulips. With no added calories I went to bed feeling so satisfied! The tulips ended up in the bathroom and the juxtaposition of the romantic buds next to the model skull is calling out for a still life to be painted. Now I’m thinking, what flowers will I bring home next week?

Do you have any favorite blooms? My Best, Lauren

Oscars Fashion, 2013: My Favorites

4thfloorwalkup — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 13:30:00 +0000

Last night for the 85th Annual Oscars the Red Carpet brought the glamour as it is usually does but I found myself loving the column style dresses the most. Reminiscent of old Hollywood, many of the actresses dressed in gowns that sparkled and shimmered with jewels and sequins while others stood out in rich jewel toned pieces. Hair and makeup also reflected this era with the large waves and strong side parts or the softly pulled back chignons.

I must say I’m more drawn to these looks probably because they’re very similar to the look that I am doing at my wedding. Think Veronica Lake, Rita Hayworth and Lauren Bacall.

Veronica Lake

Rita Hayworth

Jessica Castain was my favorite of the evening, glowing in this Armani Prive gown with Harry Winston jewels and Christian Louboutin heels. She said she chose it because, “It’s a very ‘Happy Birthday Mr. President.’ It reminds me of old Hollywood glamour.”

Jessica Chastain Image Source: justjared.com

Jessica Castain Image Source: justjared.com

Reese Witherspoon is my runner up, she was so gorgeous in this cobalt blue gown by Louis Vuitton. The jewels were Louis Vuitton as well. Her hair was the best accessory to the outfit with the gorgeous old Hollywood waves, which she attributes to just giving birth?! I have to admit, she did look fuller than usual but I had no idea it was because she just gave birth! She looks amazing!

Reese WItherspoon – Image Source: justjared.com

Reese Witherspoon – Image Source: justjared.com

Stacy Keilbler is also among my favorite top three, she’s so stunning in this gown by Naeem Khan and Lorraine Schwartz jewels. I absolutely love the lines of the gown, doesn’t it look like Art Deco architecture?

Stacy Keibler – Image Source: justjared.com

Other beautiful stars that were on my favorites list are:

Amanda Seyfried in an Alexander McQueen gown, Roger Vivier shoes, and Lorraine Schwartz jewels.

Amanda Seyfried – Image Source: justjared.com

Naomi Watts is wore an Armani Prive dress, Jimmy Choo shoes, Roger Vivier bag, and Neil Lane jewels.

Naomi Watts – Image Source: justjared.com

Charlize Theron is wore a Christian Dior Haute Couture dress, Roger Vivier shoes, and Harry Winston jewelry.

Charlize Theron – Image Source: justjared.com

Jennifer Lawrence who one Best Actress (congrats) wore a Dior Haute Couture dress, Chopard jewels, a Roger Vivier clutch, and Brian Atwood shoes.

Jennifer Lawrence – Image Source: justjared.com

Zoe Saldana in an Alexis Mabille Couture dress, Neil Lane jewelry, Roger Vivier shoes, and a Salvatore Ferragamo clutch.

Zoe Saldana – Image Source: justjared.com

The Gallery Hall at Bergdorf Goodman Featuring: Gregory Johnston

4thfloorwalkup — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 14:00:28 +0000

For the latest hallway at BG I designed a space that reflects a customer who is handsome, chic and refined. The products with the contemporary art by Gregory Johnston are a mix of midcentury pieces and new, such as the Hermes Rallye collection that is inspired by the Rallye racing culture of the 1960s. I wanted the colors of the product to pop against neutral walls and for the space feel entirely different from the previous hallways. The artwork is by Gregory Johnston who is represented by the Eric Firestone Gallery, Bergdorf’s buying team partnered with Grey Area to host the collection.

Products from: Mantiques Modern, Kelly Wearstler, Lynn Feld Vintage, Hermes, Moser, RabLab, Lance Wovens and more.

You can read about the hall in other places, such as: [here], [here] and [here].