Could Amazon be the new IKEA? Celebrity interior designer shares her top picks from the retailer’s affordable furniture brand

By ANNABEL GROSSMAN FOR DAILYMAIL.COM

• LA-based Katherine Carter, who collaborated with Lauren Conrad to design her California home, describes Amazon's Rivet collection as 'transitional modern'
• Her favorite pieces include a velvet chair, an industrial-style floor lamp, a patterned wool rug and a rotating gold metal mirror

It may not be as well-known as the likes of IKEA, West Elm and Target, but Amazon's Rivet furniture range has been quietly making a name for itself since it launched last year.  

The Rivet brand, which is available exclusively on Amazon, features affordable and versatile pieces that are ideal for smaller spaces.

LA-based interior designer Katherine Carter, who collaborated with Lauren Conrad to design the reality star's California home, describes the collection as 'transitional modern'.

Celebrity style: LA-based interior designer Katherine Carter , who collaborated with Lauren Conrad to design her California home, describes the Rivet collection as 'transitional modern'

She adds: 'In my opinion Amazon's Rivet collection has done a fabulous job at curating great pieces that are not only unique, but work with many people's style aesthetics across the board.

'I would say the selection and quality seems more exciting and high end then other affordable brands such as IKEA.'

Below, the designer reveals some her favorite pieces. 

Geometric Shape Ceramic Table Lamp, $79.99

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Katherine says: 'I love the unique transition of what appears to be hand-painted pattern on the base combined with the timeless brass finish.' 

Mudcloth-Inspired Pillow, $39.99

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Katherine says: 'This is an unbeatable price for mudcloth pillows.'

Clover Modern Velvet Chair, $549

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Katherine says: 'There are gorgeous colors and design in this piece. I love the brass detailing hugging the upholstery trim.' 

Rotating Metal Mirror, $54.99

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Katherine says: 'The 3D effect of this mirror is so unique and exciting. It doubles as an art piece.'  

Global Hexagonal Dining Table, $899

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Katherine says: 'The sophisticated take on the recycled wood design makes this a one of a kind choice for dining.' 

Glam Upholstered Bench, $224 (10% off)

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Katherine says: 'I love the size of this bench along with the neutral upholstery and modern/transitional design element.'  

Industrial Studio Tripod Floor Lamp, $299

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Katherine says: 'This is quirky yet highly functional use of light and a great space filler for designing awkward corner areas.'  

Deer Head Ceramic Lamp, $89.99

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Katherine says: 'Playful and chic.' 

Patterned Wool Rug, $199

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Katherine says: 'I love the 100% wool quality of this rug along with the great color options to choose from.'   

King Gold Metal Bed, $699

CLICK TO BUY

Katherine says: 'A great blend of modern meets traditional.' 

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• Amazon.com: Rivet

A casa suave e doce de Lauren Conrad Cores claras, frescor, simplicidade e soluções práticas se destacam na casa de campo da influencer americana

30/08/2017| TEXTO CAROL SCOLFORO | FOTOS T. NEUSTADT/DIVULGAÇÃO

Lauren Conrad é a Martha Stewart dos Millennials. Se você nunca ouviu falar dela, pode ter certeza que ouvirá. Uma verdadeira queridinha dos americanos que amam multitalentos: ela apresenta um programa na TV, edita seu site, escreve livros, desenha coleções de moda, e nas redes sociais inspira mais de 6,1 milhões de seguidores com as imagens em tons doces que retratam seu dia a dia. Mas por trás de toda a badalação da rotina, Lauren é uma jovem mãe de família que encontra paz longe mesmo dos holofotes. E MAIS: A casa de Chiara Ferragni, a blogueira mais influente do mundo

É quando sobe às colinas de Pacific Palisades, em Los Angeles, Califórnia, que ela encontra o equilíbrio nesta casa de praia ensolarada. Com a ajuda da designer Katherine Carter, o refúgio ganhou atmosfera clean e funcional, em clima easy-chic que prioriza conforto.

A começar pela sala, tudo segue a naturalidade. A paleta é regida por cores “calmas”, no melhor lifestyle cali-cool, como se diz por lá. Os móveis se adaptaram para aproveitar ao máximo o que ela chama de ossos da casa, ou seja, sua estrutura. Assim, nichos e aberturas dão espaço a prateleiras e bancadas, o que alterou pouquíssimo sua arquitetura. AINDA: Lala Rudge revela seu apartamento em São Paulo

A cozinha ganhou bancadas e prateleiras que deixam tudo à mão, porque ela ama assar pães e bolos – que o diga seu Instagram recheado das aventuras gastronômicas e de diy. Por ali há uma coleção de vidros antigos e louças que ficam expostas mas também são usadas no dia a dia.

Os tons claros predominantes só são interrompidos no quarto de vestir, onde o contraste com o papel de parede dark floral de Ellie Cashman dá o upgrade poderoso ao visual. Uma casa fresca, suave e adorável à altura de Lauren.

HOMES + DECOR How to Restore the Cast Iron Tub of Your Dreams Designers spruce up cast iron tubs all the time—which means you can too

TEXT BY JANICE BLAKELY

Chromatherapy, integrated speakers, hot zones, powerful jets, stream-flow jets, and Japanese soaking tubs are just a few of the options one can choose from when purchasing a bathtub in the 21st century. If you’re in the "less is more" camp, however, but still crave a special bathtub look and experience, a vintage cast iron tub might be just what you never knew you always wanted.

Exposed brass plumbing fixtures compliment the beauty and functionality of a cast iron tub in this bathroom designed by Leanne Ford.

Photo: Nicole Franzen

“There’s a definite feeling you get from sitting in a cast iron tub that’s just a warmer feeling," designer Leanne Ford gushes, adding with a laugh, "it’s just like sitting in a cast iron pot.” For those lucky enough to find one in a home they're purchasing, she says, “Don’t be afraid to keep the cast iron, refinish it, and do modern fixes around it. The tubs are beautiful and they work … it’s part of the history of the home.”

In Knoll CEO Andrew Cogan's Shelter Island, New York, home, the master bath features a cast-iron tub with fittings by Sign of the Crab.

Photo: Roger Davies

Fixing It Up

Keeping the history of the home is what historic preservationist Brent Hull strives to accomplish in every project he undertakes. It's no surprise, then, that he has quite a bit of experience working with cast iron tubs. “Nearly every house we work on has cast iron tubs,” he says, “Remember, the use of cast iron tubs was common from the 1880s–1890s through to the 1940s-'50s.”

No detail was spared in the reproduction cast iron tub Katherine Carter used in this Los Angeles master bathroom.

Photo: Amy Bartlam

Since these bathtubs usually weigh in at around 300 pounds, their weight presents itself as an obvious challenge for maintenance and installation. Hull points out the other big obstacle with cast iron, explaining, “Rust is the enemy, and if the exterior coating wears out, the rust (especially around the drain) can be quite ugly.” He recommends restoring the tub with a new epoxy finish to prevent future rust, and sticking to nonabrasive cleaners (i.e., nothing with bleach or harsh chemicals that would eat through the epoxy) on the restored surface to keep it in good condition.

Of course, these pieces don’t necessarily have to be vintage or antique. For someone who wants the benefits of a cast iron tub, but doesn’t want to sleuth too hard or spend time fixing it up, designer Katherine Carter recommends Sunrise Specialty in Berkeley, California, a company that has been making historically accurate cast iron bath reproductions since 1972. But for those who love the thrill of the hunt, Leanne Ford has one definitive resource: “Craigslist!” she says, immediately followed by, “Am I allowed to say that?” No one ever said finding an authentic vintage cast iron tub would be as glamorous as bathing in one.

Lauren Conrad's Interior Designer Shares Her Best Tips for a Pinterest-Perfect Space

Joshua Blanchard/Getty Images

It’s already been established that Lauren Conrad has a flawless home. But the lifestyle queen didn’t do it alone.

Interior design expert Katherine Carter lent Conrad a hand with decorating her former California pad she shared with husband William Tell, and the world has her to thank for helping to create the perfectly styled space.

“I like my living space to feel clean but welcoming,” Conrad told MyDomaine in October. “I feel like your home should be a representation of your style.”

Carter helped bring this vision to life through her number one design tip: keep the basics classic, and add personality with the extras.

“I’ve always been an advocate of a neutral palette,” Carter tells PEOPLE. “The key is to have fun with accents; art, throw pillows and accessories. These are the items that can easily be replaced as you get tired of them or current design trends fade out.”

In the living room, all-white walls with wood-lined windows and furniture allow for Conrad’s personal collections to shine, while a fireplace that went from eyesore to eye-catching serves as a stunning focal point.

“This fireplace wasn’t always so pretty. It was originally a fake brick façade,” Carter says. “We had it demoed and turned into a crisp white, modern fireplace which still keeps with the integrity and style of Lauren’s home.

Trying to figure out how to get the simple yet chic look for yourself? Follow Carter’s advice and you’ll be channeling Conrad’s California-cool style in no time.

Shop smart. “Invest in large items first which typically hold higher price tags, like sofas, beds, rugs, lighting, art,” she says.

Don’t go too trendy. “Depending on your budget, try not to decorate according to ‘current interior design trends’ unless you want to redesign every couple years,” Carter advises. “I suggest keeping most of the large furniture items and paint colors neutral.”

Search for your style. “Take some time browsing the web or talking with your designer about what your desired style aesthetic is,” she says. “I find it’s helpful to think about a place you may have been on your travels or a hotel room you loved.”

Start fresh. Carter suggests a big move as an opportunity to clean house. “I suggest bringing items from your previous living situation that are along the lines of family heirlooms, art and furniture that is timeless,” she says, adding this rule to live by: “Ditch the futon.”

Tour Lauren Conrad's Elegant, Light-Filled Home in the Pacific Palisades

By MyDomaine / Published by MyDomaine

As we neared the top of the winding, picturesque road to shoot Lauren Conrad's house in the hills, the first thought to strike us was the breathtaking views over the Pacific Palisades.

Written by Sasha Strebe

The air is definitely different up there. It's fresh, clean, and slightly salty thanks to that ocean breeze direct from the shores of Malibu. When she needs to seek sanctuary from her very public life, this idyllic setting is the perfect retreat, an oasis of sorts, for the television personality, designer, and author to share with her husband, William Tell. "I think when you’re in L.A., it’s nice to sort of step away to a place that’s a little quieter at the end of the day," she told MyDomaine. "So that was a major draw for us."

Naturally, the born and raised California girl’s home is a master class in swoon-worthy, texture-rich bohemia, with that timeless glamor and modern femininity we’ve all come to know and love from her. In collaboration with interior designer Katherine Carter, Conrad struck a stylish balance between her West Coast sensibility and that traditional, almost colonial aesthetic for a clean and polished look with major Cali-cool vibes. 

Aesthetics aside, the home's abundance of natural light (which pours in from every angle) is what really had us swooning. Conrad made sure to maximize this design feature by keeping the palette neutral, only mixing in soft, washed-out colors to keep the overall feeling fresh and airy. "I like my living space to feel clean but welcoming," she said. "I feel like your home should be a representation of your style so, I like to include personal items throughout." Ahead, Conrad shares her favorite room in the house, the danger of baking at home, her morning routine, and career advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Photo: Justin Coit for MyDomaine

“Your home should be a representation of your style, so I like to include personal items throughout.”

A Martha Stewart of the millennial generation, Conrad had to have a stylish yet practical space to entertain (and bake!). So as soon as she moved in, she completely redid the kitchen, which included repainting the cabinets, adding white subway tile, and installing Mystery White marble countertops. "Mystery White is much more stain-resistant stone than Carrera, and I’m a hurricane in the kitchen, so it’s a must," she said. 

For someone who loves to entertain, the La Cornue range was essential, as was the giant island. "When you have people over, everyone just ends up in the kitchen … so I thought that [this space] was great not only for entertaining but also for food preparation," she said. "It’s so great to spread everything out. It’s a nice way to prepare a meal. I really love how open and spacious it is—and the storage in this kitchen is incredible." 

For this reason, the kitchen is one of Conrad’s favorite rooms in the house. Her morning routine starts here, with a hot green tea or coffee with agave, cinnamon, and almond milk, but it’s also where she loves to bake. "I love baking," she said. "I try to only do it when we have a special occasion, and it can be served to guests because it can be dangerous having too many sweets in the house."

Photo: Justin Coit for MyDomaine

Little Market "Wolof Weavers of Senegal Deep Woven Bowl", $36

Little Market "Wolof Weavers of Senegal Deep Woven Bowl", $36

Shades of Light "Bell Curve Glass Pendant Light", $98

Shades of Light "Bell Curve Glass Pendant Light", $98

Old Dutch "Solid Copper Tea Kettle with Brass Handle", $110

Old Dutch "Solid Copper Tea Kettle with Brass Handle", $110

Open shelving was another important design feature for Conrad. After tearing out the old closed cabinet in the kitchen, she replaced it with natural timber shelves against the subway tiles. "It’s just easy for me," she said. "I can grab things as I need." This fashion-and-function fusion can be seen throughout the entire house. Any renovations were practical choices (such as in the bathroom) while keeping the home’s architectural features firmly intact. 

"I definitely like cleaner-looking spaces, but I think you have to work within the bones of the house," she said. "My last place wasn’t Spanish style at all, so I think it’s about making a place your own without changing it too much. I think when you try to completely change a space to be something it’s not, it doesn’t look as natural; it looks look a little awkward. So I wanted to work with what was here and customize it."

Conrad’s love for open shelves extends into the dining room, where she displays her vintage bottles and antique teacup collection. "I’m not sure how my husband let me keep it there," she said. "I just sort of unpacked it there and then didn’t say anything, and he was really cool about it." Of the room overall, the length of the dining table is perhaps most impressive. The modern hostess loves to have friends over, and in fact, the whole house has been designed around this passion. "I love that it’s a great space to entertain both inside and out," she said. "I feel like a lot of thought went into the layout of this home."

While the entire home has that Cali-cool edge, the living room is where this aesthetic really ramps up. Wanting the home to "feel very calm," Conrad stuck to a neutral palette, incorporating midcentury-modern pieces and vintage chairs she found on Chairish. "I had them all reupholstered in neutral fabrics, but I found some great shapes," she said. "The house has a lot of open space and natural light. I wanted to bring in a variety of white and washed-out colors to keep the overall feeling very light and airy." 

But the overarching goal of the living room design was to create a space where Conrad could really unwind and disconnect with her husband. "I love our living room because there are no electronics in there—just books, instruments, and a Victrola," she said. "When we are in the living room, we aren’t watching television or glued to our phones. We are talking or playing board games in front of the fire."

Modernica "Case Study Ceramic Planter with Wood Stand", $149

Modernica "Case Study Ceramic Planter with Wood Stand", $149

CB2 "Acacia Wood Mirror", $299

Chairish "Mid Century Wicker Hoop Chair", $250

Since this place is different from their last in both scale and style, most of the couple’s furniture was purchased recently, except for one. "One of my favorite pieces is my brass-and-glass coffee table that I’ve dragged through several homes now," she said. The designer utilizes this space to display all of her favorite coffee table books and crystals.

“People tend to feel married to their first career decision. ... It’s okay to say, You know what? That’s not for me - I’m going to try something else.”

When she’s not unplugged in the living room, Conrad is cozying up in the TV room on the large white sectional, which was the first thing she ordered for the house. Because the couple couldn’t find one they both agreed on, they decided to have it custom-built from a photo Conrad found online. "The only way that my husband agreed to a white couch was if we had it upholstered in sunbrella fabric," she adds. "Looking back, it was probably a good call."

Little Market "Gaia Ikat Tassel Pillow", $155

Brand Mojo Interiors "Hardwood Square Coffee Table", $1,719

World Market "Wood Ladder Decor", $50

While Conrad’s office headquarters are in L.A., she frequently works from home and designed a small office to ensure personal and professional don’t mix, at least not too much. She’s still learning how to separate the two—and delegate. "One of the biggest things that I’ve learned is how to delegate but not lose control," she said. "It’s a very careful balance of you wanting to be involved in everything but knowing that you also can’t do everything. You have to learn to hire people you trust. I think being able to assemble a team is very difficult and something I’ve had to learn how to do." 

Conrad knows the importance of balance. Running a hugely successful online free-trade shop, Little Market, on top of her fashion label for Kohl’s, she recognizes how easy it is to burn the candle at both ends very quickly. "I think that I tend to over-commit myself," she said. "It’s something that I’ve learned and I’m getting better about. I just take on a lot. Then when it comes time to execute it all, I’m exhausted and I haven’t slept, and you know, life’s all about balance. You want to make sure you’re leaving time for your personal life and to enjoy the things you do."

Despite a very public profile and heavy workload, Conrad is incredibly private, and she definitely believes in balance. "Just know your boundaries. Like you can say, Listen, I would love to take on this project, or I would love to get involved with this, but I just simply don’t have the time right now. And that time includes scheduled time for yourself." While the latter sounds good in theory, it’s not always achievable in real life, right? Well, Conrad makes sure it is. 

"I think the best way that I’ve found is just to make sure that I block out days for myself," she said. "So whether it’s a day every other week where I just block it out and don’t schedule anything, I think that that’s okay. I think a lot of people, especially people who work really hard, feel guilty about taking a day off and doing absolutely nothing. That’s really difficult for people to do, but I think it’s important."

To ensure the pendulum swings evenly in both camps, Conrad doesn’t stick to a traditional schedule. "I tend to work weekends, which is really nice because then if I want to take a day off, it can be a Tuesday, and things tend to not be as crowded," she said. This interchangeable agenda also helps with her stress levels, not that this is something she experiences that often. "I don’t stress too much," she said. "I definitely get stressed when I have a lot going on, but I always know that passes. I’ve gotten a lot better at (managing) it." 

Conrad’s even keel has a lot do with the old adage: "Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life." This passion for her work is also the impetus behind her confident persona. "I think confidence comes along with feeling really passionate about something," she explains. "If you really love something, then it’s a lot easier to feel confident in it. I think people tend to feel married to the first career decision they’ve made and they feel stuck with it, and I think it’s okay to say, You know what? That’s not for me—I’m going to try something else.Careers can be long, and you want to make sure you’re in love with what you do at least some days. Make sure you’re doing something you feel really passionate about, and you will feel confident because I think when you’re passionate, you tend to work a lot harder for something."

Little Market "Woven Promises Striped Tabecloth", $100

Randolph Morris "Cast Iron Double Slipper Clawfoot Tub", $1,230

Lawrence of La Brea "Turkish Antique Wool Rug", $475

I definitely like cleaner-looking spaces, but I think you have to work within the bones of the house.

With such an impressive career and thriving design business, Conrad sure has her work cut out for her, but she keeps a level head, thanks in part to her haven in the hills. "What’s nice about this home is that it’s very private," she told MyDomaine. "It’s kind of removed, you know. It feels like a getaway, but it’s home. So I just wanted it to feel like a very relaxing space." We think she nailed it.

RENACIMIENTO en Los Ángeles Tan solo 55 horas de trabajo fueron necesarias para modernizar esta casa de 790 metros cuadrados que tiene casi 100 años de historia.

POR KARINE MONIÉ / DESIGNER KATHERINE CARTER/FOTO AMY BARTLAM

Katherine Carter

En la start-up estadounidense Homepolish –especializada en diseño de interiores–, es común trabajar por horas, lo que asegura mucha flexibilidad. Meghan y Alex, una pareja con tres hijos, decidieron que era la formula perfecta para su proyecto.

Después de haber vivido en una casa de estilo mid-century en Hollywood, se mudaron a esta vivienda, situada un poco más al sur, en un barrio llamado Central L.A. Al principio, los dueños se preguntaron si este área histórica, así como el estilo tudor revival (o neo-tudor) de la casa -construida en 1921- iban a corresponder a su familia joven. Pero gracias a las ideas de Katherine Carter, diseñadora de interiores de Homepolish, fueron convencidos. Le dieron la misión de brindar modernidad en los espacios interiores sin borrar los detalles históricos. “Meghan quería que se respetara la arquitectura de origen. Fuera de eso, la pareja me dio carta blanca”, comenta Katherine Carter. En una superficie de 790 metros cuadrados, la casa se divide en dos pisos y cuenta con cuatro dormitorios y tres salas de baño. Inundados de luz natural, los espacios dedicados a los adultos son elegantes mientras que las áreas para los niños tienen más colores.

“El diseño fue concebido a partir de una hoja en blanco pero la casa incluía elementos exquisitos como los azulejos de origen de la chimenea”, dice Katherine Carter. La diseñadora introdujo un twist moderno en algunos de los techos y de las paredes a través de papeles tapiz gráficos y sorprendentes. Por ejemplo, en el comedor, motivos coloridos de mariposas adornan el techo. Además, Katherine Carter utilizó varias texturas para crear relieve y contraste. Es el caso de las sillas cubiertas de terciopelo en las áreas públicas de la casa y de los textiles kilim en el cuarto principal. Entre las mayores influencias de la diseñadora, cabe mencionar los viajes, así como la arquitectura georgiana y victoriana, pues Katherine Carter es originaria de Londres. Hoy vive en California y su estética sigue evolucionando. “En Los Ángeles, hay muchos edificios fascinantes diseñados por famosos arquitectos como Frank Lloyd Wright, Frank Gehry, Renzo Piano, Richard Meier, entre otros. Por otra parte, la ciudad es conocida por su arquitectura Art Deco y moderna. Es apasionante trabajar en un lugar con tanto significado histórico”, destaca Katherine Carter. En el marco de este proyecto, lo que le gustó más fue sin duda la capacidad de toma de riesgos de los propietarios. “Es lo que me permitió diseñar out of the box”, confiesa. “!Según yo, es lo que cualquier diseñador sueña!”.

Katherine Carter

Hall 1 de 15 Desde la entrada de la vivienda ya se aprecia el colorido y la modernidad de los muebles que se encuentran en su interior.

Katherine Carter

Salón 2 de 15 Sofá de Room & Board y mesa de café de HD Buttercup, ambos sobre alfombra de Horchow.

Katherine Carter

Salón 3 de 15 Sillas y pufs de pelo de OKL. Lámpara de mesa de Jonathan Adler.

Katherine Carter

Salón 4 de 15 La lámpara chandelier es de Restoration Hardware.

Katherine Carter

Sala de desayuno 5 de 15 Sillas de CB2 y mesa de Crate and Barrel.

Sala de desayuno 6 de 15 Papel de pared de Walnut Wallpaper.

Katherine Carter

TV Room 7 de 15 Sofá en L de Crate and Barrel con cojines de HD Buttercup.

Katherine Carter

TV Room 8 de 15 Sillón de Design Within Reach sobre alfombra de Crate and Barrel.

Katherine Carter

Comedor 9 de 15 Papel en el techo de Walnut Wallpaper. Mesa de Timothy Oulton y sillas de Mod Shop sobre alfombra de OKL. Lámpara chandelier de Restoration Hardware.

Katherine Carter

Dormitorio principal 10 de 15 Mesillas de noche de West Elm; ropa de cama y cojines de HD Buttercup.

Katherine Carter

Dormitorio principal 11 de 15 Silla lounge de Room & Board y alfombra de West Elm.

Katherine Carter

Dormitorio principal 12 de 15 Sofá de Crate and Barrel.

Katherine Carter

Cuarto de baño 13 de 15 Papel tapiz de pared de Walnut Wallpaper.

Katherine Carter

Dormitorio infantil 14 de 15 Color rojo para las paredes de amplios ventanales a juego con la colorida alfombra.

Katherine Carter

Dormitorio infantil 2 15 de 15 En el dormitorio del más pequeño, el toque de color lo aportan la alfombra y los cuadros.

Katherine Carter